A pilot fills a hot-air balloon before launch in Fox River Grove.
Daily Herald file, 1983
According to the National Balloon Museum website, the first hot air balloon flight carrying a human was in 1783. The Montgolfier brothers made a balloon from paper and silk and carried two men around 500 feet over Paris, France.
Since then, hot air balloon enthusiasts gather annually to enjoy balloon festivals, including Lisle's Eyes to the Skies Festival. Daily balloon launches and glows are the highlights.
Balloons, especially helium, are used daily to help celebrate birthdays and weddings. And local clowns often draw a crowd as they show off their animal sculpting skills.
We hope you enjoy this #TBT gallery looking back at ballooning from the mid-1970s and '80s.
Got an idea for a suburban #TBT Gallery? Share your ideas and photos with us at tbt@dailyherald.com. Share your favorite and memorable #TBT photos with us on Instagram using #tbtsuburbs.
A group of local seniors hold a balloon launch in Rolling Meadows.
Daily Herald file, 1985
Balloons are used to promote an Infant Welfare League event in Arlington Heights.
Daily Herald file, 1976
A clown shows off his sculpting skills at an Elk Grove Village day care center.
Daily Herald file, 1975
Kids launch balloons at an event in Palatine.
Daily Herald file, 1975
Kids gather outside an Arlington Heights school to hold a balloon launch.
Daily Herald file, 1975
Hot air balloons are prepared for launch at the Schaumburg airport.
Daily Herald file, 1975
Crews hang on tight as they prepare a hot-air balloon for launch in Arlington Heights.
Daily Herald file, 1975
Kids and adults get a close-up look at a hot-air balloon in Arlington Heights.
Daily Herald file, 1975
Kids gather around a clown while he makes balloon figures at Dryden School in Arlington Heights.
Daily Herald file, 1975
Girl scouts gather behind a large selection of balloons before a release
Daily Herald file, 1974
A hot-air balloon is used to draw customers to a Mount Prospect shopping center.
Daily Herald file, 1974
A hot-air balloon soars over Jack London Junior High School as part of a school fund drive campaign.
Daily Herald file, 1985
A man demonstrates how to make balloon animal in Mount Prospect.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Kids give balloon animal making a try in Mount Prospect.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Helium balloons are filled before being released at an Elk Grove Village park district event.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Helium balloons are prepared for an Elk Grove Village park district launch.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Balloons are used to send off the Libertyville High School girls basketball team to a state competition.
Daily Herald file, 1985
The weather was perfect for a kids balloon launch in Mount Prospect.
Daily Herald file, 1985
A paper balloon launch was held at Byrd School in Elk Grove.
Daily Herald file, 1985
Hot air balloons launch in Fox River Grove.
Daily Herald file, 1983
A hot-air balloon lifts off from Fox River Grove.
Daily Herald file, 1983
A balloon launch is held at the Congregational Church in Des Plaines.
Daily Herald file, 1976