The first day of Labor Day Lift Off was a success, with more than 70 balloons taking flight Saturday morning. This year, there are anniversaries galore, as the United States celebrates 250 years, Colorado celebrates 150 years and the Lift Off celebrates 50 years.

The event was previously held in Black Forest, about 30 minutes north of Colorado Springs, but then moved to Colorado Springs’ Memorial Park as its popularity grew. Today, it draws thousands to the city and is the largest hot air balloon festival in Colorado.

For Andrew and Caitlin DeLucio, the artistic talent showcased on all the balloons was their favorite part of the event. The military family of three moved to Colorado in July and said coming to the Lift Off after the move was very nice.

“The creativity of people is definitely special to see,” Caitlin DeLucio said, going on to describe herself as a hot-air balloon junkie. “Only a little bit has changed … (the Lift Off) is a breath of fresh air and happiness.”

She had attended once before, but estimated it had been about 15 years.  

Their young daughter said she wanted to go up in a hot-air balloon, surprising both parents. Her favorite balloons were two llama-themed balloons and two “monsters” that did not fly early in the morning, she said.

Though roughly 70 balloons took flight, some remained grounded as they were static displays. One, called “La Ristra,” is piloted by Jacob Little and owned by the Rainbow Ryders, was being deflated and stowed after the morning liftoff. The balloon’s red envelope — the inflatable part of the balloon — dwarfed the crew of 10 wrestling it down.

Packing La Ristra, fashioned to look like a bundle of red chili peppers, is more difficult than packing a traditionally shaped balloon, said Kiana Manchester, a volunteer with the Rainbow Ryders. While traditional balloons take one person about 15 minutes to pack, La Ristra can take up to an hour, Manchester added.

“This one is unique since it has a lot of vents … every pepper has a vent and it’s very difficult to fold,” she said. “It’s a labor of love, but we all love it.”

Manchester is volunteering at her first Labor Day Lift Off but she’s been a crew member with the Rainbow Ryders for about a year, she said.

Labor Day Lift Off continues Sunday and Monday with morning and evening sessions. For a full schedule, check out the Labor Day Lift Off website: https://coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com/