By Shannon Lukens
The Yampa Valley Hot Air Balloon Rodeo is in Steamboat Springs this weekend, July 29-30.
As a reminder, no spectators are allowed at the launch site this year.
You may have seen many balloons flying over Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley Friday morning. Pilots are starting to arrive and are excited to be back here in Steamboat Springs. Thank you to Grace Riley for sharing this picture with Steamboat Radio.
David Eichorn is the pilot of Western Spirit, from Albuquerque. Western Spirit is a very rare, hand-painted balloon, one of just a few in the world.
“The weather is supposed to be great this weekend. As you know, we’re at the mercy of the winds, and the winds have no mercy, but it’s looking good for this weekend and it should be a great show.”
No spectators are allowed at the launch site this year, so find a spot somewhere in the Yampa Valley to watch the balloons flying over. They’ll start lifting off on Saturday and Sunday morning at 6:30 a.m.
Karen Beauvais and Scott Flowers are organizing the event this year.
“It’s a big deal because I was involved in putting on the very first Balloon Rodeo in Steamboat over 40 years ago. And I missed it desperately last year when they didn’t have one at all. It was like a void in Steamboat. We don’t do this for the people that visit Steamboat, necessarily. We do it for the whole community.”
Sponsors and hosts of pilots may be flying with a balloon. If so, you should have received information on how to get to the launch site. If not, reach out to Karen Beauvais at kbeauvais@coldwellbanker.com. Or call her at 970-846-8814.
There is also a Balloon Glow scheduled for 8-9 p.m. Saturday night at the base of the ski area, when it gets dark.
The Balloon Glow is weather dependent and can’t happen if it is windy or raining. In that case, there would be a candlestick glow. Either way, anyone at the base area will be able to walk up to the balloons and meet the pilots and crew.
Free parking is available in the Knoll lot. Carpooling, riding the free bus, walking, or riding your bike is strongly encouraged.
Other Suggestions from Steamboat Resort:
- The Balloon Glow takes place in the dark. If you are walking on the mountain to access your condo, we recommend bringing a flashlight or headlamp to light your way.
- Guests are invited to bring low-back chairs and blankets to view the Coca-Cola Movie on the Mountain after Balloon Glow.
- Please leave pets at home
STEAMBOAT RESORT TO HOST BALLOON GLOW SATURDAY NIGHT
The Balloon Glow will be followed by Coca-Cola’s Movies on the Mountain. The movie is The Parent Trap.
COCA COLA’S MOVIES ON THE MOUNTAIN FOR SUMMER 2023
Then Sunday, July 30, you are invited to the Steamboat Grand for the Korbel Champagne Balloon Rodeo viewing and breakfast. View the Yampa Valley Balloon Rodeo on the hillside behind The Steamboat Grand Hotel, watching balloons float through the valley, then head to breakfast buffet.
And throughout the weekend, you’ll hear Steamboat Radio News Director Shannon Lukens, who is the longtime announcer of the Balloon Rodeo in Steamboat Springs. She’ll be at the launch site, announcing for the pilots and crew, and at the Balloon Glow in Steamboat Square at Steamboat Resort Saturday night, so wave hello.