Balloonists’ int'l fest grows to visitor-friendly event for people in Saga

Nov. 7, 2013

Balloonists’ int'l fest grows to visitor-friendly event for people in Saga

An annual balloonists’ international meet in Saga, southwestern Japan, amounts to a pleasure for many residents of the region in autumn as 800,000 to 900,000 people turn out to watch the event. Dating back to 1984, the international balloon festa is the biggest in Asia in terms of the number of competition participants. But it also includes various attractions, among them the "Balloon Fantasia" event which started in 1992. The 2013 Saga International Balloon Fiesta, officially called so, brought together 101 balloons from 13 countries for a five-day run toward a long weekend in early November.

The venue of the fest was a launch area established on a vast flood plain along Kase River flowing through rice fields in Saga. Participants included not only pilots with competition balloons but also those with “special shape balloons” for the Balloon Fantasia.

The special program began as a function for those who heartily support the festival, organizers said. It has grown to a popular event which entertains kids and others allowing them to have a close look at balloons and touch them on the launch site. This year’s Balloon Fantasia was joined by nine animal-shape and other special balloons. Some children had a chance of getting on the basket of balloons anchored to the ground.

Visitors also could enjoy the La Mongolfie Nocturne night show, with tethered balloons lit up by red and yellow flames from inside, in the last two days.

The special shape balloons for this year’s Balloon Fantasia included the Octopus 2, operated by a veteran female pilot and her volunteer staff. Their balloon weighed about 250 kilograms, including two gas cylinders and various instruments. “You can get closer over here. Just take a look at our gear,” the pilot said, while igniting the double burner in a show to watchers around the balloon. Their balloon was the most popular for kids among seven special shape balloons in a performance for the first day.

What organizers call the “Kid’s Day” is aimed at having children personally touch the balloon envelope and play inside of an anchored balloon to let them learn about balloons pleasantly. A balloon workshop was also organized for those who are interested in balloon competition. About 4,000 organizing committee staff and volunteers were busy keeping the event site clean and making it more accessible and comfortable for handicapped and elderly people.

The operator of the Octopus 2, a university staffer, has 29 years of experience as a balloon pilot. She usually operates in the Kansai region of western Japan, but she has participated in the Saga Fiesta 19 times as a Fantasia balloon pilot. “We have only a few places this big (for balloons) elsewhere. So, I love Saga very much,” she said.