Hot air balloons will be taking to the skies in the Sussex area over the coming days.
The 39th annual Atlantic Balloon Fiesta begins Thursday evening and runs through Sunday.
Alannah Pearson, pilot coordinator with the volunteer committee, said they are expecting another big turnout.
“We did, of course, have to take a hiatus during the COVID years, but when we came back from that strong in 2023, we probably saw like 100,000 people spread out throughout the weekend, which is just insane,” Pearson told our newsroom.
“We’ve kind of mellowed out from that a little bit. At any given time, there are probably 20,000 to 40,000 people on site. Maybe more, maybe less, depending on the weather.”
Many things need to be planned as part of the annual event, said Pearson, such as booking the balloon pilots and logistics with Transport Canada.
However, there are things many people may not think about to ensure there is something for everyone to do at the four-day festival.
“All the smaller events like petting zoos and amusement rides and all those types of performances, bandstand, all of those things take lots of planning,” she said.
There is also the vendor application process for the indoor market and the antique car show that happens at the festival each year.
Whether this is your first time at the festival or you have been there before, Pearson said there are a few things to keep in mind.
“The burner sound can be not great for some dogs, so we do ask that you leave your pups at home. Service animals, of course, are welcome,” she said.
“Per Transport Canada regulations, it is closed airspace, so we do have a no-drones policy as well. But other than that, bring your camera, bring your phone, and you can take all the pictures from the ground that you want.”
A total of 28 pilots from across North America and the UK have signed up for this year’s festival, said Pearson.
You can find a full schedule of events on the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta website.
