Smokey Bear has a special place in the hearts of local people this summer because of the Waldo Canyon fire so he’s guaranteed to be a favorite at this weekend’s Colorado Balloon Classic.

Friends of the famous bear will fly a huge Smokey hot air balloon. At Memorial Park, a furry Smokey will be handing out coloring books and stickers with his friends from the National Forest Service. Will Smokey’s buddy Jerri Marr, the popular Forest Service supervisor who became the face of the wildfire coverage, be there? We’re not sure yet, but maybe.

Smokey’s balloon is just one of the 74 being flown during the annual Labor Day classic, along with 80 aircraft of every size.

“We are honored to have called Colorado Springs the home of the largest hot air balloon festival in the state for 36 years,” organizer Heather Benavidez said. “According tothe FAA, for at least five years, the city now also has the honor of being the home of the largest air show in the state.”

Among the most unusual balloons will be “Hummingbird Racer,” “Blue Eyes White Tiger,” a Cloud Hopper balloon called “Smile with Mickey” and “The Boy,” which is modeled after the helium gas balloon built for a transatlantic flight by Ed Yost.

The park will be filled with activities, including an opportunity for amateurs to take a hot-air balloon ride (which costs $295) and something a little closer to the ground, trips around the park via Segways ($5). Then it’s back up in the air for helicopter rides ($50).

Love those little VW Bugs? The Pikes Peak Volkswagen Club will have a car show from 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday. Bring your best VW “slug bug” story.

Prepare for something spontaneous at 6:30 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. Saturday. It’s a secret but bring your camera.

There are free concerts mornings and evenings, food vendors of every sort, paraglider and parachute team demonstrations and much more.

Check out all the info including the new VIP Membership packages with VIP parking: balloonclassic.com or call 471-4833.