It's one of the coolest things about Boise...It's the Mix 106 Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic presented by Cap Ed Credit Union and it's free for you and your family now through September 4th. Here's everything you need or want to know plus watch what it's like to be up in a balloon high over Boise.

This unique Boise event is just one reason we live in one of the best cities in America and if you've never been a part of this great event you and your family don't want to miss it.

2016 Spirit of Boise-Balloon Classic

“Event Timeline”

August 31 (Wednesday) / Media Flight # 1 / “Kid’s Day”                                                               

6:30 a.m.         Pilot Briefing at Ann Morrison Pilot Briefing Tent

 7:15 a.m.         First Inflation / 20 Balloons to Tether

 We expect about 20 balloons for today’s inflation. Members of the local media will have an opportunity to move from balloon to balloon (on site in the Park) and for the first time, work with multiple pilots. (and) As long as the balloons are remaining in the park, our littlest fans will have an opportunity to interact, pose for pictures in baskets and (weather permitting) take a short lift in the balloon ‘on float’ during “Kid’s Day” activities.

 

September 1 (Thursday) / Media Flight # 2 / “Media Day”

6:30 a.m.         Pilot Briefing at Ann Morrison Pilot Briefing Tent

 7:00 a.m.         First 2016 Multiple Balloon Launch

 

Watch for nearly 30 balloons this morning. During this flight, pilots will carry members of the local print & electronic media in what has become a tradition of sorts at Balloon Classic. “Media Day” always seems to be the official start of Balloon Classic with a few early arriving “guest pilots” making their first appearance of the Balloon Classic. The event’s 122nd Launch from the Park.

September 2 (Friday) / V.I.P. Day / The 123rd Mass Launch from Ann Morrison Park

 6:30 a.m.         Pilot Briefing at Ann Morrison Pilot Briefing Tent

 7:05 a.m.         Tribute Launch to friends we’ve lost this year …

 7:15 a.m.         Second 2016 Multiple Balloon Launch

This is V.I.P. day at the Spirit of Boise-Balloon Classic. Person’s who have contributed to making the Balloon Classic possible are on board the balloons as special guests of our pilots. (the ballooning way to say “thanks”).

“Nite Glow Spectacular”

Glow in the Park Event, Friday Night, September 2, 2016

 6:00 p.m.        Balloons Escorted to the Park

Pilot’s are under escort by the Boise Police Department to Ann Morrison Park from the host Hotel. This ballooning parade is a favorite with pilots as they make their way to the Park for “Nite Glow” activities. This will be the 25th consecutive parade to Ann Morrison Park through the streets of Boise.

6:00 p.m.       Live Music in Park

6:45 p.m.        Demonstration Inflations

Very special and unique hot air balloons are planned to be inflated prior to the Nite Glow to entertain the crowd. This year’s inflations include appearances by :

  “Tic Toc”

 

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
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“Tic Toc” presented by the Spencer’s ‘non-profit’ partner St Luke’s one of the newest creations from Scott Spencer’s “Lighter Than Air America Special Shapes” will make an appearance prior to the “Nite Glow Spectacular” 

 Speedy

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
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“Speedy” the latest creation to fly from Scott Spencer’s Lighter Than Air America fleet will make his first appearance at the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic. You won't be able to miss those big eyes as Speedy takes to the skies

 

 

The Hummingbird

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
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 The “Hummingbird” balloon comes to us from Albuquerque New Mexico and is piloted by Doug Grimes. This shape is highly regarded as one of the most popular in the world.

 

Ms. Autum

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
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 Pat Prothro will help us get started with the Fall Season by sharing his exciting balloon, Ms. Autumn at this years Balloon Classic.

 7:15 p.m.        Children’s “Happy Dance” at the ‘CapEd Flyer’ Balloon

 7:40 p.m.        Nite Glow Weather Briefing / Larry Gebert

 8:15 p.m.        Nite Glow (time approximate / dusk)

 Balloons cannot lift off the ground in the dark so in the event, our pilots will turn the night into day with our largest “Nite Glow Spectacular” ever, 25 balloons lined up side by side on the launch site. You simply have to see it if you’ve never seen a balloon glow.

September 3 (Saturday) / Governor’s Cup Competition

 6:30 a.m.         Pilot Briefing at Ann Morrison Pilot Briefing Tent

 7:15 a.m.         Third 2016 Multiple Balloon Launch

This is “Competition Day” at the Spirit of Boise-Balloon Classic. Pilots will be assigned a navigational task to challenge their flying skills and the winning pilot will be awarded the “Governor’s Cup for Aviation Excellence”.

It is also true that during today’s competitive task, that several “porta potties” may be utilized as targets as Balloon Classic pilots once again play one of their favorite games when visiting Boise, “Porta Potty Bowling”.

Guest are always urged to select their portable toilets carefully before entering !

 

September 4 (Sunday) / “Last Dance” – The “GREAT LAUNCH”

The fifth and final day of flying for the 2016 Spirit of Boise-Balloon Classic.

Based on the success of last years “Great Launch” (fifty balloons off the ground in 30 seconds) We will once again attempt to provide local photographers with the perfect “Boise & Ballooning” photo from Ann Morrison Park.

The goal is to (once again) put all the balloons into the sky in under one minute, creating a ‘stack’ of colorful balloons over the park with our beautiful Boise cityscape as the back ground.

Please keep in mind that weather conditions must be near perfect for producers to successfully (and safely) execute this launch. Anything less than perfect weather will require us to revert to a standard “launch controlled” lift off.

6:30 a.m.         Pilot Briefing at Ann Morrison Pilot Briefing Tent

 7:15 a.m.         Fourth (and final) 2016 Multiple Balloon Launch

 

 

 

 

Watch this time lapse video as over 30 balloons lift off in the early morning hours in under a minute and a half.

 

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