Arizona Balloon Classic

Sunday, November 20, 2011
We spent the better part of the weekend at the inaugural Arizona Balloon Classic and it was amazing!


My nephew and I arrived early Saturday morning armed with our cameras hoping to get up close and get some fun shots. We weren't disappointed.






My nephew and I had so much fun that I decided to drag Jason and the boys out of bed at the crack of dawn and do it all over again on Sunday morning. Totally worth it.










Definitely a new yearly tradition for us.

Update: I just got back from dropping Finley off at school and heard that his teacher and several of my mom friends were angry at how this event was pulled off - like letter writing and phone call angry. They all went on Saturday night, and like the commenter below, were super disappointed at the lack of fulfilled promises from the Arizona Balloon Classic website. They had to wait in crazy long lines just to see five balloons. Their facebook page reflects the same feedback from those who went on Saturday night. Although there were definitely some glitches (which I expect from a first year event), we had the opposite experience by going early in the morning. Hopefully, the ABC folks will take a serious listen to the feedback so they can improve and make this a more successful event for *all* attendees next year.

7 comments:

Kara said...

Awesome! Wish I had known! I will def look for it next year. Great pics.

Grace said...

Kara, it was so fun. The girls would love it!! The best part is that kids 5 and under are free. ;)

Anonymous said...

We went around 4 PM Saturday night and the traffic was a nightmare. Then it took us 45 minutes standing in line to get a sandwich. The kettle corn people had to close down early because they ran out. There were only 5 hot air balloons there to see. The only cool things were the sky divers and fireworks. I think we will skip it next year.

Grace said...

@Anonymous, I have heard that same feedback from others. It sounds like there was a huge difference between the morning and night experience. We went at sunrise both days and it wasn't nearly as crowded. Although there weren't the 50 balloons advertised there were a good number and we really enjoyed ourselves - so much so that I went two days in a row. Good thing we didn't go in the evening or I probably would have been disappointed like you are. Since it was the first year, I'm sure they've learned a lot and hopefully they'll take the feedback and improve on it.

Ninali said...

G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S pictures!! Looks like a ton of fun and way to rock your camera lady!

Grace said...

That means to much to me, Ninali! I had so much fun there trying to get some good shots. xo

Laura said...

These are such beautiful and fun shots, Gracie! Looks like a totally fun event--glad you were able to go in the mornings and miss what seems to have been a few glitches. I would totally LOVE to go with you all next year!! Looks pretty magical!!

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