Maryville University and Stange Law Firm, PC are teaming up in support of The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, a regional St. Louis tradition for the past 45 years. The annual event will be held during the weekend of Sept. 15-16.

“Everything about The Great Forest Park Balloon Race points to community, tradition and legacy, so it’s a natural fit for Maryville University, which is proud of our own long history in St. Louis, and of our students and alumni who study, live and work here,” says Tom Eschen, vice president for institutional advancement. “It’s an honor to support an event that brings families and neighbors together with such strong community spirit.”

“Stange Law Firm is proud and honored to support The Great Forest Park Balloon Race,” says Kirk Stange, a founding partner. “It’s a great event that brings everybody together here in St. Louis. As a family law firm, we believe it’s a great way to support our families and community.”

As in past years, Friday evening will feature the annual Balloon Glow, and the race will be held on Saturday. More than more than 150,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event.

Maryville University will be featured as the “Hare” hot air balloon, which kicks off the race. Balloons branded for Maryville and Stange will also be featured in the race. In addition, Maryville is the exclusive sponsor of the main entertainment stage.

As the oldest, free hot air balloon event in the country, The Great Forest Park Balloon Race was inducted into the permanent collection of the Library of Congress in 2000. The induction honors the race as a Local Legacy and documents it as a “meaningful and significant American community tradition.”

Stange Law Firm, PC, a family law practice with attorneys in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas, also supports Maryville University’s St. Louis Speakers Series, as sponsors of this year’s Jeffrey Toobin presentation on Oct. 24.