Magical Idaho Event Draws Crowds from as Far as Utah, Washington

If you can believe it--summer doesn't have much time left. If felt like summer showed up a little bit late this year, but made up for the tardiness with plenty of 100 or more degree days and some smokey skies to go along with them. Now, as most of summer is behind us--September is creeping up, which ushers in one of Boise's most magical events: The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic.

It doesn't matter where you look--when you see reading or marketing materials for Boise, Idaho they almost always include hot air balloons--and those shots are from this very event that really lives on year-round.

But what if you aren't in Boise all of the time to see these photos? It turns out: the secret is out and people from all over want to see our balloons!

With the event having kicked off this week--we have a chance for you to prep and study up before the balloons take flight.

Here in Boise we know what to expect from the Spirit of Boise balloon classic--but we've met many this week that have traveled to town to be a part of this: from Utah, Washington, and even New Hampshire!

Ready to take a sneak peek and see which balloons will be over the Boise skies this week?

Those are some very special balloons! Which are you most excited to see??

There is something magical about the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic. During the week, there are early morning balloon launches that hundreds gather to watch--how often do you get to see something like that!? Then, on Friday evening, the iconic 'Night Glow' event offers an up close and personal view of the Spirit of Boise's balloons, inflating and lighting up from the ground, in the dark of night! It's amazing!

Here are the details for the remainder of this year's event:

• Friday, August 30th: VIP Day & Night Glow
• Saturday, August 31st: Dawn Patrol
• Sunday, September 1st: The Last Dance

Take a look at our personal favorite: Baby T-Rex, below: