September 4th, 5th, and 6th marked the 45th annual Labor Day Lift Off event in Colorado Springs. This fun experience is one of my own family’s favorite traditions. I grew up going to the balloon festival at Chatfield State Park in Littleton, CO, which sadly had its last year in 2008, so I was ecstatic to be able to start the tradition of a balloon festival once again when I moved to the Springs.
We decided this year to set our alarm for 5am (crazy, I know) so as to get a good parking spot near Memorial Park, where the balloons blow up and take off from. In true fashion of those with young kids, we didn’t leave until much later than planned, but still managed to find a great spot along E. Bijou St. even after stopping for coffee 🙂
Walking into the park, you’ll pass food vendors, booths, and what seems like half of the Colorado Springs population.
This is one of my favorite events, because you are able to walk around in the midst of all the balloons as they are filled, feel the heat on your face from the balloon burners, and they will take off and fly right over your head! It felt so magical, though maybe it was just the sleep deprivation getting to me…
The photos and excitement on your kids faces will make it all worth it!
After lift off, there are other events happening at the park throughout the day, including a battle of the bands competition, remote control balloon display, and the USAFA Wings of Blue Skydive Jumpers.
I also learned this year which of my daughters is a morning person, and which is definitely not. Part of this lesson was learned in a porta potty as my 4 year old had a breakdown over the understanding that she would not in fact be able to ride in a hot air balloon 🙁 Thankfully we took our stroller, which you are able to roll onto the field, so my girls were able to take turns resting/riding. Here is the other said “morning person”, happy as can be with her daddy:
Back in 2018, I entered The Gazette & Mike’s Camera’s Labor Day Lift Off photo competition. Thanks to my wonderful family and friends voting for my photo that was burried amongst thousands of submissions, and my beautiful models, I won the GRAND PRIZE! My first photo competition was a success 🙂 Best of all, I have a lovely photo I will cherish forever of some of my favorite people.
If you have yet to go to the Labor Day Lift Off in Colorado Springs, I encourage you to mark your calendars for the 2022 event. Even if you can’t make it to the lift off in the morning due to work or a perfectly rational refusal to wake up before the sun, they have an awesome balloon glow event each night which is worth braving the crowds for as well!
If you are looking for beautiful images of you and your loved ones, let’s chat about planning a photo session in Colorado Springs.
Grand prize winning image.
