Balloon glow to light up Chaumette

Spectators gather on the lawn of Chaumette Winery to get an up-close and personal look at hot-air balloons illuminating the evening sky. (Chaumette Winery)

While Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer for many, on the local level, the annual balloon glow at Chaumette Winery could signify the herald of autumn.

This year’s glow is set for Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Chaumette is located at 24345 State Rte WW, Ste. Genevieve.

This family-friendly event not only features a small collection of giant, colorful, hot-air balloons, but award-winning food choices that can be either formal or informal. Dining at the Grapevine Grill is by reservation only, but a food tent will be available for grab-and-go service.

Admission is $10 per vehicle for guests who do not have a restaurant or villa reservation. For reservations for Chaumette’s Grapevine Grill or one of Chaumette’s luxury villas, people can call (573) 747-1000.

The balloons will remain tethered to the ground, which means everyone who attends will have the unique opportunity to take photos with their loved ones in front of the balloons. Visitors are encouraged to walk around these inflated marvels of aircraft for an up-close look amid stunning scenery.