ST. LOUIS - The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is set to return for its 53rd year this weekend, filling the sky with a multitude of hot air balloons.

The free, two day event will return to Forest Park's Emerson Central Fields on Sept. 19 and 20. The event is one of the longest-running hot air balloon races in the U.S. and one of the only races to take place in a large metropolitan city.

The event will kick off Friday, Sept. 19 with a "Glow" event, showcasing the illumination of the hot air balloons.

Forest Park's Emerson Central Fields will open to the public at 5 p.m. on Friday with entertainment on the Newground International Main Stage ahead of the glow from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. The event will be followed up by the Chuters U.S. Veteran Parachute Team taking flight at 9 p.m., before capp

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