29 years ago there was something called the River Festival that included a big music festival, river float, large fireworks display, and hot air balloon launch. That is just to name a few because I hear it was a non-stop party that went on for days. That ended in 2003 when it deemed not profitable.

I joined Peak Broadcasting about 12 years ago a few things were born. The Boise Music Festival began 10 years ago and the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic was created. You can say the ballooning event was more of an extension of once was. Scott Spencer (probably the best hot air balloon pilot you'll ever meet including his wife) and his Lighter Than Air American teamed up with Peak Broadcasting. That was the beginning of the new Balloon Class you now know as the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic.

Sidenote: Peak Broadcasting is now Townsquare Media with 103.5 Kissfm, Mix 106, Wow 104.3, Lite 107.9, KIDO 107.5 & 580 AM, 630 The Fan.

I've taken hundreds of photos and videos from this event. You can only snap so many balloons right? I still love it but my digital director challenged me when discussing this iconic event. He said balloons are great but the people are what's most important. I really thought about it and that's why these pilots fly these balloons. They do if for the families and it's evident when you see how much work they put into this week. I was tasked to find families and tell a story through photographs. Digital Dan (Digital Director) told me to forget the balloons and find the stories within the photographs.

I took a few, found a few and laughed at a few. Next year the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic will celebrate 30 years and I guarantee you see the largest display ever in the history Idaho. Scott Spencer is the only person to ever fly the iconic Mickey Mouse into the Grand Canyon. I'm sure he'll have a plan for the Summer of 2020.

Photo by: Kekeluv
Photo by: Kekeluv
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Photo by: Kekeluv
Photo by: Kekeluv
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Photo by: Kekeluv
Photo by: Kekeluv
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