[speckythecky]

Is anyone going to the balloon festival in Hamilton this weekend?

Has anyone been before? Is it worth going? What is the best thing to see?

[lockstock]

We'll be there on and off most of the weekend. Apparently the night glow is spectacular. We used to go to the balloon festival in Bristol and I'm guessing it's similar.

[IanW99]

Is anyone going to the balloon festival in Hamilton this weekend?

Has anyone been before? Is it worth going? What is the best thing to see?

I believe its exactly the same show that was recently held in the Masterton, Wairarapa.

Only went to the night glow, personally wouldn't bother going to it again unless it was held nearby but glad I saw it anyway.

For those that don't know the night glow is basically a bunch of hot air balloons (I think it was 24) inflated on the ground where they set their burners off in time to some music which makes the balloon glow.

Earlier in the evening you get to see some of the balloons take off.

One thing to note is that if its windy then either it won't happen, they will move the time forward / back or some balloons will not inflate or will deflate early.

Ian

[Georgebulldog]

http://www.nzballoons.co.nz/default.html

We used to go to baloons over Basingstoke which was good, I wish we had gone to this one, thought the weather was too bad & it was a long drive but a friend said they went as they called ahead to see if it was raining there & it wasn't, she sat outside had a picnic & had a great time with her 1 & 2 1/2 year old, soooooooooo annoyed I didn't go now but there's always next year

[M&J]

We saw the ballons over Hamilton this morning on the way to work. We are going to go to the night glow I think on Saturday Night.

Maybe see you there!!

I just found this info http://www.balloonsoverwaikato.co.nz/

[lockstock]

Just looking out of the window now and the sky's full of balloons. It's perfect weather conditions and the dogs are wondering what the heck is going on!

[pinkpiggy]

Driving into work this morning I counted at least 30 balloons. Amongst them was Darth Vader and a Pirate in a barrell, mostly though there were traditional balloons. I'm going to try and remember to take my camera tomorrow as they were literally above my head. :D Hoping to go to the night glow on Saturday.

[speckythecky]

hoping to be at the night glow on Sat so look out for us.

[Sam B]

We're going to the nightglow too - think there are fire works?

[M&J]

We're going to the nightglow too - think there are fire works?

Yeah there are definatley fireworks and the weather conditions are looking good.

See you there on Saturday.

Jo

[Steadybears]

Where about is the night glow - we would love to go and have a look see - we are in an apartment in middle of Hamilton and can watch the balloons from our window - so would be lovely to see the night glow.

Thanks again

[StevieD]

I just been told that Darth Vader is floating around at the moment :)

[Steadybears]

Sorry have found maps and all info - was in rush to find out about it all before our computers went off and didnt read all the news - sorry about that. Have been having problems with internet - some days its working and others we pulling out our hair!!

Thanks a ton

[Danny & Julie]

We'll be there on saturday as well, the weather is looking perfect:) Should be a good night.

[lockstock]

Well, we missed the early morning free breakfast by oversleeping. Will be there on Saturday evening though. Is it pink carnations and a furled umbrella or does everyone know each other?

[Steadybears]

That would be fun to meet up with all the names we have come to know - and havent been able to put a face to as yet.

Jayne

[pinkpiggy]

Here are a couple of photos taken on my way to work and on my arrival at work this morning. We'll definitely be there on Saturday and if anyone would like our mobile number so we can meet up just send us a PM.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n237/pinkpiggy66/Balloons/3balloonsfromWardSt.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n237/pinkpiggy66/Balloons/stripeyballoon1.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n237/pinkpiggy66/Balloons/balloonoverhead.jpg

[speckythecky]

From what I have read the night glow is at the Uni, and there is live music and other entertainment on offer.

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

Yes it's at the University (the night glow, that is). Parking close by will be difficult, but there are lots of free buses on and park and ride schemes - see links posted above for details.

Does anyone know their way around the Uni? Maybe we could select a landmark and time to meet up?

If anyone is an early bird there is the 'balloon sports' event Saturday morning and the 'key drop' Sunday morning, both around 6:30am

Details again on the official site, but briefly the sports event is where the balloon pilots are set tasks to complete and win points, such as completing a hurdles course (?). The key drop is where the balloons set off from other parks in Hamilton and at the finish point have to try to 'collect' a key from the top of a pole as they land.

Both held at Innes Common - far side of Hamilton lake from the cafe and picnic area/playground.

In case anyone missed the link further up

http://www.balloonsoverwaikato.co.nz/index.asp?pageID=2145861244

As per PinkPiggy, anyone wanting to meet up can always PM us and we'll give our mobile No.s so we can navigate towards each other once there.

[Steadybears]

AAh so sad have only just read this - would really have loved to meet up with others from the Forum - thought of wearing a Tshirt with "Whose from the ENZ forum - anyone want a friend'!!!!

What alovely evening anyway

[lockstock]

Sorry we missed it. OH remembered the cricket club annual dinner. Next year maybe :rolleyes: