Forest Park Balloon Race Program 2018

4 The Great Forest Park Balloon Race • Presented by PNC Bank THE GREAT FOREST PARK BALLOON RACE presented by PNC Bank, IS THE second-oldest continuously running balloon race in the country (behind the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta) and one of St. Louis’ most beloved events, drawing more than 150,000 spectators to the Race and Glow. And, thanks to our generous sponsors, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race is free to the public. Like The crowd gathers “behind the ropes” to watch with anticipation as pilots and crews prepare to compete in the “Hare and Hounds” balloon race. Orange Blossom, the PNC Bank Balloon, is the “Hare” and will lead the pack, landing first to place a target for those in pursuit to try their aim at landing a birdseed bag in the center. It is Great Forest Park Balloon Race legend that the victor is presented with a broken toaster and a rusty birdcage. The race began in 1973 with only six balloons and a handful of spectators. Forty-six years later The Great Forest Park Balloon Race welcomes more than 150,000 annually. The faces around show a few more traces of laughter and new seats are filled with a second generation of balloonists, new partners and successful businessmen and women -- but the traditions remain the same. Each of these Partners is extremely proud to join with the nations’ expert hot-air balloon pilots and some of the nations best corporate sponsors to continue hosting this free event for St. Louis- Sharing their love of family, friends last year, both the Balloon Race and the Balloon Glow will take place on Art Hill in front of the St. Louis Art Museum. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race weekend kicks off with the Balloon Glow on Friday, the evening before the Race. People are invited to walk among the balloons as they light up like colorful lanterns, visit with the pilots and be part of the excitement. The “Fireworks Finale” at the close of the Glow, sponsored by PNC Bank, is a spectacular way to end a spectacular evening. Saturday is Race Day. Only the most seasoned and talented balloonists are invited to fly in the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, making it one of the most prestigious and competitive races in the country. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race: Celebrating 46 Years of Family Traditions and Soft Landings and flight with the community.