Small Colorado Town Set to Go Up, Big and Fun With 2024 Hot Air Balloon Launch

For the second year in a row, Erie, Colorado, will be holding its annual Hot Air Balloon Launch on a weekend much further out than when it once was.

Hopefully, this year won't see the wind calamity of 2023.

Prior to 2023, the Erie Hot Air Balloon Launch was a part of the Town Fair; in 2023, they moved the three-day event into June. Then, that June event had to be postponed because of all the rain the state was getting (remember how we just seemed to lose all of June?).

Even with the July 2023 event, the Erie Hot Air Balloon Launch had to deal with the weather, as strong winds made things difficult.

One person was injured when a balloon that left Eerie made a rough landing in Lafayette.

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With hot air ballooning dating back to 1783, the activity was just a year old when Erie was incorporated, in 1874. You can picture hot air balloons over a rustic, rural area of Colorado; if it did happen back then, it must have looked great.

Erie Resides in Two Colorado Counties

About 30,000 people live in Erie; most live in the Weld County portion, with some living in the Boulder County portion.

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When Will the Erie Hot Air Balloon Launch Be in 2024?

The town has scheduled the balloon launch for July 12 through July 14. The Town Fair will be held on May 18, 2024.

Though they are still working on the exact details for the 2024 launch, it probably won't be much different than 2023:

• Hours: 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Weather permitting).
• July 12, 13, 14, 2024.
• Location: County Road 5 at Colliers Parkway (West of Soaring Heights Middle School).