Wed Jul 15

Riverton Rendezvous, July 17-19, 2015

Written by: Pitch Engine

Riverton, WY - The Riverton Rendezvous celebrates 35 years this July. Watch 26 balloons take off from the CWC soccer fields around 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19. The action happens quickly so get there early. Walk around and see the action up close or bring a lawn chair or blanket. With names like Purple Haze, Feelin’ Groovy and Diamond Eyez you can imagine the dizzying display of colors. The pilots come from all over the US - Texas, New Mexico, Kentucky, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming.

Didn’t have time for breakfast? Eat pancakes at the Kiwanis Family Breakfast right near the launch field beginning at 6 a.m. Free tethered balloon rides begin at 7 a.m.

Action packed Weekend

There’s plenty to do all weekend and the action starts off Friday night with the Rocky Mountain Car & Bike Friday Night Cruise. The parade begins at 6 pm in the K-Mart parking lot and ends in downtown Riverton for an epic street party with food, vendors, and the tire burnout.

Saturday after the balloon rally head to CWC South Lawn for the 10^th Annual Rocky Mountain Car & Bike Show, Swap Meet and Auto Cross Racing from 11-4 p.m. Get some Redneck BBQ for lunch or enjoy a polish hotdog and support the Marine Corps scholarship program. There’s plenty for the kids to do at the Rugrat Carnival - bounce houses, water slides and carnival games, with proceeds benefiting the Wind River Avian Rescue.

Make your way to the Wind River Heritage Center for the 4^th Annual Festival of the Mountain Man from 10-4 p.m. Enjoy arts, handmade crafts, a costume contest, and a Dutch oven cook-off. The favorite might be the mountain man skills contests which include trap setting, fire starting, coyote calling and a buffalo pie throw.

Finish the evening with the Balloon Glow at the CWC soccer launch field at 8 p.m. and fireworks at Airport Hill at 10 p.m.

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

Schedule

Friday, July 17Media Day Balloon Launch 6 a.m. CWC Launch Field, 2660 Peck AveFriday Night Cruise 6 p.m. Starts at K-Mart, 1960 N. Federal Blvd.

Saturday, July 18Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 6 a.m. CWC Launch FieldBalloon Launch 6 a.m. CWC Launch FieldTethered Balloon Rides 7 a.m. CWC Launch FieldCar and Bike Show, Swap Meet, Auto Cross Racing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. CWC South LawnRedneck BBQ Festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m. CWC South LawnWind River Heritage Center Activities 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1075 S. Federal Blvd.Balloon Glow 8 p.m. CWC Launch FieldRendezvous Fireworks 10 p.m. Airport Hill

Sunday, July 19Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 6 a.m. CWC Launch FieldBalloon Launch 6 a.m. CWC Launch FieldTethered Balloon Rides 7 a.m. CWC Launch Field

For more information:307-856-4801, patricia.newlin@gmail.comwww.rivertonrendezvous.com

How it All Started

Riverton Rendezvous began in 1981 when the community was looking for a special event to commemorate its 75^th 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 Redneck 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.

For a complete calendar of events go to www.windriver.org/calendar, or to request a vacation packet, please visit us at Wind River Country or call 800-645-6233.

Keep in touch with Wind River Country

Authors: Pitch Engine