In an effort to respect the restrictions of COVID-19, and unite the community through a popular, annual event, the Macomb Balloon Rally planning committee is announcing an altered schedule for this year's event.

The 33rd annual Macomb Balloon Rally will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, with just one event, a drive-by version of the annual Balloon Glow, on Western Illinois University's Vince Grady Field. Ten hot air balloons will set up in one row along the front of the field, along University Drive. The balloons will begin inflating at sunset and will stay inflated and glowing off-and-on for approximately one-hour.

Visitors will be welcome to drive up and down University Drive to view the balloons. During the drive-through event, the rally will have volunteers in place to collect donations. The money collected will be divided between the WIU Food Pantry and the McDonough County Humane Society.

Masks will be worn by participants in the glow, and the pilots and crew members will be kept under the 50-person limit.

The event would be canceled in case of rain, or extremely high winds.

Additional details will be announced closer to the event. Follow along on Facebook at Macomb Balloon Rally. #keepitinmacomb