GARLO 2026

Central Illinois Aerospace

presents

GARLO 2026

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. We 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. We'll have burgers, etc. and suggest that people bring salads, side dishes, desserts and drinks. Directions will be available at the launch.

• We 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 we’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 we 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. We 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 we 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".

• Some pictures from previous GARLO's
  GARLO 2025
  GARLO 2024
  GARLO 2023
  GARLO 2022
  GARLO 2021
  GARLO 2020
  GARLO 2019
  GARLO 2018
  GARLO 2017
  GARLO 2016
  GARLO 2015
  GARLO 2014
  GARLO 2013 Part 1
  GARLO 2013 Part 2
  GARLO 2012
  GARLO 2011
  GARLO 2010
  GARLO 2009
  GARLO 2008
  GARLO 2007
  GARLO 2006
  GARLO 2005
  

Check back later for a flier for GARLO 2026 you can print and pass along to your friends.

For more information send a message to: