Riverton, Wyoming Balloon Rally Celebrates 40 Years

The Riverton Rendezvous celebrates 40 years this month and it all starts on Saturday.

AW
Annaliese Wiederspahn

July 10, 20203 min read

Balloon rally

The Riverton Rendezvous celebrates 40 years this July and it all starts July 11.  For the main events watch 30 hot air balloons take off from the CWC soccer fields around 6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday July 18 and 19.   

The action happens quickly so get there early.  Spectators aren’t allowed to walk around the field this year, but you will still see plenty of colorful action.

With names like Sapphire Sunrise, Diamond Eyes, Confetti Pebbles, and Wild Thing you can imagine the dizzying display of colors. 

And the pilots come from all over  – Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Illinois and Wyoming.  Keep your eyes out for Beagle Maximus, the Beagle balloon.

Action Packed

Start the fun July 11th with Happy Days.  Music, fun and food will all be Downtown Riverton ending with a community street dance.  Start the Balloon Rally weekend with the Friday Night Rocky Mountain Car & Bike Night Cruise. The parade begins at 6 pm in the Sutherlands parking lot and ends in downtown Riverton for an epic street party.

Saturday after the balloon rally head to CWC South Lawn for the Annual Rocky Mountain Rebels Car & Bike Show from 8-4 pm.

Riverton Rendezvous Friday Night Cruise. Photo: Jennie Hutchinson

Riverton Rendezvous Friday Night Cruise. Photo: Jennie Hutchinson

Finish the evening with the Balloon Glow at the CWC soccer launch field at 8:30 pm and fireworks at Airport Hill at 10 pm.

Riverton Rendezvous is an action-packed weekend. Load up your family and take in the fun. Bring your lawn chair, camera and sunscreen.

Schedule

Saturday July 11

4-8 pm Riverton Happy Days- Sidwalk sales, kids activites, scavenger hunt, food trucks, chalk the walk, music jam and more.

8-11 pm Community Street Dance, Bar 10, Live Band Shuffle

Friday July 17

6 am Balloon Rally Media Day, CWC Launch Field

6 pm Friday Night Cruise Parade starts at Sutherlands and ends Downtown

Saturday, July 18

6 am Balloon Launch, CWC Launch Field

8-4 pm Car and Bike Show,  CWC South Lawn

8-4 pm Rocky Mountain Rebels AUTOCROSS, CWC South Lawn

8:30 pm Balloon Glow, CWC Launch Field

10 pm Fireworks, Airport Hill

Sunday, July 19

6 am Balloon Launch, CWC Launch Field

Please be mindful of others and some COVID-19 restrictions will apply.

For more information contact the Riverton Chamber of Commerce, 307-856-4801 or info@rivertonchamber.org

 Riverton Rendezvous Hot Air Balloon, Jennie Hutchinson

How it All Started

Riverton Rendezvous began in 1981 when the community was looking for a special event to commemorate its 75th anniversary. Bob Peck, publisher of the Riverton Ranger at that time, asked his son, George for ideas and he suggested a balloon rally. The Riverton Rendezvous was born.

Other events were scheduled and soon there was Day in the Park, Rail to Trails Music on the River Walk, Rocky Mountain Rebels Car & Bike show and the Red Neck BBQ.

Some famous people have graced the rally with their presence including Maxie Anderson who was the first balloonist to cross the Atlantic Ocean and the first to attempt an around the world flight.

Malcom Forbes brought his ‘Chateau de Balleroy”, a replica of the French Museum in France. This rally continues to be a favorite of hot air balloon pilots because of our stellar weather and the people of Riverton who welcome the pilots each year.

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Authors

AW

Annaliese Wiederspahn

State Political Reporter