BALLOONING INFO
FESTIVALS featured in WIND RIDERS
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
An annual festival of hot air balloons that takes place every October in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. Must experience this massive balloon gathering, and don’t forget to visit their balloon museum, Anderson-Abruzzo International balloon museum.
As an arguably the largest free balloon festival in the U.S., this not-for-profit organization run strictly by volunteers and there is no paid staff. They rely on their local community for support to put on this beautiful event. Fly to witness the beauty of Adirondack scenery!
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
This Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot-air balloons is free and open to everyone. The beautiful scenery of Bristol is something else with forests and townscapes. This location also offers a great chance to experience flying over a foggy clouds – a pure heavenly flight.
Created in 1989, this world largest hot-air-balloon gathering held every two years established a world record of 456 balloons taking-off in line within an hour. Seeing their launch is an unimaginable experience. The event brings more than a thousand pilots and two thousand crews to celebrate this event.
International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu
This biggest gathering of balloons in Canada, taken place in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, about 30 min drive from Montreal, offers over 100 balloons including many special shapes and major events. If wind blows to a right direction, you have a chance to fly over their beautiful river.
Saga International Balloon Fiesta
Its origin started in 1978, now held in Saga City, Saga Prefecture, the event is the largest hot-air balloon gathering of its kind in Asia. Free entrance. Their main launch site is by the Kase Riverside, which offers a picturesque take-off with their reflection on the water, and of course a beautiful landscape from the sky.
ORGANIZATIONS
The Gordon Bennett Cup is the oldest and most prestigious aviation competition in the world. The world’s best gas balloonists compete with each other on a simple principle: each team launches from the same location with the same quantity of gas. The team whose balloon lands furthest after an average of 3-4 days of uninterrupted flight wins.
Balloon Federation of America (BFA)
“Founded in 1961, the BFA is a non-profit association dedicated to the advancement of the sport and science of balloons. Their membership is open to anyone who shares a fascination with Lighter Than Air flight. This is where you want to check out to become part of the future of ballooning in the U.S.”
Great Eastern Balloon Association (GEBA)
“Formed in 1986, as a nonprofit organization, the association formed for balloonists in the middle Atlantic states of the USA. While most of their members are from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Maryland, their membership extends throughout the United States and into Canada.