Watch hot air balloons fill Boise’s sky from these great places. What’s your favorite?
The sun won’t be the only thing rising early in the morning in Boise this week.
Look to the sky, and instead of the sun, you might see the palm trees and desert background of FloatingAwasis or the diagonal rainbow stripes of KnightNGale.
They’re just two of the 49 hot air balloons that will be idly floating above Boise starting Wednesday for the annual Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic.
Lasting through Sunday, the Spirit of Boise has its home base at Ann Morrison Park but will spread high above the Boise area, giving spectators a spectacular view from below. And although you’ll be able to see the balloons no matter where you are in the city, there are certainly some spots better than others for viewing.
We’ve compiled some of the best spots to watch from and put them in a poll below. We want you to tell us — and other readers — where you think is the best spot to spy the balloons. The poll results will show once you submit your answer.
Below the poll is a map of the seven locations listed.
Event Schedule
6:45 a.m. - Balloons are ready on the launch field at Ann Morrison Park.
7:25 a.m. - Cap Ed Kids Day: Balloons will be inflated on the launch field but will remain close to the ground to teach kids how they work. Free tethered rides will also be available.
6:30 a.m. - Balloons are ready at the park.
7:20 a.m. - An optional flight for balloons taking media up.
6:10 a.m. - Pilots arrive at the park.
7:10 a.m. - A tribute launch in honor of Larry Gerbert, longtime KTVB meteorologist who died in April.
7:20 a.m. - Mandatory flight; all balloons will be in the air throughout the day.
5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. - Nite Glow Spectacular: Balloons will be lit and fly above Boise in the night sky. Food, vendors and live music begin at 5:30 p.m. The first balloons rise into the sky at 8:05 p.m.
5:30 a.m. - Pilots begin setting up for Dawn Patrol, a mandatory morning flight.
6:00 a.m. - Dawn patrol inflation and launch.
7:20 a.m. - All balloons will be up in the air or preparing to raise for Dawn Patrol.
5:30 a.m. - Last launch day of the Spirit of Boise, called “Last Dance.”
6:00 a.m. - Dawn Patrol inflation and launch
7:20 a.m. - All balloons will be up in the air or preparing to raise for the Last Dance.
