A few years back, when my son was stationed at Scott AFB in southern Illinois, I had a chance to go to the Great Forest Park Balloon Race while I was visiting him. This year’s event is coming up in about ten days, September 20th and 21st, and I would highly recommend it if you’re in that part of the world.
Forest Park is a wonderful, huge, centrally-located park in St. Louis with tons of room and sites for for walking, jogging, picnics, parties, concerts, boating, tennis, golf, and the world-famous St. Louis Zoo. The St. Louis area has an excellent public transit system and you can get to the park from a number of subway stops.
On the night before the balloon race, the park is filled with balloons for the “Glow”. It’s spectacular, don’t miss it! Lots of food and bands and fun stuff all around, but as dusk falls they start firing up the propane burners.
Hundreds of hot air balloons start to fill and bob across the park.
The balloons are all anchored down so they’re not taking off. (Not until race time the next day!) You just get to stroll around among them, like being in canyons of multi-colored skyscrapers.
You can spend hours eating, talking to the balloon pilots and crews, listening to music, and reveling in the festival atmosphere, while all around you there’s the occasional roar of a propane jet and all of the balloons glowing like ginormous Japanese lanterns.
When we went (about five years ago) the event was free to the public (you pay for food & drinks, of course). This is my idea of a wonderful family outing or date night. If you get the opportunity (or if there’s something similar in your area some time), take it!
We Love The Stars Too Fondly 