Great Forest Park Balloon Race Takes St. Louis to New Heights with Magical Display of Artistry and Aviation

St. Louisans gathered at Forest Park for the 52nd Great Forest Park Balloon Race, where balloon pilots from across the country showcased their skills in the sky.
Pilots Take Flight
The event kicked off with the leading hare balloon sponsored by PNC Bank, piloted by Scott Wooge, taking to the skies. Wooge expressed his excitement about flying in a metropolitan area like St. Louis, highlighting the uniqueness of the event.
Artistry in the Sky
Spectators marveled at the sight of balloons soaring through the air, illuminated by the fiery glow. Justin Doyle, celebrating his 11th birthday at the race, described the experience as magical. Lori Saller of Fenton admired the beauty and craftsmanship of the balloons.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Jack Semler, pilot of the Blue Moon balloon, emphasized the importance of inspiring young people to pursue aviation and ballooning. He expressed his passion for keeping the sport alive and engaging with the community. Roy Caton, the pilot of the First Alert 4 Balloon, praised St. Louis for its vibrant spirit and highlighted events like the Great Forest Park Balloon Race as a testament to the city's greatness. As the balloons painted the sky with vibrant colors, St. Louis stood united in awe of the artistry and aviation on display.