(Emily Kong | Student Life)

On the weekend of Sept. 21, thousands of people flocked to view two days of The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race events. Starting in 1973 with only seven balloons, this year marked the 52nd anniversary of the event and featured upwards of 50.

The Balloon Glow began celebrations on Friday, Sept. 20. Food trucks, activities, inflatables, and games kept visitors entertained until sunset, after which the Balloon Glow was planned to begin. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather and lightning, the balloons were not released from their tethers until later than anticipated. However, shortly after 8 p.m., the balloons’ ropes were extended, and the balloons took to the sky. The night ended with a fireworks show.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, WashU hosted DJ Reggie for a midday set to celebrate the history of the Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race. The Balloon Race began in the early evening despite the fear that the weather would again hinder the festivities. PNC Bank led the pack, while others such as Barnes-Jewish Hospital, WashU, Post-Dispatch, Purina, and the St. Louis Magazine followed behind in waves.

This year, the PNC Bank balloon was the “hare” to the other balloons’ “hound.” The “hare” begins the race and once it lands, its team draws a target on the ground. The rest of the balloons then drop bean bags from the air, and whichever team lands their bean bag closest to that target wins. The first-place winner of the 52nd Balloon Race was Joe Nusrala, at 97 feet from the target, followed by Carlton Sumner in second place and Dan Gerbus in third, at 110 and 136 feet away, respectively.