The Great Forest Park Balloon Race

Happy 3.14 day, St. Louis! (Shout out to our friends in the 618, 636 and beyond, too ) We can’t wait to see you in September! The Great Forest Park Balloon Race planning team is working diligently with city and park officials on returning to Forest Park for its 49th annual event on Friday, September 17th (The Glow) and Saturday, September 18th (The Race). Covid-19 and safety plans will be in place, as needed. Our #GFPBR team is in close touch with city officials to discuss ...plans for the event, and we will adapt our plans for health and safety. Follow us on our social channels for updates and announcements. We are continually thankful to all of the essential workers, healthcare heroes, educators and those standing up for change who have lifted (and keep lifting) up St. Louis during these unique times. They are the reason we are able to keep moving forward and we hope to celebrate them in various ways again at the event this September. Additionally, we are eternally grateful to all of our event sponsors, pilots and partners their support during our planning process and commitment to helping keep The Great Forest Park Balloon Race a FREE, FAMILY, FUN event for all to enjoy is unmatched! We hope you and your families are staying healthy and we can’t wait to see you September 17 & 18, 2021 in Forest Park for the 49th annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race presented by PNC Bank. #LiftUpSTL #314daySTL #madeinSTL #GFPBR

Join us in wishing one of #GFPBR's founding partners a VERY happy birthday today! Hoping you have a great day & continued Soft Landings, Marlow! ... John Marlow #SoftLandings #GFPBR #LiftUpSTL

For nearly 50 years the gorgeous grounds of Forest Park have been home to The Great Forest Park Balloon Race. It's the perfect park for free, family fun so we were thrilled to learn USA TODAY named it one of the Top 10 "Best City Parks" in the nation! Vote with us to share the love and help Forest Park secure the #1 spot! https://www.10best.com//best-city-pa/forest-park-st-louis/ You can vote once a day through Feb. 15th at Noon. #LiftUpSTL #STLMade #ForestPark

Love lifts us up. ... #MLKDay #LiftUpSTL

Cheers to you, St. Louis tor all you did to lift each other up this year! Here’s hoping 2021 brings peace to those who are hurting, opportunities for big smiles and great family fun - and, of course, blue skies and soft landings. #liftupstl #nye #gfpbr

Taking a moment today to thank Mayor Lyda Krewson for her soon-to-be 24 years of service to the citizens and the City of St. Louis. We have so enjoyed collaborating with her as both an Alderwoman and Mayor to host the Great Forest Park Balloon Race. Wishing her soft landings and nothing but the best as she begins a new adventure. Thank you, Mayor Krewson, and congrats to you on your years of dedicated service helping to Lift Up St. Louis. #GFPBR #LiftUpSTL

Happy 55th Birthday, @gatewayarchstl! You’re always the best backdrop And, whether in town on a stay-cation or coming home from vacation...seeing you always helps Lift Up St. Louis!! #gatewayarch #LiftUpSTL #explorestlouis #STLMade ... Hot air balloon pictured is piloted by: John Schettler @gatewayarchstl @gatewayarchpark @in_thestl

We are EXTREMELY proud to introduce you to these inspiring St. Louisans. Take a minute to read their stories...these uplifting leaders represent all those who work tirelessly to keep our lives as normal as possible. #LiftUpSTL

Our tribute flights gave these newlyweds (and a few others) an extra special surprise & delight on their wedding day. Love this shot Cindy Lee Photography snapped of the happy couple wishing GFPBR pilot John Schettler a safe flight & soft landing. #LiftUpSTL

Views from a hot air balloon: St. Louis Cardinals (cardboard) nation has been patiently waiting for the team to return from their road trip & cheer Yadi to hit 2000 since our tribute flights last weekend! #LiftUpSTL #GoCards

Lift Up St. Louis Continues...With YOU! #LiftUpSTL

Our spirits are still soaring thinking about all of the tribute flights this weekend. Tell us who lifts YOU up! Take a moment today to post a photo & shoutout to someone in your life using #LiftUpSTL and PNC Bank will donate $25 to the great work the Urban League of St. Louis (ULSTL) does to uplift our communities - up to a total of $25,000! STLtoday