If you find yourself driving through Sussex, N.B., over the weekend make sure you take a quick peek up at the sky to try and spot a hot air balloon. Thirty two colourful and unique ballons will be sailing over the Sussex skies each morning and night (weather permitting) as part of the annual Atlantic Balloon Fiesta. This year marks the 40th anniversary of one of the town’s marquee events. Fiesta committee member Alannah Pearson couldn’t be happier to see it continuing to find new heights four decades after the first balloons went up at Princess Louise Park. “We’re really proud of that accomplishment,” Pearson says. “We’ve got some pilots that have been here for all 40 years, and we of course got some new pilots that have joined us for the first time this year.” While many pilots operate right out of Sussex, Pearson says balloons blow in from across Canada, parts of the United States, and even the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, Friday morning’s flight, as well as both scheduled rides Thursday, were cancelled due to the weather. “We do not want to risk it,” Pearson says on cancelling Friday’s morning flight due to wind out of an abundance of caution, adding different hot air balloon events in the world have had incidents in the past when trying to brave the weather. “You would much rather be on the ground wishing you were in the sky, than in the sky wishing you were on the ground.” While Pearson is optimistic for a great weekend of flying ahead, she highlights the days have a whole lot more than just balloons to enjoy. Friday evening events ahead of the flights opening ceremonies will be held at the launch field to celebrate 40 years of flying. There is also the fiesta’s indoor market, various food and craft vendors, and amusement rides for the entire family to enjoy. Pearson also points out the very visual “Magic Night Moon Glow” where the hot air balloons inflate on the field while grounded will be lit up to create a dazzling display around 8 p.m., weather permitting. The fiesta normally receives funding from the New Brunswick government to help the event lift off, but those funds were cut this year by the department of tourism, Pearson says. She says, given the event’s reputation, sponsors and others quickly stepped up to help ensure the event would fly high just as it has since the 1980s. “I think it really is part of the fabric of the community,” Pearson says. “As much as we are like an agriculture community, balloons are a big part of that.” For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
