Labor Day weekend is almost here and that means it’s almost time for Great Pershing Balloon Derby 2019! 3 days, up to 45 balloons, and the US Women’s National Hot Air Balloon Championship: August 30th through September 2nd, 2019 just outside Brookfield, MO.
If you’re a fan of hot air balloons, you DO NOT want to miss the 43rd annual Great Pershing Balloon Derby!
This beloved, annual hot air balloon festival has been held every Labor Day weekend since 1977. In fact, the event has been recognized as the longest running, continually sanctioned ballooning event in the country. The popular three-day festival draws balloonists from every corner of the country; from Florida to the Pacific Northwest.
The 43rd annual Great Pershing Balloon Derby promises to be as exciting as ever with up to 45 balloons on hand. This year’s event is also hosting the 2019 US Women’s National Hot Air Balloon Championship. The Championship kicks things off on August 30th with competitive morning and evening flights.
South Main Night Flame & Nite Lites
August 30th is also the date for this year’s South Main Night Flame. South Main Night Flame is a special, evening event held in downtown Brookfield, MO. Hot air balloons are brought in to line the street for a night burn. If you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing a hot air “balloon glow” or night burn, you’re missing out.
During a night burn, pilots fill their balloons with just enough hot air to inflate them. The burners light the balloons and, against the contrast of the night sky, the colors pop magnificently. It really is a magnificent spectacle, especially with more than one balloon!
Saturday and Sunday night’s planned Nite Lite events will provide a similar “balloon glow” scene.
The derby also includes vendors, a flea market, food and drink, parade, and more. Visit www.pershingballoonderby.com for further details. You can also follow this event on Facebook.
Great Pershing Balloon Derby 2019 Schedule of Events
Friday, August 30th
7:15am – National Hot Air Balloon Championships
6pm – National Hot Air Balloon Championships
7:30pm – South Main Night Flame
Saturday, August 31st
7:15am – Balloon Derby, John Petrehn Memorial Cup Flight, National Hot Air Balloon Championships
9am to 3:30pm – Vendors, flea market, food, drink, and more
9:30am – “Lil Tykes Rolling to the Derby” Decorating Contest
12pm – Balloon Derby Parade
4pm – Launch site gates open
6pm – Balloon Derby, National Hot Air Balloon Championships
7pm – Nite Lite
Sunday, September 1st
7:15am – Balloon Derby, National Hot Air Balloon Championships
4pm – Launch site gates open
6pm – Balloon Derby, National Hot Air Balloon Championships
7:30pm – Nite Lite
Monday, September 2nd
7:15am – Balloon Derby, National Hot Air Balloon Championships
Missouri Lodging
Missouri’s a big state. No matter where you are, there’s always something amazing and fun to see or do. The same is true of Missouri lodging. No matter where your Missouri getaway takes you, you can rest assured that there’s a Missouri Bed and Breakfast somewhere nearby. A Missouri Inn is your best bet for real service, value, and the kind of honest hospitality you simply won’t receive at a chain hotel or motel. Book your Missouri home away from home today!