Have you ever seen – or even heard of – a “Hot Air Balloon Rodeo”? The folks in Steamboat Springs, Colorado sure have, as they’re about to celebrate the 36th year of this spectacular event.
If you’re curious about what such an event entails, mark your calendars for July 8th and 9th to see the show. Located just over three hours from our apartments, this is one tradition hidden in plain sight in Colorado’s backyard.
Both shows begin at 6 a.m. with the opening of the Launch Field, an aptly named location where the balloons will be inflated (a spectacle in and of itself) and ultimately launched. While the hot air balloons and their pilots are gearing up, enjoy a hot cup of coffee and grab some breakfast from one of the many local food vendors on site. Even better, if you’re bringing your kids with you, there’s a fun-filled kids zone for them to burn off some morning energy while you bask in the morning sky peppered with beautiful balloons.
The Balloon Rodeo will begin at 6:30am. Lasting for three hours, the rodeo will feature such competitions as who can skim Bald Eagle Lake with their basket. And since balloon pilots are known to be competitive, you’ll certainly be entertained.
The morning isn’t the only time for you to take in the sights of hot air balloons scattered across the sky. On July 8 there is an evening hot air balloon event, as well. As the sun fades, Balloon Glow begins. At 8:00 p.m. six hot air balloons will illuminate the night’s sky over Mountain Village at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area in Steamboat Ski Resort. With the baskets tethered in-line, onlookers can walk below the majestic balloons above as they sway gently in the air. On the other hand, spectators can set up camp chairs or picnic blankets on the mountain slopes for a fixed view. The event begins at 8:00 p.m., but the hot air balloons will become illuminated at 8:15 p.m. once it becomes dark enough to take in the balloons in all of their beauty.
The rest of the day is filled with such events as the 43rd annual Art in the Park (which takes place on both Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., respectively). Art in the Park offers visitors a free display of 150 artists, live entertainment, and an interactive children’s art area.
For this most colorful weekend, expect large, friendly crowds of over 10,000 people enjoying the sights and sounds of these storied events. Nowhere else in the United States offers such a unique and beautiful display. As a Habitat Apartments resident, this near half-century old event can be a day trip from your front door. If you’re interested in seeing what our apartments have to offer other than great proximity to downtown Boulder, Denver, bike trails, jogging trails, Gunbarrel Commons Park, and more, contact us today and let us give you a tour.