The Great Forest Park Balloon Race
Energizer® presents the 39th anniversary of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race on September 16-18, 2011. The Balloon Glow will be on Friday evening. The glow will be on Central Field (the site of the Race) and will be a walk through event only -- not a drive through event. The Balloon Race will take place on Central Field by the Jewel Box in Forest Park, on Saturday afternoon. Click here for maps of the locations. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is free and open to the public.

Friday, September 16, 2011
BALLOON GLOW -- Central Field-- 7:00pm to 8:30pm
The Balloon Glow offers spectators a breathtaking view of inflated balloons lighted by their burners. Get up close and walk around the balloons. Refreshments and Food are available. The event will conclude with the PNC Bank fireworks finale display beginning at approximately 9pm.

Saturday, September 17, 2011
BALLOON RACE -- Central Field-- 12:00pm to 6:30pm
Spend your day in beautiful Forest Park and help celebrate the 20th Birthday of the Energizer Bunny. The Purina Children's Entertainment area is filled with pony rides, games, and other activities for kids. The Entertainment Stage features a variety of local talent. During the Photo contest the public can enter the balloon field and take pictures of their favorite balloons. Prizes will be awarded for the best photographs. The Skydiving Team performs and lands in the center of the launch field. The race begins when the Energizer Bunny Balloon takes off ahead of the pack. 70 "hound" balloons then launch in pursuit. The balloon dropping a birdseed baggie closest to the Energizer Bunny Balloon will be declared the winner.

   12:00pm: Festivities begin! Purina Children's Entertainment
                  Area & Incredible Dogs,.. Food Courts...Pony Rides...
                  Farmers Insurance Kids ID... Huge human chess
                  board... Stages... Energizer Bunny ears...More.
   1:00pm: AT&T Entertainment Stage Opens
   2:00pm: Wehrenberg/Suburban Journals Photo Contest details                
   3:00pm: Skydivers
   3:30pm: Opening Ceremonies
   4:30pm: Energizer Hot "Hare" Balloon Launch
   4:45pm: "Hound" Balloon Launch begins

Sunday, September 18, 2011
WEATHER DATE- In case the race is weathered out on Saturday, September 17, it will be rescheduled for Sunday, September 18.

The 2012 Race
Already want to know the dates of the 2012 race? It will take place on September 14-16, 2012.