Date/Time
Date(s) - 06/27/2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
Dodds Park
Categories
Mars!
The Great Annual Rocket Launch of 2026
The 36th Annual Launch-and-Lunch
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026
Dodds Park
north and west of the intersection of Bradley and Mattis, in Champaign, IL
GARLO is a purely-for-fun rocket launch. NAR Safety Code approved rockets only. They will be awarding ribbons and prizes for the winners of several fun (for fun) events
Check back soon for additional contest details
There will be one, or more, contests to go along with this year’s theme.
Best of Show (Static). The best looking rocket flown during the day.
Best of Show (Flying). The most impressive and spectacular flight of the day will also be given the Gary Buck Memorial Flight Award.
The Best Odd-Roc. The most unusual rocket of the day will also be awarded the Rick Kramer Memorial Flight Award.
Spot Landing (controlled and uncontrolled)
There will be a potluck cookout dinner at the home of one of the CIA members after the launch. They’ll have burgers, etc. and suggest that people bring salads, side dishes, desserts and drinks. Directions will be available at the launch.
They have an FAA waiver to 4000′ MSL (~3250′ AGL), H motor limit (320 nt-sec)
Admission is free. However, donations to help cover the costs are welcome.
While supplies last they’ll be giving away some free rockets for kids (6-12 years old) to fly at the launch.
In case of bad weather the rain date will be Saturday, July 11, at the same time and place. To check on whether GARLO is happening or not contact Greg Smith, Director of Operations, at 217-840-1678, or through email to operations@ciarocketry.org
As usual they will be issuing a GARLO 2026 shirt. Check back later for color, final artwork, price and other details. As always these will be a limited edition collectors item. They will be ordering a few additional adult size shirts and will have them for sale at the launch, but if you want to guarantee yourself a GARLO 2026 shirt they recommend that you reserve it in advance. Call Jonathan at 217/359-8225 or by email at cia-sales@ciarocketry.org to place your order. Be sure to specify number and size(s). Payment can be made when you pick up your shirt(s), in cash or with a check made out to “Central Illinois Aerospace”.
For more information call 217-359-8225 or visit www.ciarocketry.org
Please remember that events may be canceled or rescheduled last minute due to unpredictable weather or other factors. We encourage you to reach out to event organizers before heading out to an event to verify it is still happening.
