Spirit of Boise balloons soar into the smoke. Check out the pictures, see event schedule
By Sarah Cutler and
Sarah Miller
The first launch of this year’s Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic began Thursday in clear, sunny skies — but Friday’s launch came as many Boiseans were deflated by smoky air and hazy skies caused by nearby wildfires.
Hot air balloons fly in smoky skies over Boise during Friday’s Spirit of Boise event. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
Nonetheless, residents turned out to watch dozens of balloons fly by: the rocket-shaped Blast Off, Mango the Seahorse and the Baby T-Rex (which looks like a dinosaur hatching out of an egg).
The smoke didn’t deter viewers from turning out Friday morning for a hazy balloon launch. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
The free annual event, held in Ann Morrison Park since 1991, is slated to run through Sunday, with launches taking place between 7:15 and 9 a.m.
Missed Thursday and Friday’s launches? More are scheduled for early Saturday and Sunday mornings. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
Residents can watch balloons flying over downtown Boise, and can enjoy vendors, food and live music.
More information is available at spiritofboise.com, and updates related to visibility can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
Hot air balloons fly Friday in smoky skies for the Spirit of Boise event. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
The Spirit of Boise event dates back to 1991. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
Hot air balloons fly Friday in smoky skies for the Spirit of Boise event. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
Sarah covers the legislative session and state government with an interest in political polarization, government accountability and the intersection of religion and politics. Please reach out with feedback, tips or ideas. If you like seeing stories like hers, please consider supporting her work with a digital subscription.Support my work with a digital subscription
