Eyes to the Skies back and bigger
When it comes to fight or flight, Wayne Dunham is a master of both.
The head volunteer of Lisle's Eyes to the Skies wasn't going to watch his annual hot-air balloon festival deflate before his eyes. So he put up the good fight, along with a band of fellow volunteers.
The summer fest took some financial wallops during the past couple of years, thanks to shrinking attendance figures. There was serious talk last year about packing up and putting the kibosh on it for good, according to Dunham.
But he wasn't about to let slowing ticket sales take the wind out of his sails - or balloons - just yet.
Surveys were sent out. Based on feedback, an improved fest is back this year, running Thursday through Sunday. Organizers have worked to double attendees' pleasure by adding new attractions and, notably, lowering general admission prices.
This time, they're taking risks.
"Without question, this is going to be our greatest year yet," Dunham said.
Festival leaders have stepped away from last year's $10 one-price-fits-all fee and instead are charging - get this - less this time around for folks who aren't interested in checking out the main musical acts. Festival-only tickets are $5 before 5 p.m. and $7 after for adults. For kids ages 5 to 12, the cost is $2, and younger children are free. Checking out the musical acts, however, will run you additional bucks. For pricing and schedule information, visit eyestotheskiesfestival.com.
Dunham promises entertainment that will vary more than ever this year. One of the fest's most anticipated new attractions calls for a high-wire, a motorcycle and steep liability insurance. Wannabe daredevils can check out the Espana Air Defiant Stunt Show and Circus at any of its three daily shows.
An art tent will allow patrons to view and even try their hand at various media from local artists, including one who specializes in graffiti. Trumpeting Lisle's community spirit, organizers are putting a challenge to festival-goers: Paint and decorate small cedar panels that fit together like a puzzle to create a "ribbon of art."
Lisle artist Diane Tuscher-Ancede, who will oversee the making of the serpentine wall, thinks that realistically, this could become the longest public art display in Illinois. The cost is $5 to paint, with the money going to Coach Care Center in Naperville. Afterward, the pieces will be sealed and connected, and the display will travel throughout Lisle.
"This is a piece that's growing, moving and colorful," Tuscher-Ancede said. "The thing about street art is that it's a nice surprise when you turn the corner. It brings life to a pretty blah street scape."
As for audio art, the musical lineup is geared toward pleasing virtually any palate. First out of the gate on Thursday is country crooner Blake Shelton, who's twangy take on Michael Buble's "Home" is blowing up the contemporary music charts.
"It's possible for the first time in our lives that we will have an artist with a No. 1 hit, which would be just so exciting," Dunham said.
Wayward sons can carry on when classic rockers Kansas lights up the night on Friday. Former "American Idol" finalist Bucky Covington will cap things off on the main stage Sunday.
For a completely different demographic, organizers made a conscious effort to cater to the teen scene. They hope 20-year-old Drake Bell plays a large part in that. The heartthrob of Nickelodeon's "Drake and Josh" television series fame will bring his tunes, including his single "I Know," to town Saturday. And if he's not enough to tip the "it" factor scale, two female stars of Disney's newly released "Camp Rock" movie will drop in on the festival for a bit to sign autographs, too.
Of course, the festival's main draw remains the hot-air balloons. Tethered balloon rides will be available for $20 for adults and $15 for children under 13. As has become tradition, "Serena's Song" - the nation's first handicap-accessible balloon - will be present to offer rides to people with disabilities.
The unique balloon features a basket with a door and a tie-down for a wheelchair. The basket itself has lower edges so that passengers in wheelchairs have an unobstructed view, said Susan Friend, executive director of SEASPAR, which sponsors Serena's Song.
"It's a very special time," Friend said. "For many of the adults, this is an opportunity they never thought they'd see. It's one of those dream-come-true moments."
Rides are free, but donations are accepted. To book a flight on the popular balloon in advance of the fest, call SEASPAR at (630) 960-7600.