A lone balloonist soars above Vernon near Hillview Elementary School Friday morning, helping to kick off the Balloon Fiesta at the 55th annual Vernon Winter Carnival. See www.vernonwintercarnival.com for details on all of the events.

A lone balloonist soars above Vernon near Hillview Elementary School Friday morning, helping to kick off the Balloon Fiesta at the 55th annual Vernon Winter Carnival. See www.vernonwintercarnival.com for details on all of the events.

Balloons at mercy of weather

Vernon Winter Carnival events going ahead as schedule, but weather may dampen hot air balloon glow

  • Feb. 6, 2015 11:00 a.m.

Vernon Winter Carnival is geared up for a rocking’ 10 days of fun for all.

“The Balloon Fiesta will be proceeding ahead as planned but keep in mind, we are at the mercy of the weather,” said Diana Williamson, carnival executive director.

Balloons are scheduled to launch this morning as the 23rd annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta runs through to Sunday.

The Countdown to Carnival will take place at 5 p.m. in Polson Park with the Balloon Glow following directly afterwards.

“If it is raining the Balloons will not inflate, but will be offering a twinkle show to the public,” said Williamson. “This will be an opportunity for people to get up close to the balloons and talk to the pilots.”

“The launch sites for the balloon contests will be announced prior to each flight as weather, once again, plays a factor with the wind and rain and we are also dealing with the increased snowpack on the usual fields.”

The Flag Grab on Sunday morning will take place just off of Swan Lake at the end of Meadowlark Rd.  There will be no traffic permitted on Meadowlark Rd.

“Come and watch the balloonist manoeuvre their gentle giants close enough to grab the flag off a 12′ pole and win money.

“The Balloon Fiesta Committee and the Vernon Winter Carnival thank you for your support and understanding as we bring you another great year of Hot Air Balloon Festivities.”

 

Vernon Morning Star