This weekend Colorado Springs is hosting the 36th annual Colorado Balloon Classic. That’s right friends, Colorado’s “largest air show” is right here in our very own Memorial Park on September 1, 2, 3. Admission is free for spectators, but “free” doesn’t mean boring! Each morning at sunrise dozens of hot air balloons take flight in waves, filling up the sky with fun shapes and brilliant colors. On Saturday and Sunday evenings the balloons remain grounded but light up the night by fueling their burners at the Balloon Glo.
The event includes booths, food, fun activities and more. There’s even a coloring contest sponsored by the Chapel Hills Mall. (Download the entry form and coloring sheet here.) If you haven’t yet taken the family to this annual event, you should go this year. Kids love to see the balloons take off; it is quite a thrill to see the balloons fill and launch. In the evenings the crowd anticipates each “glow” by counting down from ten. School-aged youngsters and new counters will especially appreciate the countdowns. By the way, Memorial Park has a great playground on the Northeast side of the lake. If, after watching the balloons take off, the kids still have too much energy to put them back in the car, stop by the playground for a bit to wear them out.
On Saturday and Sunday the concessions are open to the public at 6 a.m. Balloons begin taking off at 7 a.m. For the Balloon Glo on Saturday and Sunday evenings, the concessions open at 5 p.m. but the balloons light up at 8 p.m. Call (719) 471-4833 or visit the Colorado Balloon Classic’s website for more information.
