Just 10 miles south of Denver you’ll find the uniquely charming and historically rich city of Littleton, Colorado.
Perfect for your next big late summer getaway, Littleton is full of beautiful vistas, outdoor activities, museums, historical sites, and so much more. The beauty of the city is apparent the moment you arrive, from the distant peaks that frame your vistas to the meticulously maintained, tree-lined streets. Fans of the outdoors will fall in love with Chatfield State Park and Roxborough State Park, where you’ll find enough room for any outdoor activity you can imagine. Away from the sprawling wilderness, the history of the city is on display at various locations such as the Littleton Museum, Depot Art Center and Gallery, and Town Hall Arts Center. The downtown area is also where you’ll find a variety of great restaurants including Cafe Terracotta, NoNo’s Cafe and Smokin Fins. Littleton lays claim to large and extremely enjoyable community events. One event making a triumphant return next year is the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival.
On August 26-27 of 2017 the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival will return bigger and better than ever. The event is held at the beautiful Chatfield State Park, which provides the ideal natural backdrop for watching the colorful balloons. Your kids will have a great time seeing the balloons take off while playing in the kids area. You’ll also encounter art and craft booths, food vendors, demonstrations, games, and all the great outdoor activities the park can facilitate. Aim high for your next getaway and make your way to the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival! ResortsandLodges.com got to interview Debby Standefer, President & CEO of D&D Marketing Concepts Inc., to talk about this great event.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
DS: When the event began in 2000, it was to celebrate the governor's proclamation to generate awareness and fund the Colorado State Parks. It has been on hiatus for several years, but in 2017 we will bring this cherished event and its beautiful hot air balloons back to the Denver area!
RAL: How people attend annually and who are they demographically? Children? Families? Couples?
DS: We are expecting 25,000 people in attendance. This is definitely a family event. Kids of all ages love hot air balloons! To have this festival in the beautiful setting of Chatfield State Park, against the foothills and by the reservoir, provides beauty and the opportunity for families to spend time together.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
DS: Balloon festivals are not everyday occurrences and this is one of the only balloon festivals held in a State Park. Balloons typically fly at sunrise while most people are sleeping. Not only do we get families out early in the morning, but we have a wonderful evening Balloon Glow Saturday, where the balloons stand inflated on the field and “glow” as the sun sets. It is dramatically beautiful and the spectators can meet the pilots and see the balloons up close.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
DS: We start at 6:30 am with the balloons inflating and flying at 7:00 am. Once they fly away (and if they do as it depends on the winds), we will have food vendors, a kids area, park demonstrations, activities, arts and crafts, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to take part in some swimming, kayaking and SUP lessons, hiking, bird watching, archery lessons, and horseback riding. At 4:00 pm on Saturday, we get the balloons lined up to ignite their burners, so they can glow bright for the crowd at 7:15 pm. It’s a sight to behold.
RAL: What is the environment like?
DS: In the beautiful outdoor setting of Chatfield State Park, located between the lake filled with boats and the foothills behind us. We are a photographer’s dream!
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
DS: This is a cherished, beloved, signature event in the Denver area. We raise funds and awareness for our Colorado State Parks and our Parks and Wildlife Department as well as many non-profits involved in the event.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
DS: The awe and inspirational beauty of the ascension of all these uniquely colored 75’ tall balloons is the most memorable experience. That combined with the breathtaking beauty of our event location and the opportunity for families to spend the day together, makes this event perfect for everyone. People plan their vacations to attend this event. It’s a magical experience for everyone involved.
For more information about the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival, please visit their website.