Near perfect flying conditions greeted the pilots over Labor Day Weekend at the 31st Annual Colorado Balloon Classic.
Light, gentle breezes from the northwest helped lift almost 100 balloons in waves of about 50 at a time up from the launch field at Memorial Park and over the tree line to Prospect Lake. Once over the lake, daring pilots dropped their balloons from the sky to dip their basket into Prospect Lake. As each pilot dipped their basket, thousands of appreciative spectators of all ages applauded and shouted with joy.
Hours before liftoff in the pre-dawn chill, hundreds of sleepy-eyed pilots, crew, event organizers, volunteers and a couple of dedicated photographers arrived at Memorial Park to prepare for the day's events. As the pilots and crew assemble at their designated launch points in total darkness, event staff and weather monitoring officials review the latest wind, barometric pressure and temperature data.
Officials released the 'pieball', or 'pilot information balloon'. This simple tool is nothing more than a large toy balloon filled with helium. As the pieball makes its ascent, pilots and weather officials watch to see how it changes direction with altitude. In conjunction with wind speed and direction data at different altitudes obtained from regional reporting stations, event officials make the final launch decisions. During the pilot briefing conducted over the PA, everyone listening gets the word.
The early morning weather was just right. The event staff raised the green flag to signal everything was go for launch. As one of those dedicated photographers, this is the moment that makes getting up at 3:30 am worthwhile.
In addition to a pilot, each balloon is supported by a ground crew of three to ten people. In many cases, the pilot's friends and family make up the support team. In some cases, trained local volunteers are assigned to help each pilot.
As the eastern sky begins to glow with the first rays of daylight, another type of glow appears intermittently around the launch field. One by one, pilots test their burners by shooting a stream of fire and heat into the sky. This is often the first chance that a photographer has to fire up the camera.
As launch preparation continues, ground crew unroll the colorful fabric envelopes that are such a joy to witness. When the basket is fully assembled and attached to the envelope, ground crew tip the basket over on its side to begin cold inflation. Large fans powered by lawnmower engines blow air into the envelopes to begin giving them the shape of the balloon. Once the envelope is full and the balloon nears its final size, the pilot ignites the burners and begins to fill the envelope with hot air. Slowly, and with the help of ground crew, the heated air tilts the envelope from horizontal on the ground to upright and ready for launch.
The process of cold inflation and stand up is a favorite time for photographers. The expanding envelope and flaming burners offer a palette of wonderful colors, shapes, shadows and silhouettes. The most amazing part is how patient the pilots and ground crew are with spectators. Standing a hot air balloon up is hard physical work and can be dangerous. Still, most pilots and crew make room for photographers and otherwise curious onlookers as they go about their duties.
The Balloon Classic is such a large event that the launch has to take place in two waves. The first wave of about half the balloons assembles, cold-inflates, stands up and launches. Once in the air, the process repeats for those in the second wave. This allows a large number of balloons to safely use the available ground space.
Once aloft, the balloon is at the mercy of the winds. Armed with knowledge of wind speed and direction at different altitudes, the balloon pilot is able to 'steer' the balloon in a few different directions. At sunrise, the typical wind over Memorial Park blows from northwest to southeast. It's from this wind that pilots are able to dip their baskets into Prospect Lake.
As favorable as the weather was for launch, it did not quite cooperate each evening. Because of the gusty winds and possibility of rain in the late afternoon, the Balloon Glo events were not held. Instead of standing up their full balloons, a couple of dozen pilots set up their baskets and burners to treat the crowd to a display of fire, heat and roar from their 'candles'. Nevertheless, the crowds were huge and enjoyed every minute.
For 31 years in a row, the Colorado Balloon Classic has entertained thousands. Many thanks to all those who make this family event in our city such a resounding success.