On September 19, 1783, a hot air balloon took off from Versailles with a few small farm animals as passengers, with the first person free ascent happening about a month later in November. In 1985, several people in the local area were presented with an opportunity to extend the local tourist season and celebrate this historic event by hosting a Hot Air Balloon Event. As local pilots knew of the great flying in the Sussex Area, it was suggested that the Sussex Balloon Festival Inc. be started. Balloonists were invited to the area for a weekend, and although it was rather informal, it was to become the first annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. Get ready to soar to new heights at Atlantic Canada’s most colourful celebration — the 39th Annual Atlantic Balloon Fiesta happens at Princess Louise Park (52 Perry Street) in the beautiful Sussex, New Brunswick, when the skies above this charming small town transform into a floating gallery of vibrant hot air balloons. Whether you are mesmerized by the sight of these majestic balloons inflating and drifting through the blue sky, or daring enough to climb aboard for the ride of a lifetime, this four-day festival is filled with family fun, mouth-watering food, live music, a huge indoor market, amusement rides, vendors, and so much more for endless opportunities to make unforgettable memories. Most activities are free—perfect for a family-friendly getaway! “We have close to 30 balloons coming to the fiesta this year. This year features a few new shapes that have never been before, so that’s always exciting, and of course, some of our friends that have been coming for years and years,” said Alannah Pearson, pilot coordinator. Watch 30 vibrant hot air balloons lift off twice daily (early morning and early evening) from Princess Louise Park to glide over some of Canada’s most picturesque countryside. However, hot air balloons require nearly perfectly still air conditions to launch safely. While the upper Kennebecasis River valley provides near-ideal conditions for flying, Mother Nature has a large say in whether the balloons go up on a particular day. For those ready to add a hot air balloon flight to their bucket list: flights cost $350 per person, and reservations can be made at the on-site information booth, as pre-booking is not available, so arrive early to secure your spot, as thousands of people attend this event. While many balloon launches take place from Princess Louise Park, prevailing winds will sometimes prompt the pilots to start
SUNSETS, SADDLES & SONGWRITERS! Stretching Summer into September
by Ryan Myson
Atlantic Canada has long been a summer travel destination for its amazing scenery, sandy beaches, friendly people, and fantastic seafood. But just because we are heading into September doesn’t mean that the fun and adventure have to end. In fact, we think it is only beginning as there is still a lot to do and experience in the region as we stretch Summer into September, like these four great upcoming events.
A tlantic Balloon Fiesta takes place in Sussex, New Brunswick. Onlookers can watch 30+ hot air balloons lift off twice daily (early morning and early evening), plus explore bustling indoor and outdoor markets, savour a variety of delicious eats, and enjoy music all weekend in the bandstand. Most activities are free— perfect for a family-friendly getaway! Harvest Music Festival offers 6 incredible days, with over 150 performances across 27 Stages, located in the beautiful historic downtown of Fredericton, New Brunswick, with acclaimed international performers, top regional acts, and emerging Canadian artists all sharing the stage for a festival
experience like no other! Sommo Festival is a two-day celebration of music + food + drink in the beachside town of Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, bringing top multi-genre musical performances to the festival’s main stage, along with live culinary demonstrations by celebrity chefs and mixologists on the secondary stages for everyone to enjoy. Nova Scotia Stampede is gearing up to deliver an even bigger and better event at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Complex in Truro, Nova Scotia. So get ready, as the event offers 4 action-packed days of world-class rodeo action during
the day and unforgettable concerts each evening, and is one event that you do not want to miss. With so many exciting events happening, September is the perfect time to explore Atlantic Canada. Cooler temperatures make it the perfect time of the year for hiking, apple picking, or checking out a scarecrow display or corn maze. Regardless of what brings you to Atlantic Canada this September, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the early fall season, so get out there and make the most of the last warm days of the summer!
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