BOISE -- It was a larger than expected turnout at the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic Sunday, but those spectators left in disappointment as high winds forced the hot air balloons to stay grounded.
While weather may have put a damper on the Sunday morning flights, organizers on the other hand, said they are thankful they were able to fly as much as they did.
"The wind was blowing, and we can't fly balloons when the wind is blowing," said Scott Spencer, who organized the event. "It was strictly a safety call, while we feel terrible we didn't get to fly, we had a great crowd. We're equally thankful we had three great days of flying and a fantastic night glow last night."
Organizers had been monitoring the weather situation since 3 a.m., and they realized early that flying Sunday morning wasn't going to be an option.
"It happens, we're just really thankful about the flights we got. Today was an optional flight for the guys, we were really flattered they all showed up to make the optional flight. We actually ended last night after the glow. So it was very flattering for them to want to stick around when they should be on the road headed home, they stayed and tried to fly," Spencer said.
The size of the crowds that showed up throughout the entire balloon classic event was much bigger than organizers were expecting, and Spencer said even Sundays crowd was bigger than years past, "Our turnout all week has been much higher than expected, I couldn't be happier, and humbled by the whole thing, it's just been fantastic."
So will there be another Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic next year? Scott Spencer said has no idea, but a lot of people have been asking that question.
