COLORADO SPRINGS — As we launch into the 48th annual Labor Day Lift Off this weekend in Colorado Springs, we'll remember the man who helped run the show for nearly a decade.
Scott Appelman died at the age of 66 a few weeks ago.
Appelman helped launch the festival every year since 2015. He founded Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co. and managed Hot Apple Productions.
"Scott loved ballooning, loved sharing ballooning, he was a great pilot and just a great person to be around, he was always happy and really enthusiastic about what we were doing," said Rainbow Ryders chief pilot, Troy Bradley.
Those who worked closest to him told us, this year's festival will be in his honor.
"I know he's looking over us on this event because this meant so much to him to be part of it," said Bradley.
"We all miss him, the teams are devastated but we're committed to carrying on the tradition," said the festival's balloonmeister, Paul Petrehn.
News5 has talked with Appelman at the festival over the years. Last year, we asked him what he loved most.
"Seeing the smiles on people's faces, the five-year-olds, the two-year-olds, the 100-year-olds that are all out here and being able to provide that experience and for our ride passengers that fly, being a part of that memory for people," said Appelman.
Organizers are planning a few tributes for him over the weekend.
"It is bittersweet that we don't have Scott here but he built a good team to put these things on and I know he'd be proud of what's going to happen this weekend," said Bradley.
Ensuring Appelman's passion and spirit will soar above the clouds and crowds for years to come.
The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation released the following statement regarding Appelman's death:
Scott's untimely death has left a profound void in our community, as we remember a man whose passion and dedication to the art of hot air ballooning brought joy and inspiration to countless lives.
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade released the following statement regarding Appelman's death:
“Today, Colorado Springs lost one of the great explorers and pioneers of our modern age. I am deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Scott Appelman, the founder and CEO of Rainbow Ryders and the co-producer for the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off for the last 9 years. Scott was a giant in the ballooning world, having operated his business for more than 40 years in the greatest ballooning cities in the world, including Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Colorado Springs. His commitment to ballooning was so much more than a hobby or a business – it was a passion and a way of life, and more importantly – a way to give life to so many people. From young children looking in awe as a balloon launches into the sky, to marriage proposals at thousands of feet in the air, to seniors checking a bucket list experience in their last years, Scott was to the very end a champion of wonder, of play, and of the human spirit that will always smile at the sight of a colorful hot air balloon rising into the blue sky. My heart and my prayers are with Scott’s wife, family, his many friends, his team of pilots and staff, and the entire hot air ballooning community, and I know the entire city of Colorado Springs grieves with me at the immense loss to our city.”
Appelman founded Rainbow Ryders, the largest hot air balloon business in 1983. Rainbow Ryders says through his leadership and dedication, the company grew from a small startup to a respected leader in the industry.
Rainbow Ryders says Appelman was a mentor, colleague and friend who achieved numerous awards and milestones. They also say his commitment to safety and customer satisfaction set the standard for the industry.
The company also said Appelman was known for his witty humor, generosity and resilience. Appelman loved giving back to the community and he leaves behind a legacy.
Rainbow Ryders released the following statement regarding Appelman's death:
The entire Rainbow Ryders family extends its deepest condolences to Appelman’s family during this difficult time. We ask to please respect the Appelman family's privacy. We will honor Scott’s memory by continuing to uphold the values he instilled in us and by driving the company forward with the same passion and integrity that he exemplified.
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