Family vacations are about having fun and making memories, not saving pennies. So, if high gas prices are keeping you close to home this summer, a bit of hometown-tourism can make your “staycation” a memorable event. Plenty of attractions will lure the tourist downtown this summer but what can lure a family to sit in an open field half an hour before the sun rises? Balloons! Fifty-five, eight-story balloons including: Marvin the Martian, The Great Tony, and Ham-let the Flying Pig. August 22 through August 24 the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival will be held at Chatfield State Park, one of the most popular areas to launch hot-air balloons on the Front Range. The balloons will ascend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings at sunrise. In addition to the balloons there will be booths, concessions, and displays ongoing during the event. A classic car show begins Saturday at noon providing a chance to vote for the “People’s Choice” until 4 pm. First-place Telluride Bluegrass band contest winners: The Blue Canyon Boys will provide music Saturday afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. A children’s area provides a place for the kids to play for a small fee. Not willing to get up at the crack of dawn? Join “Lites in the Nite Balloon Illum” on Saturday evening. The event will be kicked off by The Legend Band from 5pm -7.30pm. Watch as the balloons glow with magic in the fading twilight. The festival continues on Sunday at 6am with another Mass Ascension and outdoor activities through noon. The balloon festival is free with admission to the park, either $7 or use your annual park pass.

http://rockymountainballoonfestival.com/

Written by Danni Meisinger