BSU wins in Chick Fill A Georgia Opener!

Congratulations go out once again to the Boise State Broncos with their season opening win over SEC power Georgia Bulldogs.  The final score 35 – 21, making the Broncos one of the few strong BCS contenders to survive the first game of the 2011 season.

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic

Saturday September 3, 2011
Governor's Cup Competition

6:30am - Pilot Briefing at Ann Morrison Pilot Briefing Tent

7:03am - Military A-10 Thunderbolt (Warthog) “Fly By”
Two A-10 Warthogs from Gowen Field will over fly the Park on cue at a specific moment during a musical salute to America. The jets and pilots are from the 190th Fighter Squadron based at Gowen Field here in Boise.

7:15am - Competition Day 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”. The community is encouraged to come to Ann Morrison Park to cheer on the balloon pilots as they compete.

Pilots will also have the opportunity to go “Balloon Bowling” again this year as they attempt to knock over six (6) strategically placed “porta potties” in the park. Porta Potty “Balloon Bowling” or “Outhouse Balloon Bowling” as it is sometimes called is unique to Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic (in the ballooning world) and one of the Balloon Classic’s most popular aspects.

See a sample of “Outhouse Balloon Bowling” at : http://www.lighterthanairamerica.com/coke/outhousebowling.html

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic

Friday September 2, 2011
V.I.P. Day & Night Glow

7:03am - Military A-10 Thunderbolt (Warthog) Fly ByTwo A-10 Warthogs from Gowen Field will over fly the Park on cue at a specific moment during a musical salute to America. The jets and pilots are from the 190th Fighter Squadron based at Gowen Field here in Boise.

7:05am - Tribute Launch to local businessman, Ernie CarrErnie Carr, founder of RE/MAX of Boise was the very first person to agree to sponsor the Ann Morrison Park based Boise River Festival balloon rally. He was a friend of ballooning and was responsible for giving Scott Spencer his start in Corporate Ballooning.

This special launch has become a traditional “salute” and “good-bye” to lost friends of the Boise and Northwest ballooning community.

7:15am - Inflation and lift off from Ann Morrison Park
Friday's Call to Inflate by Lt. Governor Brad Little
V.I.P. Day is the day that we honor those who make the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic possible with their financial support by taking them aloft with us for a flight. Expect to see all 40 balloons at this launch.

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic

Thursday September 1, 2011
Jr. High School Day and Media Day

7:00am - Inflation and lift off from Ann Morrison Park
7:15am - Call to Inflate by Mayor David Beiter
In addition to this morning’s first competitive task of the 2011 Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic, the initial inflation process will cater to will cater to Jr. High School field trips to the Ann Morrison Park launch site.

A special, more detailed program designed to educate Boise’s Jr. High aged children on topics ranging from weather, decision making and ballooning to coordinating crew and chase teams will be presented. We expect about 20 balloons.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Micron Foundation, students, from math and science departments outside the Boise area, who otherwise would not have had an opportunity to attend the Balloon Classic, will be bussed in from outlying communities. Students will have an opportunity to learn (with Scott Spencer, Event Producer and Disney balloon pilot) about the history of ballooning and the equipment that makes up a modern hot air balloon. Students will also be taught (by Larry Gebert, Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic Official Meteorologist) what makes a “good weather day” for balloon pilots.

Thursday's messages to the students will be geared toward children grades 7 – 9.

Thursday's launch will carry members of the local print & electronic media in what has become a tradition at Balloon Classic.

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic

Wednesday August 31, 2011
Elementary School Visit Day

7:00am - Inflation and First Launch - Ann Morrison Park
This morning’s inflation will cater to elementary school field trips to the Ann Morrison Park launch site.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Micron Foundation, students living outside the Boise area, who would not have had an opportunity to attend the Balloon Classic, will be bussed in from outlying communities. Students will have an opportunity to learn (with Scott Spencer, Event Producer and Disney balloon pilot) about the history of ballooning and the equipment that makes up a modern hot air balloon.

Students will also be taught (by Larry Gebert, Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic Official Meteorologist) what makes a “good weather day” for balloon pilots.

Wednesday’s messages to the students will be geared toward children grades 4 – 6.

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic

 August 31st - September 4
Welcome to the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic online. Here you'll find all the information you will need to plan your visit to beautiful Ann Morrison Park to enjoy four fantastic mornings
with us as hot air balloons color the sky of our beloved Boise, Idaho.

Check out the schedule of events and don't miss the amazing Night Glow on Friday evening. It's a truly spectacular sight as over 30 balloons light the night sky, all choreographed to music. Plus, it's the best time to see your favorite specialty balloons like Mickey Mouse, the Coca-Cola bottle and more.

Admission to all events is free, so bring the family and have a great time.

Last day at the Western Idaho Fair!

 See a chicken come clean

It's hilarious! See a chicken come clean. This was an absolute hit in 2010. Come see what you missed! All events at the Kids Corral except the 8/22 show which will be held at the Western Town Stage.
Location:Kids Corral (8/22 Show at Western Town Stage)
Date/Time: Aug-20: 1:00 PM, Aug-21: 1:00 PM, Aug-23: 1:00 PM, Aug-25: 1:00 PM, Aug-27: 1:00 PM, Aug-28: 1:00 PM.