Shreveport Gears Up for the 2024 CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally
By Makenzie Boucher, Shreveport Times
What to Know About the Event
Excitement is building in Shreveport as the city prepares to host the highly anticipated 2024 CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally this weekend. The annual event, organized by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, will take place at the Louisiana Downs Racetrack and Casino, promising a fun-filled experience for attendees of all ages.
“We are thrilled to provide another fantastic opportunity for our community that is truly family-friendly,” said Stacy Brown, President of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. Sara Nelms, Director of Sports at the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, added, “We’ve been diligently preparing for this event, and we can’t wait to unveil what we have in store for everyone. Come out with your family, enjoy a tethered balloon ride, and witness the colorful spectacle over Shreveport-Bossier.”
Event Highlights
The CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally will feature the Louisiana Ballooning State Championship, showcasing up to 25 of the nation’s top balloon pilots vying for the grand prize and the title of Louisiana Ballooning Champion. Attendees can look forward to live music performances by Hidden Tracks, Dirt Road Troubadours, Total Choice, and The Hollow Decks.
Additionally, the festival will include balloon glows, tethered balloon rides, the AEP SWEPCO Kids Zone, craft vendors from the Bossier City Farmers Market, and a fireworks display sponsored by Team Logic IT and Stuart’s Integrated Systems.
Ticket Information
General admission: $5 for ages 6 and above, free entry for children under 5.
Military with valid ID: Enjoy FREE admission, courtesy of Shreveport Regional Airport.
Tethered balloon rides: $25 (CASH only).
Parking: Free parking provided by A Brighter Smile Dental Care.
Event Schedule
For those interested in watching the balloons soar over both Shreveport and Bossier City, the balloons will take flight from approximately 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. daily. Hot air balloon pilot Pat Harwell expressed optimism about the weather conditions, stating, “This is really the best weather picture that I have seen in four years.”
To track the exact location of the balloon flight each morning, be sure to check the CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally Facebook page.
About the Author
Makenzie Boucher is a dedicated reporter with the Shreveport Times. For inquiries, contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.