Hot air flights, live music, and other events keep attendees happy
Despite the weather’s reluctance to cooperate, the River Bend Balloon Festival, held from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 in Bath, managed to soar above the challenges.
While wind and rain cancelled seven out of 10 scheduled balloon flights, tethered flights, and glow night, the festival’s spirit remained undeterred.
Pilot coordinator Jen O’Donnell said that despite their challenges, they still managed to launch three flights, including one from Bath, a feat they couldn’t achieve in 2023.
While Sunday’s car show had to be cancelled due to rain, Saturday’s market went ahead as scheduled and was well attended.
“We had lots of vendors this year,” said O’Donnell. “Some of the pilots were there and pulled out their baskets, handed out cards to the children, and answered guest questions.”
O’Donnell said cancellations are just part of running an outdoor festival.
“We prefer not to cancel but with an outdoor festival unfortunately that’s something that’s part and parcel of those events. You’re at the mercy of the weather.”
Local musicians, including John Cahill & Friends, Shelley Graham, and Norm McGuire, were on hand to entertain the marketgoers.
Despite this year’s festival’s challenges, O’Donnell said organizers were happy with it and incredibly proud to offer several new activities. On Saturday night, the festival held a free outdoor concert at the fairgrounds featuring the music of Down River Band.
On Monday, the festival hosted “Fun on the Fairgrounds”. Activities included lawn games such as washer toss, bubbles, parachute games, and a potato picking relay race, which Odeeah declared “a hit!” The festival finished on Monday night with a fireworks display.
in the Potato Picking Relay Race. (Jennifer O’Donnell photo)
The festival’s expansion was not limited to activities and events. The village was decorated with balloon flags featuring photos of previous attendees, a project initiated by one of the festival sub-committees. Their goal was to increase community involvement, which they achieved by including the daycare, early learning centre, and Riverview Manor in an art creation project. The resulting works of art were displayed in the pilot’s lounge and at the market.
O’Donnell said organizers have been trying to grow the festival to appeal to families.
“A lot of people have a warm feeling in their hearts about the Bath Fall Fair, so we are trying to look at ways we can grow the festival while keeping our roots in mind.”
She hinted that there may be more additions to next year’s festival.
“Hopefully, we’ll continue to grow and be bigger and better next year.”
The Trevors Goodine Lumberjack Competition returned this year, with the claim to fame of having been voted the “Best Competition in the Maritime Lumberjack Association” in 2023.
O’Donnell said there is pride in achieving that title, especially for being “such a small place.”
Over 300 adults paid at the gate to attend the event, and O’Donnell said actual attendance was even higher since kids under 12 were free.
The event winners were Brittany McLean in the women’s division, Ben Cumberland in the men’s division, and Donald Lambert in the overall master’s division.
O’Donnell credited the festival’s success to their organizing committee and the “amazing support from our sponsors and phenomenal volunteers.”
She noted that seeing how such a small community could produce so much volunteer support was remarkable.
