2013 Programme of Events
Ballooning is weather dependent so decisions can only be made on the day. To see whether the balloons are flying check out our homepage or call the Event info line on 083 220 063 (calls cost 12c)
Wednesday 3 April
THE HAMILTON CITY ASCENSION
Morning 7.30am approx.
Balloons commence inflation - Innes Common, Hamilton Lake; Elliot Park, Nawton; Claudelands Park, Claudelands; Jansen Park, Silverdale; Ashurst Park, Pukete; Tauhara Park, Rototuna.
The Festival begins, a spectacular launch of the event, the balloons will co-ordinate to liftoff at the same time from six parks across the City. Visit your closest park to see them fly or chances are you will see them out your window.
Balloons will be at the following parks
ASHURST PARK
Claw'd the Crab----------Jim Regan
Remax----------------------Chris Bransgrove
Charming------------------Francois Steyn
--------------------------------Dean Larkin
Cameron-------------------Richard Swansborough
CLAUDELANDS
Chief Responder---------Todd Monahan
Hamilton--------------------Mark Brown
--------------------------------David Barrow
Heulwen--------------------Jeremy Tompkinson
Esther-----------------------John Clifton
INNES COMMON
Resene Betty Jean Butterfly--Bob Romaneschi
The Gallagher Balloon--Micah Andrews
ZK-FAD----------------------Andy Nicholson
Wildfire----------------------John Snodgrass
ELLIOT PARK
Waikato Sunrise----------David Norris
Phoenix----------------------Gail Dryland
Whiskey---------------------Murray Shaw
Old Zealand----------------Peter Dutneall
ZK-LAR----------------------Scott Cursons
TAUHARA PARK - OFF CALLUM BRAE DRIVE
Sunrise----------------------Pauline Hickey
Tadpole---------------------Paul Hicks
Nugget----------------------Stephen Kenny
Happy------------------------Glenda Dennler
ZK-FBB----------------------Rob Nobel
JANSEN PARK
Sky---------------------------Duncan Matheson
Miz Waikato---------------John Clulow
Strata-----------------------Katie Pepper
Fusion----------------------John Holderness
Flytrap-----------------------John Pepper
THE GREAT GRASSROOTS TRUST LIFTOFF
Afternoon 5.30pm approx.
Balloons commence inflation - Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Stop by on your way home from work! Balloons inflate and fly from Innes Common.
Thursday 4 April
THE WEL ENERGY TRUST BREAKFAST AT DAWN
(In association with Fonterra, Sanitarium, Grain Health Foods and Waikato Environment Centre Hamilton)
Morning 6.30am approx.
Balloons commence inflation - Innes Common, Hamilton Lake.
Roll out of bed and come see the balloons - First 2000 people breakfast on us!
A select number of balloons will lift off just before dawn creating a co-ordinated glow in the sky, set to music, as they fly into the dark. The rest of the balloons lift off as dawn breaks. Come and join us for breakfast and be one of the first to see this magical sight.
BALLOONS AT WESTFIELD CHARTWELL
Afternoon 3.00pm - 6.00pm approx.
Balloons commence inflation - Westfield Chartwell
Join us on the rooftop carpark for fun; prizes, food and entertainment as we take the balloons to Westfield Chartwell. There will be retailer promotions and opportunities for pilot autographs.. Weather permitting, treat the kids to a tethered balloon ride from the roof top carpark. At 5.30pm, some balloons will fly from Innes Common.
Friday 5 April
THE ASB SCHOOL HOP
Morning (7.30am approx. for Innes Common)
Balloons commence inflation - Various Hamilton Schools and Innes Common.
Although some balloons will still fly from Innes Common, most will visit local schools. Pilots will talk to the pupils and weather permitting, will launch from the school fields.
"THE BALLOOMIN MADNESS PARADE"
Evening 7.00pm approx.
The Balloons over Waikato Parade will stroll down the main street of Hamilton!
Join us in Hood Street at 5pm for the dressing of the floats and watch our spectacular parade cruise down Victoria Street. Join the Pilots and Crew afterwards back in Hood Street for an after parade celebration, thanks to Hamilton Central Business Association.
Saturday 6 April
NZI CASH GRAB COMPETITION
Morning 7.30am approx
Balloons commence inflation - Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
This is the morning for the highly popular Cash Grab Competition, a major feature of the event, where balloonists attempt to remove $1,000 from the top of a pole at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake. To make it more exciting, there will be multiple poles for pilots to win prizes with one centered in the middle of Lake Rotoroa. The first attempts are expected about 7.30am.
THE ASB NIGHTGLOW AT WAIKATO UNIVERSITY
Afternoon 4.00pm - 9.00pm approx.
The University of Waikato, Hamilton
Hamiltons Big Night Out. The highlight of the Festival for spectators, with live music, the orchestrated Balloon Glow Show and a dramatic fireworks finale.
Sunday 7 April
TETHERING FOR LIONS INTERNATIONAL CLUBS
(In association with Frankton Markets)
Morning 6.30am approx. (Remember Daylight Saving ends 2am Sunday Morning!)
Balloons commence inflation - Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
Sunday is the final day of the event. A large number of balloons will be providing tethered rides for the children for a gold coin donation with all proceeds to go to our nominated charity, Lions International Clubs. The Frankton Market stalls will also be on site selling their goods and products.
