GALENA, Ill. – The staff at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa has started to plan for one of the most popular summer events in Galena: the 13th Annual Great Galena Balloon Race. Weekend events take place from Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, and benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Camp Herkto Hollow.
“This event draws thousands of people to Galena year after year,” said Thomas Ruhs, general manager at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. “Visitors will experience a spectacular three-day adventure with multiple balloon races, two night glows, balloon rides, a helium balloon release, a classic car show, live music, wine and beer sampling events, and activities for the whole family.”
Eagle Ridge is the host sponsor for the balloon race, and all activities take place on the North Course Practice Range at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. Typically weekend events surrounding the Great Galena Balloon Race raise nearly $15,000 for JDRF and Camp Hertko Hollow, which uses the money to fund research to find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes, a disease directly that affects over 12,500 people in the tri-state area, according to officials.