Weather Thwarts Balloonists

Three ballooning teams were thwarted by rising winds this lunchtime.  The baskets were set up and the burners flared frequently for the entertainment of the primary and intermediate children who gathered on the Number 1 Rugby pitch, but it remained unsafe to inflate the balloons.  Children from Peachgrove Intermediate and Marion Primary School waited patiently for a chance to speak to ballooning enthusiasts.  They were allowed to approach the baskets in groups, and a few enjoyed the extra treat of being allowed to make the burners flare. 

The 'Balloons over Waikato' annual event runs this year from 30 March to 3 April.  Any funds raised during the event will be donated to the Order of St Johns.  The programme for the next three days is as follows (weather permitting):

Friday 1 April

COME BALLOONING IN HAMILTON

Morning 7.30am approx.

Balloons commence inflation - Innes Common, Hamilton Lake. 
 
Buses from various regions and schools will transport the public to Innes Common
Catch one of our free buses to Innes Common.  Some balloons will also inflate and fly from The Base, Te Rapa.

"THE HIREPOOL BALLOOMIN MADNESS PARADE"

Evening 7.00pm approx.

Departing Hood Street, Hamilton

The Balloons over Waikato Parade will travel along Victoria Street, Hamilton. This is the City's official welcome to the Balloonists, majority of who participate in the Parade.  Join us in Hood Street for music and entertainment prior to the parade. We are also delighted to welcome a number of schools who will participate as "moving" floats with balloons attached to their bodies to depict a theme.

Saturday 2nd April

CASH GRAB COMPETITION

Morning 7.30am approx

Balloons commence inflation - Various Hamilton parks

This is the morning for the highly popular CASH GRAB COMPETITION, a major feature of the event, where balloonist attempt to remove a pot of money from the top of a pole at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake.  The first attempts are expected about 7.45am.

THE ASB NIGHTGLOW AT WAIKATO UNIVERSITY

Afternoon 4.00pm - 9.00pm approx.

The University of Waikato, Hamilton

Hamilton's Big Night Out. The highlight of the Festival for spectators, with live music, the orchestrated Balloon Glow Show and fireworks.

See Nightglow Programme for more information

Sunday 3rd April

THE LION FOUNDATION FINAL FINALE

Morning 7.30am approx.