Boise River Festival

by Warren Hardaker

The Boise River Festival is an 18-ring circus, with the "Wildhorse Casino Resort Balloon Rally" just one of dozens of exciting, free events held at various locations throughout the city during five fun-filled days. After the balloon is packed up and the tailgate munchies put away, pilots and crew have an overwhelming array of activities from which to choose. Forget the naps, because throughout the day you have face painting; flower and art shows; an air show; golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball and softball tournaments; museum exhibits; a carnival; music acts on stage; and interesting food to check out. (We saw alligator on a stick, ostrich hot-dogs, buffalo burgers, and a unique ice cream concoction that looked like an Idaho baked potato.)

Thursday through Saturday nights there are free concerts with name entertainers (this year it was country star Tracy Byrd, R&B singer Peabo Bryson, and the needs-no-adjective Chubby Checker), and on Friday and Saturday nights a "Nite-Lite Parade" with spectacular lighted floats.

All this, plus rivers and lakes for splash and dash and huge expanses of treeless lawn or large, empty parking lots to land in. And, at least this year, good weather Friday through Sunday, despite gloomy forecasts, golf ball-sized hail and flash flood warnings earlier in the week. Plus a dress-up pilots dinner on Friday night that brought out the spiffy evening duds, including several tuxes and at least two kilts.

There was no balloon competition Friday through Sunday, but plenty of flying time for the 80 or so regular balloons and shapes like the Energizer Bunny, Dino the Dinosaur, Humpty Dumpty and Arky. And the smiles were bright on the faces of the dozen or so children who got surprise tether rides at the landing sites. They were also smiling Saturday at the Niteglow, which featured a special appearance, direct from Disneyland, by Mickey Mouse! (The only downside of night events in Boise is that it doesn't get dark until 10 p.m. at that latitude, so you have to sleep VERY fast between midnight and 5 a.m.!)

Thanks to Balloonmeisters Scott and Laurie Spencer and their helpers for their hard work, and the city of Boise for its hospitality.