Balloons are set to light up the skies again with the fifth Hot Air Balloon Fiesta coming to Levin this Easter. “Lift off Levin” Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2009 has become an annual four-day spectacular since Council granted $20,000 seed funding to kick-start the event in 2005. The first fiesta drew a crowd of about 8,000 people and the event has continued to grow, with thousands of people coming from around the lower North Island. The ballooning event is the only one in the country where spectators can walk among the balloons and see them up close during inflation.
Each year balloonists are attracted to Levin to enjoy the favourable conditions for ballooning offered by the region. Organiser and balloonist Denis Hall said that the Levin Fiesta is a firm favourite for balloonists.
“Weather plays a big part in making an event like this successful. Levin has great flying conditions and a supportive and welcoming community. It’s significant that this event has grown and prospered. Horowhenua is the best place to fly balloons,” Mr Hall said.
Up to 20 balloonists are expected to participate in the various competitions showing their flying and agility skills. This year’s theme is “A Basketful of …” and a special event will take place on Good Friday morning, with balloonists filling their baskets with, for instance, a basketful of college principals in school uniform, a basketful of licorice and a basketful of clowns, to name a few.
The Nightglow event in Levin starts at 3.00 pm with stalls, helicopter flights, music, walk-in balloon, and entertainment, Night Glow light-up starts at 6.00 pm.
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