LINCOLN, Ill. (WAND) — Thursday marked the inaugural flight for this year's weekend-long celebration of Balloons Over 66. This year, Lincoln is bringing in 34 balloons with pilots from across the county.

Seth Goodman, the head organizer of the event and previous mayor of Lincoln, said that he event draws in people from far and wide. "There's pilots who come here from across the country. We have 34 this year – one as far as Albuquerque, New Mexico." said Goodman. "They make quite the trek over here, but Lincoln Balloon Festival always happens on the same weekend each year, so they kind of mark their calendars. They enjoy coming here, and we're thankful to have them."

Besides welcoming dozens of balloons, Lincoln will also be having a jam-packed weekend with all types of events. Including, but not limited to: live music, a nighttime glow event, a craft fair, an art fair, and dock dogs. Goodman said that the Balloons Over 66 Festival redefines the image of a small town. "People always say nothing happens in a small town. But this is one of the premier events in central Illinois. and it happens right here in Lincoln, Illinois, a town of 14,000 people...These pilots want to come here each year and help put on a show for our community. And I think that says a lot about Lincoln, Illinois." said Goodman. 

Thursday is just the first night of flight. Pilots will continue to take to the skies for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

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