Art Wind & Fire Fest

Unforgettable Forgottonia’s Art, Wind & Fire Festival weekend, held annually in Macomb, features three signature events that includes the 55th Gazebo Art Festival, the annual YFC Disc Golf Tournament, and of course the Midwest’s original and granddaddy of them all, the 39th annual Macomb Hot Air Balloon Rally. This year promises new surprises and it all takes place on Friday and Saturday, September 11 & 12.

ART: The Gazebo Art Festivaltakes place as it traditionally has for an amazing fifty-five years in Macomb’s historic Chandler Park on Saturday from 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM. Featuring a juried art sale showcasing dozens of incredible regional artists exhibiting exceptional original art works in all mediums including, Glass art, painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, woodworking ceramics, fiber, art prints and more. Plus live demonstrations including Glass Blowing, Weaving, Pottery Wheel Throwing. And you’ll find the yearly Friends of the Library Book Sale and all new this year a Community Art Project and Children’s Activities including sidewalk chalk drawing and rock painting. The event is free and all works will be on sale to the public. Details at www.facebook.com/GazeboArtFestival. 

WIND: Macomb YFC Open Disc Golf Doubles Tournamenta novel event which is open to the public and tees off at 9:00 AM on Saturday at the Macomb Park District’s beautiful Everwood Disc Course. Registration begins at 8:00 AM and the tournament will be played at both the Park District’s Everwood Disc Course. Entry is $70 per team with all funds raised directly benefiting youth in our community. Find more details and register at https://www.yfcwi.org/disc-golf

FIRE: The Annual Macomb Balloon Rally began in 1987 and is considered the original and granddaddy of all Midwest Hot-Air Balloon festivals. This year’s 36th anniversary theme reflects Macomb’s sensational new national attraction Macombopoly, featuring a giant Mr. Monopoly hot high balloon! Opening at 6:00 PM Friday night, patrons can enjoy food trucks, beverages and live music as you watch over 20 giant Hot-Air Balloons lift off and fly out from Vince Grady Field on the campus of WIU. Then Saturday, beginning in the wee hours of the morning and lasting all day, witness the skies across Macomb filled with balloons. Starting again at 6:00 PM at Vince Grady Field after the WIU Leatherneck’s football game enjoy delicious fare from regional food trucks and listen to live music while strolling amongst a field of towering Hot-Air Balloons. Then as the sun sets and the pilots fire things up for the unforgettable spectacle that is “The Balloon Glow!” Learn more at http://www.facebook.com/MacombBalloonRally