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2015 Wairarapa Balloon Festival Expected to be Best Ever

2015 Wairarapa Balloon Festival Expected to be Best Ever


By Sue Teodoro


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CAPTION: Space Shuttle Baloon over Carterton - Picture - www.nzballoons.co.nz

This year’s balloon festiva (Carterton/Masterton 12th to 15th March l is expected to be one of the best ever according to Jonathan Hooker, Chairman of the Wairarapa Balloon Society.

“With the revitalized events team and enhanced programme we are expecting it to be one of the most successful,” he said.

Eighteen balloons are already confirmed to take part and 20 – 25 are expected in total.

They are coming from the United States as well as Auckland, Hamilton, the South Island and the Wairarapa and Manawatu.

“Most of the balloonists taking part are just people that enjoy the sport,” Mr Hooker said.

Many participants will drive their balloons to the festival.

“They have dedicated trailers with their gear in them,” he said.

Thousands of people are expected at festival highlight the Night Glow show at Solway Park where tethered balloons will be lit up.

Last year’s night event was cancelled because of bad weather, but is expected to be well attended this year.

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“We’ve had five to six thousand people in the past and I’d like to think we get the same,” Mr Hooker said.

Apart from Night Glow, most festival activities are free and Mr Hooker expects hundreds of people to come to the family friendly entertainment.

“It’s well worth a visit,” he said.

“There will be activities for all ages and stages.”

The festival opens with a sunrise ascension of all balloons in the festival in Carrington Park in Carterton on March 12th.

At 4pm that day, people will have an opportunity to meet the pilots in Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton.

Other events include balloon inflation at Wairarapa College, a burner parade through Carterton and Greytown and a skills competition.

Balloon rides will be offered daily throughout the festival.

The festival is weather-dependent. Changes to the schedule will be announced on the radio, on Facebook and on www.nzballoons.co.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

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