As a perk of Maryville’s sponsorship of St. Louis’ annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race held in September, six pilots inflated their hot air balloons on Commencement Lawn two days before the event. They allowed onlookers to get a closer look and ask questions, then lifted off for a pre-race flight. The exclusive event was staged as a surprise for the Maryville community and featured the Maryville balloon, which came in third place during the main race on the following Saturday.