The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Poll: Given the site challenges, is the Balloon Rodeo something that should continue in Steamboat?

Given the site challenges, is the Balloon Rodeo something that should continue in Steamboat?

Response		Percent	Votes
Yes		75%	274
No		24%	88
Total	362

Note: This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

Community comments

Note: The Steamboat Pilot & Today doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy.

WZ (anonymous)
July 8, 2007 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There's enough damn people and tourist in this over populated "small, centrally isolated, town" already. Go to Albuquerque, tourists and locals alike, if you need to see hot air balloons, for crying out loud. We came to Steamboat to get *away* from all that stuff. Let's keep it that way.

tkdman (anonymous)
July 8, 2007 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

quit over building in Cookville and we would still have room to land the balloons

kielbasa (Matthew Stoddard)
July 8, 2007 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"We came to Steamboat to get *away* from all that stuff."

I wonder how many people said that before you or I got here, WZ. Considering the Balloon Rodeo has been going on almost as long as I've lived here, it was here long before a majority of Steamboat.

paddlefisher (anonymous)
July 8, 2007 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well lets see we've lost The Vintage Auto Race due to development,The Vintage Motorcycle Race for the same reason...so heck why not make it a tri fecta..I truely enjoyed all three very much it was fun to watch this weekend but a real pain in the hinder....wonder how some of the balloonist felt about the set up..i guess next years attendance will be the tale tale

stompk (anonymous)
July 8, 2007 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was just wondering, who owns Steamboat?

knowitall (anonymous)
July 9, 2007 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the balloon fest has always been LAME here... there is plenty to do without that particular event... and yes, go to albuquerque to see the real deal... it is cool and well done...

janagnos (anonymous)
July 9, 2007 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It always bums me out how negative so many of these comments are and how negative so many of our 'locals' are. If it's so bad here just move or quit complaining. I'm sick of hearing it.

corduroy (anonymous)
July 9, 2007 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the balloon rodeo is beautiful! WE used to have small balloon festivals like this all the time in Upstate NY where I moved from. Who cares if its not "the big balloon fest" its still a lot of balloons all at once which is still something not everyone gets to see.

I agree with janagnos. Stop complaining and get out there and do something about the things that you aren't happy about!

elphaba (anonymous)
July 9, 2007 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The balloon rodeo should be held at the airport - that is the logical site and would work very well. It's only the City's negative attitude toward this facility that prevents the problem being solved.

wzJohn (anonymous)
July 9, 2007 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's all we need to do, get rid of everything that made Steamboat what it is today. It's a tourist town, everyone knew that when they moved here or grew up here. We lost a great thing when the vintage races left, for tourists and locals alike. If we keep going in this direction we will be nothing more than a byway gas stop on the way to Utah.

aristocat (anonymous)
July 9, 2007 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My momma always said that you should make a positive out of a negative, like when your handed lemons make lemonaid. With all the hot air in Routt County why shouldn't we take advantage of it for the beautiful balloons!

stunnedindaboat (anonymous)
July 10, 2007 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have lived here for 46 years (born here). The Ballon Rodeo has always ben a great family event we enjoy every year. I think the airport is a good idea as well. If you don't like it, don't go to it, deal with it or move. I remember when the "new Safeway" was being built at highway 40 and Pine Grove Road, nothing but comlaints, same with Central Park Plaza.....growth will continue and has to continue as long as people keep moving here for "what Steamboat is today".

steamboatlover (anonymous)
July 12, 2007 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here Here Stunnedindaboat! For those that aren't "newbies" in the community, and even when we were, remember, as Hazie said it best..."we let you in."

And as WZ referenced Albuquerque...was there for 2000 and flew. It was magnificent, but there is something about a small event in our beautiful mountain town. If you don't like it, no one is stopping you from leaving. The event is over 25 years old and should stay in Steamboat...we just need a new location and the airport would be ideal. That needs to be addressed by the Chamber at some point.

RoxyDad (anonymous)
July 12, 2007 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I came to steamboat for the activities such as the Balloon Rodeo. I enjoyed the event and had no problems getting there Sunday at 6:00 AM.
It was great to see the Balloons dip into the lake and go back up.
Please Keep Balloons in Steamboat.

LookoutJoe (anonymous)
July 14, 2007 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tkdman, i'm with you. GIVE US OUR DAMN TOWN BACK JIM COOK!!!!!!!! rich, arrogant, and he owns half of the town. im going to whitefish

LookoutJoe (anonymous)
July 14, 2007 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

anyways, i love the balloon rodeo, broke my heart when the building started at meadows. it was great there. it can stay, but it will never be the same as it was, but if people want to still see it, groovy. and to Stunnedindaboat, is it strange to you when people complain and gripe over beautiful open meadows and forest being trashed to make buildings? just seeing, cause it bugs me