Strange shaped balloons in the skies above
Every year the Quebec town of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu – not far from Montreal – the skies above the small city become dotted with dozens of strangely shaped aircraft. While at first site they may look like dragons or teddy bears, in fact they are the hot-air balloons of the International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
This annual festival attracts some 350,000 people, and this year 115 balloons are expected to take flight above the flat-lands not far from Montreal. A host of Quebec singers have also been invited to perform, including stables like francophone rock singer Eric Lapointe, or newer starlets Marie-Mai and many more.
Adding to the pizzazz this year are the Colombian artists of Bimana who will unveil Globos Solares, or solar balloons that have landed on Canadian soil for the very first time. Organizers expect the Colombian contribution to be a stunning spectacle that will complement the magic of the festival. A dozen enormous balloons of various shapes and sizes – anywhere from 8 to 20 meters – all powered by the sun is what Globos Solares are all about. Throughout each of the four stunning and distinctive shows that the artisans of Bimana present, visitors are expected to be captivated by their uniqueness, come rain or come shine.
They can admire a musical and visual spectacle in which The Musician presents colossal balloons shaped like musical instruments, all dancing in unison. The Bimanas are sweet, whimsical extra-terrestrials whose aim is to make you laugh and smile whenever and wherever they land!
And when the wind rises and the sun hides behind the clouds, the skies become a vast realm populated with hundreds of Flying Octopuses! As Globos Solares cede the skies to our legendary hot air balloons, look for them on the ground as their Giant Puppets tickle the visitors’ fancy on their walks up and down Boulevard des envolées. Come attend the Kite workshops and bring your children along: they can even build their own.
International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Dates: August 8-16, 2009
City, Province: Saint-Jean-sur-Richeulieu, Quebec
Address: 5, chemin de l’Aéroport
Tel: [450] 347-9555
Web: http://www.montgolfieres.com
