ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - This year's Great Forest Park Balloon Race weekend in St. Louis has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers announced on Monday that the annual two-day event will not go on as scheduled, but plans to be back at Central Fields in Forest Park in September 2021.
Instead of the Balloon Glow and Balloon Race events, they say colorful hot air balloons will still fill the St. Louis sky this September 17-20.
"With the new theme, Lift Up St. Louis, The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, its dedicated local pilots and generous sponsors are hard at work on plans to surprise and delight St. Louis with colorful hot air balloons flying from various locations throughout the Greater St. Louis area," a press release states. "These tribute flights will honor essential workers, educators, healthcare heroes and those standing up for change, and will take place Sept. 17−20 ― spanning the days the traditional event was originally scheduled."
You can find more information at www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, the largest and longest-running balloon festival in the Midwest, has been canceled for 2020.While the festival will not proceed as originally planned, hot air balloon fans will still have the opportunity to see balloons soar over St. Louis in September. “We encourage the community to take heart because our team is determined to take to the skies, bring smiles and Lift Up St. Louis,” said Jessica Stegen, director of communications and event production for The Great Forest Park Balloon Race.With the new theme, Lift Up St. Louis, GFPBR, its dedicated local pilots and generous sponsors are hard at work on plans to surprise and delight St. Louis with colorful hot air balloons flying from various locations throughout the Greater St. Louis area. These tribute flights will honor essential workers, educators, healthcare heroes and those standing up for change, and will take place Sept. 17−20 ― spanning the days the traditional event was originally scheduled. Read the entire press release at