As I browsed through my various social media accounts during multiple homework breaks, I noticed so many photos from the balloon race a few weekends ago. Sadly I was unable to participate in the festivities myself though compared to last year, my experience was quite the opposite. Last year I entered a contest/drawing to have the chance of working with Fontbonne’s hot air balloon on the day of the balloon race. Four people were selected, including myself to work with the hot air balloon. The neat thing about each of the people picked is that they were part of my freshman class at the same time. In addition to the four of us, another person was chosen to ride in our hot air balloon.
The weather that day was so windy our pilot decided that it would not be a good idea to fly because landing would be very difficult, even with his experience. Even though we did not release the balloon, it was an amazing day anyway. There were so many people present see all of the balloons filled with hot air, as well as some of the few that did release into the horizon. I do not remember exactly how many balloons there were last year but I do know that at least 60 balloons were present this year. The Energizer bunny balloon was so huge, I could barely believe its actual size. At one point when we had the balloon filled with hot air, I got in the basket to add weight to it, even though there was a rope from the balloon attached to a larger pickup truck, I felt as if I was going to blow away like everything else that day. Overall though, if I could relive that adventurous day, I would in a heartbeat. I highly suggest that anyone who has not attended the St.Louis Balloon Race in the past should take a leap of faith and see the wondrous sights!
When I heard about the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow, I was really excited: I have always wanted to see the big balloons! This Fall Spirit Week was full of fun events and I was lucky to be able to go to the Cardinal’s game on Tuesday and the Balloon Glow festival on Friday.
A group of friends and I walked together to Forest Park; it was a long walk, but the park is really beautiful, and it gave me the opportunity to see the Boathouse, the Art Museum and the fountain. We even saw a bride and groom taking pictures!
After some hours of waiting, all the balloons where finally there; we even had our own Fontbonne balloon with a picture of Gunner. However, the best part was nightfall, when all the balloons gleam at the same time! Walking between the balloons was breathtaking, and trying to capture the moment with a camera was quite challenging! It was one of those moments you have to record in your memory.
I am really happy to have had this experience and I look forward to discovering other fun festivities around St. Louis!
Fontbonne Balloon
Balloons and Fontbonne tent
This week is Fall Spirit Week at Fontbonne, and the theme is Helium Havoc! This means that everything is balloon-related in some way, shape or form. For example, there are balloons all around campus, they are playing the movie “Up” in the meadow on Friday, and this weekend, there is the Great Forest Park Balloon Race going on at Forest Park. Along with those there are also so many other fun events going on such as: Neon Volleyball tournament, Wild Country Wednesday, a night at the Cardinal’s game, and Dueling Pianos.
I went to Dueling Pianos on Monday night and it was such a blast! Two pianos were set up on stage facing each other, and there was one man playing/singing at each one. They would play songs (new ones and throwbacks) and just feed off of each other! The audience could requests songs for them to play as well, and people were up there dancing and singing along! It was by far my favorite event at Fontbonne so far!
Armed with a piano, a voice, and a full arsenal of popular songs, dueling pianos was a campus success. Helium Havoc, the school’s spirit week, has brought back a school tradition of two talented people battling with music. The experience gave a sense of comedy and entertainment, which filled the DSAC. The music’s high energy was contagious and filled the audience with the same energy. The highlight of the night, at least for me, was near the end when the familiar tune of “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls began to play. That is when the serenading began and everything got a whole lot funnier. Imagine one male being sung the iconic spice girls tune five females. The atmosphere was full of laughter and joking around, a much needed break.
The fun isn’t over yet, Helium Havoc week is alive and well up until the very end when the helium balloons illuminate the sky this Friday. This enchanting experience will happen in Forest Park beginning at 5 PM and is a sight you cannot pass up. This night is even more ‘up’lifting, as it is followed by a showing of the movie “Up” in the Golden Meadow. The whimsical week of school spirit week ends with a riveting helium balloon race Saturday, also in Forest Park. These opportunities and great experiences within the community of St. Louis cannot be passed up! So grab a group of friends and immerse yourself in the atmosphere that is school spirit week. Go griffins!
