Hot air balloons lit up Friars Field on Thursday night as students, athletes, professors, alumni, families, and community members all gathered for Quincy University’s annual Balloon Glow.

The free event took place Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Friars Field to kick off Quincy University’s annual Homecoming weekend. This tradition brings the campus and the entire Quincy community together for an evening of music, friends, food, dancing, and the star of the show: glowing hot-air balloons.

“The balloon glow is super fun and I like to go with my teammates and I would describe it as magical.” said Talon Luttrell, men’s lacrosse player. 

There were food trucks set up against the Friers Field wall during the event. With choices of shaved ice, fair food, barbecue, pizza and drinks while also being able to spend time with friends and family.

Music was playing, so people were dancing and singing, while others were just talking and socializing. Students were also able to spend time with friends and families who were visiting. People watched the activities and walked around the field. This event also brings together people from different parts of the university, like the athletes, students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

“Ballon glow in my opinion is the best campus tradition. The event really brings campus and community together,” said Madison Whiting-Wagner, a student teacher.

Once the sun went down, that is when all of the attention went to the hot air balloons. The balloons were tied to the ground, and all got lit up after it got dark, which created a colorful display across Friars’ Field.

This is when the cameras came out; people were taking pictures and videos of the balloons as they lit up the field. The glow from the balloons added to the atmosphere as music continued and people gathered around to watch.

“I like the balloons because it’s a unique experience and I feel like it’s something you don’t get to see often.” said Anni Moran, a women’s lacrosse player.

At Quincy University, the Balloon Glow is an annual tradition that helps kick off the Homecoming weekend. The event was designed to bring the university and the community together with celebrating QU in mind.

This event also gives students a chance to take a break from their normal school and sports routines. Instead of spending their night in class or studying, students were able to spend time with their friends, families, and teammates, while eating food from local vendors and enjoying the activities and hot air balloons.

There were also lots of families and children, which made the event a community gathering rather than an event just for the students. There were Alumni who returned to campus for Homecoming and also had an opportunity to take part in the tradition again.

By the end of the night, Friars Field was a gathering place for members of the Quincy University and surrounding Quincy communities. The combination of food, music, dancing, and the glowing hot air balloons created a festive and welcoming atmosphere for the start of Homecoming weekend.

The Balloon Glow will continue to be one of Quincy University’s annual and colorful Homecoming traditions that brings people together to celebrate Quincy University and its community.