03/27/2026
As Balloons Over Vermilion celebrates its 10th anniversary and Festival of Trees Danville prepares to mark its 30th holiday season, the true milestone lies in the impact these events continue to make across Vermilion County.
On March 26, Balloons Over Vermilion and Festival of Trees announced their 2025 Community Impact Award recipients, granting $180,000 to 31 organizations supporting area youth and their families.
“This year marks a record number of award recipients and matches the largest total amount given back to our community,” said Jim Anderson, Balloons Over Vermilion NFP Board Vice Chair. “In our first year of awarding these grants we gave $30,000 to just three organizations. Today, more than 130 groups across Vermilion County have benefited from these grants since 2017.”
With this year’s awards, the total community investment from the combined events has reached $865,000.
These events are made possible each year by two very dedicated steering committee, generous sponsors, and hundreds of volunteers.
“Our community continues to show up in incredible ways,” said Balloons Over Vermilion NFP Board Chair Pat O’Shaughnessy. “Whether it’s buying a ticket, enjoying a treat, exploring the magic of the Festival of Trees, or bringing family and friends to experience a balloon launch, every moment of participation helps make these events possible. The support we experience continues to grow stronger each year.”
Balloons Over Vermilion NFP was created in 2016 by local balloon pilots and volunteers who wanted to bring back the excitement and wonder once experienced during the former Oldsmobile Balloon Classic Illinois, which ended in 2001. From the beginning, organizers shared a clear mission: It’s for the kids.
Each year, a third- or fourth-grade class from Danville District 118 or a Vermilion County school is selected as the Student Ambassador Class for the Balloons Over Vermilion event, helping to shape the festival experience for everyone.
“Our student ambassadors play a special role in our planning,” said Balloons Over Vermilion Event Co-Chair Carly Goodwin. “They share what they want to see at our event and even get a sneak peek of what’s to come.”
Goodwin added, “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re excited to welcome our largest ambassador group yet—Mrs. Libby Torbit and Ms. Kylie Sherer’s fourth-grade classes from Salt Fork North Elementary School.”
