Labor Day Lift-Off balloon festival organizers prepare for 46th year in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colo. (KRDO) -- Expect some new activities to be part of this year's annual hot-air balloon festival at Memorial Park for Labor Day weekend.

Last month, the magazine U.S. News & World Report rated the Labor Day Lift-Off among the top 14 balloon festivals in the world, with the event offering more balloons than many other festivals on the list.

"They rated us fifth," said Scott Appelman, the event's head organizer. "We didn't expect that, it's a nice surprise. And we have more balloons than many of the festivals on the list."

Around 75 balloons have registered to participate in the September festival, which is free to the public.

The Lift-Off will offer five new activities, including a VIP lounge in which a $115 ticket provides you with complimentary food, drinks, reserved seating, private restrooms and a parking pass; the ticket includes entry into a drawing for two free balloon rides.

Other new activities include: A 5K race on the Sunday morning before Labor Day that goes through and around the park; an event focusing on special balloon shapes of familiar characters; the Colorado Springs Aloft, an event featuring food trucks, music, family activities and balloons, to be held the Thursday before Labor Day at the Banning Lewis Ranch Pavilion; and the Balloon, Brews & Bites Happy Hour on Saturday and Sunday evening before Labor Day that will offer discounted drinks, live music and early access to family activities.

But the highlights of the festival are the morning balloon lift-offs each morning of the holiday weekend, and balloon glows at sunset on the first two nights of the event.

Hot-air balloon rides will be available for $345, and a Krispy Kreme donut-eating contest will be held on the first two mornings of the event.

Spectators also will enjoy live music and a fireworks show that is still being arranged.

Appelman said that Colorado Springs and Reno are the only balloon festivals that don't charge admission, and he doesn't expect that to change for the Lift-Off despite rising operating costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Everything costs a lot more," he said. "Lodging, fuel food, city services. It helps that we have more sponsors this year, and that's also why we added other activities that encourage more spectators to come and spend money. So if you really want to support the festival, come and buy from our vendors who also help support us."

We asked some festival fans if they would consider paying admission.

"If they want a price on this, I believe they should put it around $20 for an entry fee," said Andrew Perez, who plans to take his daughter for the first time. "Maybe even less, because they might even make you pay for parking."

Cierra Cavanaugh offers another suggestion.

"I would say maybe even just ask for donations.toward the festival," she said. "A lot of people can help out where maybe some others can't. If you're going to charge us to get in, then have more for us. Maybe more balloons, more demonstrations such as animal demonstrations or firefighter demonstrations, since it'll be Labor Day weekend."

For more information, visit: https://www.coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com/.