Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog
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32nd Balloon Classic comes to Colorado Springs Labor Day Weekend 2008
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Not sure what to do over Labor Day weekend? Well, come over to Memorial Park and help the city celebrate its 32nd annual Balloon Classic. For three days these colorful balloons will be lifting off, giving the city a very colorful sky-scrape as they dot the Pikes Peak sky. During the evening come on down and watch the night come to light during 
the Balloon Glo and while you’re there, wander into downtown Colorado Springs and enjoy one of the fine local restaurants or come to one of the free concerts that will be offered on Saturday and Sunday evening.
The Colorado Balloon Classic (a division of Colorado Springs Balloon Classic, Inc.) was organized in 1977 and has grown to be the largest and the longest continuously running hot air balloon festival in the Rocky Mountain Region as well as the State of Colorado. The Colorado Balloon Classic is an annual family event – admission is free.
The event is held in Memorial Park off Pikes Peak Avenue between Hancock Ave. and Union Blvd near the shores of Prospect Lake. Mass ascensions with over 100 balloons are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings with a Balloon Glo® scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings. Each year a variety of concessions are available and entertainment is provided during each event.
Why was the Colorado Balloon Classic originally created?
The Colorado Balloon Classic was originally created in 1977 alongside the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Because of its success and 
large tourism attraction, it moved downtown into Memorial Park in 1978 for the Labor Day Weekend at the request of the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau.
What is the Balloon Glo ©?
The Balloon Glo © is a spectacular event held just after dusk the two nights of the Colorado Balloon Classic. Thousands of people show up each evening to enjoy a picnic with family and friends and admire the view. The hot air balloons are filled at nightfall. They do not launch, but instead glow huge and beautiful against the evening sky.
Will the Colorado Balloon Classic always be free to the public?
Patsy M. Buchwald, President and CEO of the Colorado Balloon Classic, the Staff and Leadership Team are committed to the Colorado Balloon Classic remaining a free community and family entertainment event.
Don’t forget to enter the 20th annual “Colorado Balloon Classic Photo Contest”.
Photos entered must be from the 2008 Balloon Classic and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 winners in the Junior, Adult, Senior, Professional and Digitally Enhanced Divisions. One Grand Prize winner will be awarded a balloon ride for two people in the 2009 event (weather permitting).
A complete list of rules and an entry form may be found at their website www.balloonclassic.com.
Colorado Springs is the home of the largest hot air balloon festival in the State for 32 years. According to the FAA, the city also has the honor of being the home of the largest AIR SHOW in the State – the Colorado Balloon Classic! Thank you Colorado Springs for keeping its citizens entertained as the summer draws to an end. Colorado Balloon Classic will be held August 30, 31 and September 1, 2008. So, get up early and come to Memorial Park for an incredible sight and I’ll see you there.
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Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
