Canowindra Balloon Glow

Saturday is the main day of events at Canowindra.

Some of the balloons landed in the showground in the morning.  One of the organisers had a heap of kids, or "Minions" as he called them help hold the balloons down while they were deflated.  The kids had a ball.

Up the main street there were some market stalls and a bush band.  I don't think there were as many activities as last year.

We enjoyed a very relaxing and lazy afternoon, sitting in the sun back at the van.  I completed  the hand stithcing on another two blocks of The Secret Sampler.

It's all very social.  We had great neighbours and had a fun evening with them.

Gates opened for the public mid afternoon and the night markets commenced.  There was so much variety of food.

Yes, a beverage was required.

The sunset was lovely, with loads of jet streams.

I bought all of our group some glow sticks and they were the best fun.  We're just big kids at heart.

After some dancers and official speeches the evening's proceedings commenced with the Pilot's Parade, where the balloons were driven around the perimeter of the showground arena with their gas burners alight.  It is rather spectacular, and especially so, as they drive right behind our van and we can get up close and personal.  

Then, once it was dark, it was time for the main event - the Balloon Glow.  Last year this part of the proceedings had to be abandoned due to wind, but this year could not have been better.  There wasn't a breath of wind.  Just perfect.

Wow!  The balloons glow in time to some rather upbeat music.

A bit of Kiwi love.

Once again, being camped where we were, we were right in the thick of it.  So good!

Yep, we're just big kids.

The organisers requested we not light our fire bucket while the balloons were in operation.  I can't imagine why?  In the mean time our glow sticks were a fine substitute.

And then it was all over.  The event is very family friendly, so we still had plenty of time to sit around the fire and yarn.  A lovely way to end the day.