43rd annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race

From 43rd annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race Website:

The 43nd anniversary of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race will be held on September 19-20, 2015. The Balloon Glow will be on Friday evening. The glow will be on Central Field (the site of the Race) and will be a walk through event only not a drive through event. The Balloon Race will take place on Central Field by the Jewel Box in Forest Park, on Saturday afternoon.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is free and open to the public.
Friday, September 18, 2015 Balloon Glow: Central Field- 7:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

The Balloon Glow offers spectators a breathtaking view of inflated balloons lighted by their burners. Get up close and walk around the balloons. Refreshments and Food are available. The event will conclude with the PNC Bank fireworks finale display beginning at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Friday, September 18, 2015 Glow in the Park: Central Field- 7:00 p.m.

Spend a fantastic evening in Forest Park at the Humane Society of Missouris Glow in the Park dinner, benefiting the Animal Cruelty Fund. Held under the auspices of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, Glow in the Park is your front-row seat to one of the most exciting events in St. Louis.

Enjoy private parking, private entry to Forest Park, cocktails, dinner, dancing and fireworks alongside beautiful, illuminated hot air balloons. Individual tickets, tables of ten and VIP packages available. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets to this amazing event and help support a great cause.

Saturday, September 19, 2015 Balloon Race: Central Field- 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Spend your day in beautiful Forest Park as the Purina Childrens Entertainment area is filled with pony rides, games, and other activities for kids. The Entertainment Stage features a variety of local talent. During the Photo contest the public can enter the balloon field and take pictures of their favorite balloons. Prizes will be awarded for the best photographs. The Skydiving Team performs and lands in the center of the launch field.

The race begins when the lead balloon takes off ahead of the pack. 70 hound balloons then launch in pursuit. The balloon dropping a birdseed baggie closest to the lead balloon will be declared the winner.

12:00 p.m.: Festivities begin! Purina Childrens Entertainment Area & Incredible Dogs,.. Food CourtsPony Rides Stages More.
1:00 p.m.: Entertainment Stages Open
2:00 p.m.: Photo Contest Sponsored by Wehrenberg Theaters & St. Louis Post-Dispatch
3:00 p.m.: Miller Lite Skydivers
3:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies
4:30 p.m.: Hare Balloon Launch
4:45 p.m.: Hound Balloon Launch begins

WEATHER DATE- In case the race is weathered out on Saturday, September 19, it will be rescheduled for Sunday, September 20.