Wanted: hot air balloon taxis
Change is in the air for this year’s Canowindra Balloon Challenge.
Organiser Jan Kerr said the International Balloon Challenge and 19th Australian Championships is set to attract leading pilots from Japan, Brazil, Russia and the US, putting Canowindra on the world stage.
“We’re really excited as this year is looking so good,” Ms Kerr said.
“We’ve been granted category two status from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is a big step for Canowindra, to be recognised as a world class event.”
And it’s not the only change afloat.
Canada’s leading balloon event director Gary Lockyer will be at the helm for this year’s event, which Ms Kerr said is a real win for the challenge.
“We have a new director from the last two years and it’ll be good to see how he goes,” Ms Kerr said.
During the challenge, balloonists will be set 10 to 12 different tasks and scored on the accuracy of their completion. Ms Kerr said the challenge will be great for spectators, who can drive behind the balloons and watch the competition take flight.
“It should be really interesting to watch. There will be lots of events for the public to enjoy,” Ms Kerr said.
Not only can locals enjoy the view; opportunities are now open for volunteers to become part of the balloon crews. The Challenge is currently recruiting volunteers with a ute or with a four-wheel drive and trailer to assist throughout the week of the Balloon Challenge by providing a carriage service for the international balloonists.
“This job is extremely important, as the international balloonists will ideally become ambassadors for the event, helping to put Canowindra on the world stage for ballooning so that the event can continue to grow,” Ms Kerr said.
“This is an exciting opportunity and one which will create a very memorable experience!”
The Canowindra Balloon Challenge and Championships run from April 22 to 26.
For more information on how you can become a part of the international balloonist team, please call Jan Kerr on 0428 441 819.
via – Cowra Guardian.
