Richmond Rose Garden volunteers organized the 10th 1stBLOOM&GLOW on Thursday, June 6, 2024. The event celebrates the first blooms on the garden’s hundreds of rose bushes and raises money to maintain them.
After a sold out garden gala including food from area restaurants and caterers, onlookers enjoyed watching several hot air balloons inflate on Glen Miller Park’s golf course. High-powered fans created the initial burst of expansion and then super-heated air was blown in to cause the balloons to rise as crews manage ropes and equipment.
The event was originally scheduled to take place Wednesday, but forecasted heavy rains prompted organizers to shift dates. Partly cloudy skies and a warm — but dry — summer night welcomed residents to Glen Miller Park’s golf course and walking trails.
Photos by Chris Hardie
A version of this article appeared in the June 12 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.