Colorado Balloon Classic Pictures

Colorado Balloon Classic in Colorado Springs
Hot air balloon festivals are held annually throughout the year, and give a chance for balloonists to participate in balloon races and display their balloons during evening balloon glows, and for the public to participate in the spectacle of many balloons gathered in one spot and to learn about the sport.

The Colorado Balloon Classic was organized in 1977 and has grown to be the largest and the longest continuously running hot air balloon event in the State of Colorado. The Colorado Balloon Classic is an annual family event - free to the public - held each Labor Day weekend. The event is held in Memorial Park off Pikes Peak Avenue between Hancock Ave. and Union Blvd. Mass ascensions of approximately 100 balloons are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings with a Balloon Glo scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings. Each year a variety of concessions are available and entertainment is provided during each event.

The following photos were taken on September 3rd, 2005.

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge the pictures.

	If you arrive early enough you can enjoy the sunrise at Prospect Lake. I haven't been there for a while and it was nice to see that the lake was filled with water again.
	In order to enjoy the lake with the sunrise you need to walk around the lake for a little while if you arrive at the ascension area.
	I was waiting for the balloon ascension to start and continued to take photos around Prospect Lake. There are a lot of Canadian Geese at the lake.
	I really like this photo with the geese flying in front of the sunrise.
	One of the first balloons to ascent. At this point the sun was on its way up and made taking photos from that location a little bit more difficult.

	Here is the first batch of hot air balloons passing by.
	A balloon closeup silhouette.
	Some of the more adventurous pilots tried to touch the water for a few seconds. That was really fun to watch.
	I changed my location and got a really nice view over the lake with two hot air balloons and some geese.
	Another batch of hot air balloons.

	In this photo you can see the flame pretty well.
	A balloon almost touching the water. Pikes Peak can be seen in the background.
	A balloon from underneath.
	Most of the balloons had very colorful designs.
	Here is the last group flying away from Prospect Lake. Bon voyage!

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