Boise, ID (CBS2) — The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic is an amazing event that brings fifty hot air balloons to the Boise skyline each August, but did you know that the Spirit of Boise has more than just balloons?
CBS2's Sophia Domani spoke with the owners of Discover Balloons Souvenir Shop.
Patty and her husband Doug started their business 45 years ago after they went to a hot air balloon event and noticed there was nothing but coffee and donuts for sale.
"45 years ago we were at a small balloon event and we looked around and I said do you see anything? and I said yeah there's coffee and donuts for sale here, there's nothing else to buy. So we started manufacturing hot air balloons and traveling around, We're hot air balloon pilots, so we traveled around and sold hot air balloon souvenirs and we have grown to the largest hot air balloon business in the world" says Doug.
The couple travels the world selling their hot air balloon souvenirs at balloon events. Patty and Doug say there is nothing quite like the Spirit of Boise, saying that it is second only to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta where 600 balloons fill the skies over a ten-day span.
"Oh, this is our favorite. the people are so nice I mean look at them. They waited in line and they don't complain! I mean some people will wait an hour and a half and they're still friendly and there's no problems so yeah this is the best."
Hundreds of people line up to buy hot air balloon souvenirs at the Discover Balloon Souvenir Shop which has so many options from t-shirts to ornaments, wind chimes to their most popular item, the inflatable balloons.
Doug says that the first time they came to the Spirit of Boise they were shocked at their sales and they have only grown from there.
If you haven't visited the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic or you forgot your souvenir don't worry there is still time. The event goes until Sunday with the Nite Glow happening Friday night.
ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmpaeTlrlwuc6rnGasn2LAprGMrZ%2Bapl2fwrTAjJuYpaSfpLu0ecCtZK2glWLAsbXRoqtmp5Zir7C10p5km5mcobywuoyco5qro56w