 | Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a ride in a hot air balloon? Can you imagine having the opportunity to view your community from this unique perspective? This weekend, that opportunity is available in Cornwall as the city celebrates the 16th year of Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off July 12-15 at Lamoureux Park located on the St. Lawrence River. | |
Cornwall - July 11, 2012 - Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a ride in a hot air balloon? Can you imagine having the opportunity to view your community from this unique perspective? This weekend, that opportunity is available in Cornwall as the city celebrates the 16th year of Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off July 12-15 at Lamoureux Park located on the St. Lawrence River.
Cornwall is well known for this annual festival and it is expected that 25 balloons will be seen flying in the sky as the city hosts the only hot air balloon festival in Ontario.
"This year has been a record breaking year for balloon ride sales" said Stéphanie McDonald Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off Director of Passenger Services. Over 80 balloon rides have already been sold. This was the first year that balloon rides were available for purchase on-line and this initiative has been a great success for the festival. The balloons are a huge attraction and many out of town guests will be enjoying the experience of a lifetime this weekend as balloon rides have been sold to guests from New York State, Northern Ontario, Toronto and Quebec.
Six flights are planned: Thursday, July 12th at 6pm, Friday July 13th at 6am and 6pm, Saturday July 14th at 6am and 6pm and Sunday, July 15th at 6am.
This year four specialty balloons will be featured: T-Rex, Stinky, Purple People Eater and Super FMG!
Balloon vouchers can be purchased at the Cornwall Square Administration Office until Wednesday, July 11th at 12:00pm. The cost of a balloon ride is $175 + HST. Payments can be made by cash, debit, Mastercard or Visa. You must have a valid passport to fly in a hot air balloon.
If you have not purchased a voucher by the deadline you can try your luck by checking with Passenger Services in person on flight dates at 6am or 6pm with your valid passport. The cost of each flight is $175 + HST and is cash only. The Passenger Services Clerk will advise you of availability. Keep in mind that morning flights might be more accessible.
For further information regarding balloon rides and the full schedule of concerts and activities for Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off 2012 visit Lift-Off.ca
About Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off
Cornwall Lift-Off was founded in 1994 and has since hosted back-to-back Canadian National Hot Air Balloon Championships in 1996 and 1997. The success of the festival has grown considerably since its modest beginnings in 1994. Each year, the festival welcomes approximately 25 hot-air balloon teams, the Homenuik Rides carnival, a spectacular fireworks display, Family Zone, and great local and international musical entertainment. Past entertainers have included Dennis DeYoung of Styx, Tom Cochrane, Colin James, Amanda Marshall, Theory of a Deadman, Finger Eleven, Loverboy, Trooper, Kim Mitchell, April Wine, Our Lady Peace and Chantal Kreviazuk.
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