29th Annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo & 35th Annual Art in the Park 
July 11-12, 2009 

Join Bank of the West at Steamboat’s most colorful weekend - a festival of vibrant colors and art - this is one of the most anticipated weekends of the summer.  The 29th Annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo combined with the 35th Annual Art in the Park have become a staple of Steamboat in the Summertime. Join us for this spectacular early-morning affair with over 40 hot air balloons rising softly from the mist and drifting over the valley. Later make your way over to West Lincoln Park for Steamboat's biggest arts and crafts festival. Art in the Park on Saturday is from 9-5pm and Sunday 9-4pm. Mark your calendars because this weekend is an absolute favorite for the entire family!

For the ultimate experience, you are invited to join us on the launch field and watch the pilots prepare for take off! This is a great photography opportunity.

Location: approximately 9/10 of a mile south of Walton Creek Road on Highway 40. The physical address is: 35565 South Highway 40 and the property is better known as the Bald Eagle Lake or Water Ski Lake. There is NO PUBLIC PARKING at the event. *FREE TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED FROM THE MEADOWS PARKING LOT. There will be vendors selling souvenirs, coffee and breakfast items on the launch field so plan to come on down and check out the balloons inflating.

*Parking is FREE for the Saturday and Sunday morning. Park at the Meadows parking lot on Pine Grove Road. Transportation from the Meadows Lot to the event is also FREE.

Because of the event's convenient location on the edge of town, we encourage spectators walk, ride their bikes or take the shuttle from the hotel or lodge.

Preliminary Weekend Schedule: (subject to change)

Friday, July 10, 2009
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.   Pilot Check-In at the Steamboat Springs Airport (no public access)
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.   Pilot Sponsor BBQ at the Steamboat Springs Airport (no public access)
7:30 p.m.   Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series at Romick Arena in downtown Steamboat Springs
 
Saturday, July 11, 2009
6:00 a.m.   Launch Field opens to the Public and transportation begins from the Meadows parking Lot
7:00 a.m.   Balloon Inflation
7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.   Hot Air Balloon Rodeo - Join us at Ed MacArthur's Bald Eagle Lake to watch over 40 balloons take off over the Yampa Valley.
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.   35th Annual Art in the Park at the West Lincoln Park, to register visit www.steamboatspringsarts.com or call 970-879-9008
7:30 p.m. – Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series at Romick Arena in downtown Steamboat Springs
 
Sunday, July 12, 2009
6:00 a.m.   Launch Field opens to the Public and transportation begins from the Meadows parking Lot
7:00 a.m.   Balloon Inflation
7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.   Hot Air Balloon Rodeo presented - Join us at Ed MacArthur's Bald Eagle Lake to watch over 40 balloons take off over the Yampa Valley.
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – 35th Annual Art in the Park at the West Lincoln Park 

Volunteer Experience: 

We are looking for 8 volunteers that can work both Saturday and Sunday.  No experience is necessary! You can help over 40 hot air balloons launch over the Yampa Valley.  If you are not into the Balloon crew or can only commit one day, become a judge in the exciting Splash and Dash competition where the hot air balloons dip into the water to get judged on biggest splash and longest dash!  All volunteers will receive a free 29th Annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo t-shirt and breakfast.  For more information about volunteering please contact Kristi at 970-875-7006 or kristi@steamboatchamber.com