New Labor Day weekend hot air ballooning event close to becoming reality

The city of Colorado Springs says it is in final negotiations with a company to put on a new hot air ballooning event to replace the Colorado Balloon Classic.

The event would take place over Labor Day Weekend at Memorial Park.

The company that the city is negotiating with is called Hot Apple Productions. The company’s owner, Scott Appleman, served on the board of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta for six years. His hot air balloon ride company, Rainbow Ryders, is the largest balloon company in the United States.

“We are thrilled to be part of continuing on this great 38-year hot air balloon event tradition at Memorial Park on Labor Day weekend. As a participant of the event for years and over 30 years of balloon event management and participation, we have assembled a team of local balloonists that will further the legacy of this great event here in the City of Colorado Springs,” Appelman said.

The city says Appleman’s vision for the event includes unique Special Shape balloons, bands, cheerleading squads, dance troupes, a car show, sky-divers, vendors and concession stands and a kid’s play area.

“We are so pleased to be able to work with Hot Apple Productions to continue our wonderful Labor Day Balloon Festival. It’s a community favorite and one of our iconic events which draws big crowds to Memorial Park every year,” said City Council Member Jan Martin.