The One Of A Kind Festival You Won't Find Anywhere But Missouri
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Vanessa
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Summer is just around the corner and with it comes fun festivals for the whole city or state to enjoy! While most festivals feature food, live music and local vendors, this one has a more unique factor to it. For hot air balloon fun, come join in on the festivities at Forest Park this September.
The festival takes place in Forest Park every year and this year it will be held September 15th - 16th.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race was founded in 1973 by renowned balloonists Nikki Caplan and John O’Toole. But in 1977, enthusiastic balloonists John Marlow, John Schaumburg, Dan Schettler and Ted Staley took over the festival and many of them still compete in the hot air balloon races today.
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Each year, over 150,000 spectators come out to watch world-class balloon pilots compete in a race . The festival is free and takes place right in the heart of the city, giving it just that more a draw for people to attend.
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Many large global companies sponsor a balloon to be launched at the festival, but the majority of their pilots are local to Missouri. The Energizer Bunny balloon has taken part in the Great Forest Park Balloon Race and is considered to be the largest hot air balloon in the United States.
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From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. the Gaslight Glow takes place. Colorful hot air balloons light up the city skyline for two hours. Following the Gaslight Glow, fireworks are put on display for the public.
The fierce competition is set up in two waves. At 4:30 the "Hare" hot air balloons are released. Then, at 4:45 the "Hound" balloons are launched.
Vendors are set up throughout the festival with food and drink available for purchase.
This amazing hot air balloon festival and race takes place September 15th to September 16th in St. Louis. For a full schedule of events, click here.
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