Carly has lived in Colorado Springs most of her life and has never been to Labor Day Lift Off—until now. To get her prepped, we brought back insider Lauren DeMarco from Colorado Springs Sports Corp, who shares the stories you won’t hear in the news.

We’re talking balloons dipping into Prospect Lake at sunrise, pilots crisscrossing the sky while chase vans scramble to find where they’ll land, the jaw-dropping drone show that lights up the night, and so much more. Lauren also spills on the pastry-fueled early mornings, the surprising year-round planning, and the sheer joy of 200,000 people turning into kids again as the balloons lift off.

If you thought Labor Day Lift Off was just a photo op, think again. This insider’s guide shows you the traditions and magic that make it one of Colorado Springs’ most unforgettable weekends.

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