Every year, one city park in Missouri transforms into a sea of color as hot air balloons from all over the country arrive for a 46 year old festival. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race happens every September in St. Louis' Forest Park. It is the oldest and most well-attended free hot air balloon event in the world! Your family will love the balloon glow and launch, so make plans to be in St. Louis on September 14th and 15th. It's a visually stunning event that can't be missed!
Beginning in 1973 with just six hot air balloons and a dozen spectators, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race was born. 46 years later, the event has over 60 balloons and nearly 150,000 spectators in attendance.
On Friday, balloons will arrive one-by-one and begin setting up. As the sun sets spectators flood the fields of Forest Park for a view of these colorful balloons.
Propane tanks fuel these massive balloons and turn them into giant night lights while remaining tethered to the ground.
The glow begins at 7 p.m. on September 14th and ends around 9 p.m. Stick around, because after the balloons go dark the fireworks display begins.
Immerse yourself into a sea of color as you stroll amid the balloons. The glow makes the scene absolutely magical, it's an experience you won't soon forget.
Come back on Saturday, September 15th for a full day of fun. The gates open at noon and there are tons of activities for kids and plus family friendly entertainment all day. Catch the skydivers at 3 p.m. before the balloon launch begins.
Around 4:30 p.m. some of the most elite hot air balloon pilots will have started their skyward journey. The race begins and only one winner can be crowned. Wondering how the winner is determined? According to the Great Forest park Balloon Race website, "The Great Forest Park Balloon Race presented by PNC is a Hare and Hound-style race. 'Orange Blossom', The PNC Bank hot air balloon is the 'Hare' and leads the pack, launching and landing first. Once 'Orange Blossom' lands, the team lays an 'X' out on the ground as a target. The other 'Hound' balloons launch in pursuit and the pilot who drops his birdseed/bean bag nearest the center of the target is the winner!"
Skipping this colorful event would surely be a shame. Bring the whole family for a fun filled weekend at the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.
Find the event at Art Hill in Forest Park located at 43 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit their website here.
Have you been to the Great Forest Park Balloon Race? Did you see the Friday night balloon glow or the Saturday balloon launch? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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