MESA VERDE COUNTRY®: Mancos Valley-Mesa Verde Country® Balloon Festival

MANCOS VALLEY-MESA VERDE COUNTRY®
BALLOON FESTIVAL
2008 SCHEDULE:

Thursday, Sep. 25
Friday, Sep. 26
Saturday, Sep. 27
Sunday, Sep. 28

Photo Credit: Patricia Burk

Photo Credit: Christy Pauli

Mesa Verde Country® takes flight this summer with the fourth annual Mancos Valley-Mesa Verde Country® Balloon Festival.

food, arts, crafts, music, children's activities

Mesa Verde Country® takes flight this summer with balloons ascending and floating over the beautiful Mancos Valley during the fourth annual Mancos Valley-Mesa Verde Country® Balloon Festival. This exciting event is sure to make spirits soar with two special mass ascensions and two spectacular balloon glows. The party begins when the pilots arrive for a welcome dinner and doesn't end until after the last balloon has landed and been packed away.

See spectacular colors, volunteer as a crew/chase member and experience the thrill of assisting the pilots, or simply view as a spectator. Balloon rides are available on Saturday and Sunday mornings, with tethered rides available after the mass ascensions (weather permitting.) On Friday and Sunday evenings "must see" balloon glows take place in Boyle Park. The glows include larger special shapes and many other colorful balloons.

Other events during the Balloon Festival include: food, arts and crafts, music, a chili cook-off, cake walk, antique car and truck show, children's activities, stagecoach rides, and the ever popular "Dog Days of Mancos." On Saturday evening a dinner, dancing, and silent auction will take place in the historic Mancos Opera House.

The Balloon Festival in operated as part of Mesa Verde Country® Festivals, a 501 (c) (3) organization. The festival is dedicated to producing a family-oriented, high-quality event that provides opportunities for local non-profits and sponsors to assist in the operation of the festival. Their objective is to increase awareness of participating non profits, assist in their ability to raise funds, and enhance the quality of life for all of us.

Proceeds to benefit Medicine Horse Therapeutic Riding Center

All activities subject to weather conditions

Thursday, September 25

inflating a balloon at the balloon festival

Inflating balloon with volunteer help in Boyle Park,
Mancos, CO
Photo Credit: Christy Pauli

Event: Welcome Pilots, Crews and Sponsors
Location: Cliffrose Nursery - BBQ & Entertainment
Time: 6:30 pm

Friday, September 26

Rick Neubauger Piloting 'Sunrise Community' Balloon, Boyle Park, Mancos, CO
Photo Credit: Patricia Burk

Event: Sponsor Rides & Inflation for 1st Flight
Location: Boyle Park & 2nd Location TBA, Mancos
Time: 7:15 am
Note: Tethered rides available, after launch (weather permitting)

Event: Vendor Fair
Location: Boyle Park
Time: 9 am-6 pm

Event: Cake Walk
Location: Boyle Park
Time: 3:30 pm

Event: Balloon Glow
Location: Boyle Park
Time: 7:15 pm

Saturday, September 27

Loading passengers with special needs at the Balloon Festival in Boyle Park, Mancos, CO
Photo Credit: Christy Pauli

Event: Inflation for 2nd Flight
Location: Boyle Park & 2nd Location TBA, Mancos
Time: 7:15 am
Note: Tethered rides available, after launch (weather permitting)

Event: Dog Days of Mancos Dog Show, Vendor Fair, Stage Coach & Pony Rides and Music
Location: Boyle Park
Time: 9 am - 6 pm

Event: Fiesta Dinner, Silent and Live Auctions, Dancing & Special Entertainment
Location: The historic Mancos Opera House
Time: 6 pm
Note: $20/person. Tickets sold in advance at the Bauer House/Visitors Center

Sunday, September 28

a balloon rises in the clear Colorado sky

Autumn in Boyle Park, Mancos, CO
Photo Credit: Patricia Burk

Event: Inflation for 3rd Flight
Location: Boyle Park & 2nd Location TBA, Mancos
Time: 7:15 am
Note: Tethered rides available, after launch (weather permitting)

Event: Chili Cook-Off registration
Location: Boyle Park
Time: 8:30 am - 2 pm

Event: Vendor Fair, Antique Car & Classic Auto Show, Stage Coach & Pony Rides, Entertainment
Location: Boyle Park
Time: 9 am - 6 pm

Event: Chili Cook-Off judging
Location: Boyle Park
Time: 4 pm

Event: Wine & Cheese Tasting
Location: Bauer House /Mancos Valley Visitor's Center lawn
Time: 3 pm

Event: Balloon Glow
Location: Boyle Park
Time: 7:15 pm

Reservations are now being taken for balloon rides. Cost: $125. Call 970-533-9707

Additional activities: landowner's lottery, children's activities, balloon-ride drawings and more!

In consideration of the balloons, and for the safety of your animals, dogs will not be allowed at the event, except on a leash during the dog show.