They’ve been a fixture in the air and on the ground during the annual Vernon Winter Carnival for the past quarter-century.
The North Okanagan Hot Air Balloon Society is proud to be opening the start of the upcoming Vernon Winter Carnival, with Carnival’s theme of celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday.
“It’s the 25th year of balloon involvement and this year we have 13 balloons participating,” said society spokesperson Mark Meaney.
As always the society will be holding a training day for volunteers who would like to help with crewing the balloons to fly, and then assisting in the landing and packing up of the balloons.
The training day will be Saturday, Jan. 28, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Sawicki Park – 961 Mt. Burnham Road – off Middleton Way.
“If you are interested please dress warmly (boots, gloves and toque),” said Meaney.
The society’s balloon glow will be held at Polson Park Friday, Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
“Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Salvation Army Food Bank,” said Meaney.
Big Dave’s Lil Tex Smoke House will have a BBQ concession starting at 4.30 p.m. in Polson Park.
“If, by chance, the weather warms up and Polson Park becomes too soft to drive on, then the balloon glow will be held at the Village Green Hotel car park,” said Meaney. “Information will be passed on to the media if this occurs.”
For more information about the North Okanagan Balloon Society please see its website, www.diggerdo.wixs.com/nohabs.