BOISE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Later this week, Boise skies will be filled with hot air balloons for the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic.
The annual event returns to Ann Morrison Park on Wednesday and continues through Sunday, Sept. 1.
This year marks 33 years since the first balloon festival was held in Boise. Around 41 pilots are coming to Boise to show off their balloons, which feature different color schemes and designs — such as Smokey Bear, a bald eagle and American flag, palm trees and a sunset, a baby T-rex, a world map, and much more.
“It’s a really cool, free event that is pretty iconic to Boise,” Boise Parks and Recreation’s Chloe Sallabanks said.
All balloon launches are weather-permitting and typically start around 7:15 a.m. and end around 9 a.m.
“Right now the forecast is looking really good,” Sallabanks said.
Typically, wind is the biggest factor hot air balloon pilots have to think about before taking to the skies, Sallabanks said. Usually, one pilot is in charge of keeping an eye on the weather and determining if balloons stay grounded or if flights are delayed. In previous years, when bad weather conditions occur, pilots will often inflate their balloons for people to see, but not take off.
The first balloon event in Ann Morrison Park was in June 1991, according to the event website. It took place after event producer Scott Spencer and President of the International Festivals and Events Association Steve Schmader partnered up for the Boise River Festival Hot Air Balloon Rally.
Since then, the festival has had a couple of name changes. After the Boise River Festival was no more, Spencer and Townsquare Media’s Keven Godwin continued sending balloons into the sky from Ann Morrison, renaming the festival “Spirit of Boise Balloon Rally” in 2010. Since Spencer’s death in 2020, the festival has been named after him: the Scott Spencer Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic.
There are different themes and events taking place throughout the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic:
- Aug. 28:CapEd Credit Union Kid’s Day
- Kids get free tethered rides on hot air balloons starting at 7:40 a.m. Balloon rides are first come, first served and go until lines die down.
- Aug. 29:Media day
- Balloons will launch from Ann Morrison at 6:45 a.m.
- Aug. 30:V.I.P. Day and Nite Glow Spectacular
- Pilots will arrive at Ann Morrison around 6:45 a.m. and take flight around 7:20 a.m. Nite Glow Spectacular activities begin with food, vendors and live music at the park at 7:30 p.m. Then, balloons will inflate and be lit up, syncing up to music for a hot-air-balloon-light-show.
- Aug. 31
- Balloons will take flight around 7:20 a.m. from Ann Morrison Park.
- Sept. 1:Last launch
- Inflation begins at 6 a.m. Balloons will take flight for the last time this summer around 7:20 a.m.
There are no public balloon rides available as part of the event. Event organizers remind the public to dress for morning conditions, to please leave pets at home, and to not use drones during the event.
The event website says that parking inside Ann Morrison Park is limited through the duration of the events, and that there is no parking in the park on Aug. 30 due to the Nite Glow Spectacular. The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic asks that attendees try to park in public lots while being respectful of surrounding businesses and their parking, walking or biking to the event.
More information about event can be found online at spiritofboise.com.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
