Hot air balloons inflate at Banning Lewis Ranch for Labor Day Liftoff preview

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Seven balloonists showed off their array of colors Thursday morning above Banning Lewis Ranch to drum up excitement for the 50th annual Labor Day Liftoff this weekend at Memorial Park.

The morning wind prevented the pilots from taking off, but dozens of families were able to get up close and personal with the giant balloons and their pilots.

"I like them when they go all the way up in the sky, and then I thought they were going to go up in the moon!" young fan Chanel said.

Labor Day Liftoff kicks off on Saturday with launches every morning at 7 a.m. through Labor Day. There is also an evening "glow" session on Saturday and Sunday. The balloons won't take off at night, but the flames will light up the night sky as the sun crests over Pikes Peak.

Organizers are adding Friday night fireworks and expanding the event space for the 50th annual Labor Day liftoff. You can find all the details here.

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