18 BALLOONS OVER VERMILION
2026 BALLOON PILOTS
ALWAYS CHANGING
CHIEF
Scott Wooge
Saint Louis, MO
Sponsored by
Alex, Brock, and David Gale
Byron Denhart St Joseph, IL
BALLOON MEISTER
TETHERED BALLOON RIDES
When: June 6th and 7th 7-9:30 PM Where: Right in the heart of the action Cost: $ 15 / person • Handicap accessible.
Step into the basket and rise into the evening sky. Tethered rides lift you 50 to 100 feet for a smooth, steady view before bringing you right back down. It is the thrill of ballooning, made simple and accessible for everyone.
Short ride. Big view. One of the most popular experiences of the weekend.
Weather permitting. Waiver required.
What You’ ll Experience:
• A gentle lift straight up with a clear view of the entire festival
• A close-up look at the balloon, burner, and basket in action
• The sights and sounds of balloon glow from a whole new perspective
• A quick and memorable ride perfect for all ages
• The chance to experience ballooning without leaving the ground Tethered rides offer a front-row seat to the beauty and excitement of hot air balloons. Whether it is your first time or a tradition you come back to every year, this is your moment to step in, look out, and take it all in.