The weekend brings the Great Balloon Race and Mark Nizer 4D, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Galesburg area.
Food & Fun Family Storytime
What: Did you know that eating avocados can turn the smallest kid into the strongest kid? Come hear John Burningham’s “Avocado Baby” and see just how strong you can be. Family story times are open to kids of all ages, together with their grownups.
When: 10 a.m. July 24
Where: Galesburg Public Library, 264 W. Main St., Galesburg
The Great Balloon Race
What: This two-day family-friendly event includes hot air balloons, vendors and children’s activities. From 3 p.m. until the beginning of the night glow, Friday and Saturday, food vendors will be set up and selling food by the shelter of the launch field. Kids games and events will be available from 5-8 p.m. Event t-shirts and raffle tickets will be available for purchase. The mass ascension of the balloons, weather permitting, will be at 6 p.m. Events Saturday start at 5:30 a.m., with the pilot briefing on the field and balloon launch at 6 a.m. as pilots try to throw a beanbag at the target(s). OSF HealthCare is providing a cooling tent. All events are free, weather permitting and are subject to change. Vendors include traditional favorites along with new this year: Taqueria Jalisco, The Gilded Antler, Centennial Blooms Flower Farm & Eatery, Big Blue Shaved Ice and Oh My Beads!
When: July 24 – July 26
Where: Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg
Cost: free admission
Bugs at Night
What: Bugs are the most biodiverse organisms in the world and you can find them in your own backyards. Use UV lights to attract and count late-night friends. This program will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather since you won’t find many bugs in the rain.
When: 7:30-9 p.m. July 24
Where: Lakeside Nature Center, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: $5 per person; $15 per family
Self-Wash Grand Opening
What: Come celebrate the Self-Wash Station’s being officially open. Be one of the first to try it out, plus grab some freebies and deals along the way. There will be free nail trims and swag bags. You could win a free year of self-wash with every product purchased during the event. Get a self-wash bundle deal and 20% off in the grooming department.
When: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. July 25 and July 26
Where: Dante & Dory’s Pet Emporium, 354 E, Main St,, Galesburg
Cost: Free
37th Anniversary Celebration
What: Celebrate Cornucopia’s 37 years of serving the community with a local meat cookout, free samples, a film screening, a scavenger hunt, giveaways, a t-shirt release, a bike clinic and more.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 25
Where: Cornucopia Natural Market & Deli, 176 S. Seminary St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Party in the Parking Lot
What: Celebrate summer with free kids’ activities including a bounce house and a free customer appreciation meal of a hot dog, chips and bottled water (while supplies last).
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. July 25
Where: Hy-Vee, 1975 National Blvd., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Mark Nizer 4D
What: Mark Nizer 4D is an entertainment comedian and juggler performing a combination of original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technology.
When: 7:30-9 p.m. July 25
Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: $20
Coming next week
Walking Tacos Fundraiser
What: Eat lunch here or take it to go. Walking Tacos with all the fixings and a cookie will be for sale. All proceeds benefit the KCNH Walk to End Alzheimer’s team.
When: 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. July 30
Where: Knox County Nursing Home, 800 N. Market St., Knoxville
Cost: $7
Throwback Thursday: Forrest Gump
What: See the PG-13 rated film, “Forrest Gump,” about a kind-hearted and simple Alabama man played by Tom Hanks, who comes from a life of humble beginnings. He spends decades inadvertently shaping some of the most legendary moments in modern American history. When Forrest finds himself caught in the fast-paced changing world of the 20th century, he faces a race against time. To protect his lifelong love and find his true purpose, Forrest must pull off the ultimate journey: running across the country, fighting in historic battles, and proving that life really is like a box of chocolates.
When: 2 and 7 p.m. July 30
Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: Free admission
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Galesburg Register-Mail.
This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Great Balloon Race among seven things to do in and around Galesburg
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Galesburg Register-Mail / Galesburg Register-Mail
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By Kathi Edwards, Special to the Galesburg Register-Mail | USA TODAY Network
