If you've never been to the Balloon Race or Balloon Glow, you won't want to miss this! This is a fantastic FREE event for everyone, and I can guarantee you will love it!
The Balloon Glow starts off the weekend on Friday night in Central Field in Forest Park from 7-8:30pm. You'll see the balloons inflated and lit by the gas burners. They are truly beautiful at dusk with the light shining through the colors--it's like a stained glass exhibit! In the past, this has been a drive-through event where you could drive through the park and see the balloons, but that is not happening this year. The Balloon Glow will be a strictly walk-through event and will be held on the same field as the Balloon Race the next day. Food vendors will be available for the usual carnival-type fare (hotdogs, funnel cakes, etc.) but we prefer to go after dinner and just enjoy the show! At the end of the Balloon Glow (about 9pm) will be a fireworks show, so be sure to stick around.
Activities for the 2008 Great Forest Park Balloon Race start in Central Field in Forest Park at noon on Saturday and finish at about 6pm. The Purina Children's Entertainment area will be filled with pony rides, games, and other activities for kids (note: there may be a charge for some of these activities). The Entertainment Stage will feature a variety of local talent. At 3pm the Pepsi Skydivers will be performing, and the opening ceremonies of the Balloon Race will start at 3:30pm. After the Energizer Bunny balloon takes off at 4:30pm, 70 "hound" balloons will follow and attempt to win the race by dropping a birdseed baggie closest to the Energizer Bunny balloon.
As in the past, there is also a FREE photo contest. Take pictures of the balloons and submit your best picture to the Suburban Journals. The contest has three age groups--under 13, 13-20, and adult--and the prizes include year-long movie passes and a Nikon camera! Full information is available here.
For more information on the Balloon Race, check out the links above and also see the FAQs and parking sections.
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My husband and I have been going to this for 6 years now. It started with our second date six years ago! I can't believe how many MORE people go every year! This year there were more people than ever. We arrived at around 6 and had to park all the way at the Art Museum (by the zoo). Next year we are thinking about going EARLY (say 11 a.m.?) and camping out with a picnic and such.
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