Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

Between May 25-28, 2023, over a dozen eye-catching hot air balloons will lift off and float into the Medicine Hat sky during the second annual Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival. The Saturday evening will feature a balloon glow — where hot air balloons are inflated, illuminated, and tethered to the ground so people can walk around and see them up close. “The festival is planned for people to enjoy the beauty of the balloons and our landscape. Whether they attend the event or see us fly during any other day, they have that moment to take in and be in-awe of what they’re seeing,” says event organizer Cindy Taillon. When Willy Taillon received his pilot’s license in 2021, he and his wife Cindy would float among the clouds above Medicine Hat and view the beautiful

coulees, bunches of green trees, and ever-flowing South Saskatchewan River, while the breeze brushed their warm faces. While the two are in the air, those standing, driving, or sitting on the land look up and see this bright-coloured balloon soar through the sky, a sight they haven’t seen since the early 90s. “After our very first flight in Medicine Hat, we went on our phones and saw all these photos of the balloon and text messages. I couldn’t believe how happy

“My favourite part of a hot air balloon ride is the takeoff and going on an adventure every single time. You never know where you’ll end up. You just go where the wind takes you,” says Willy. Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival is in partnership with addiction and mental health non-for-profit, Our Collective Journey . Depending on the wind direction, there may be a new location each day where the balloons take-off. Be sure to follow along and receive updates at: @riseupyxh

the City was and how happy it made everyone feel,” says event organizer Willy.

The couple is excited to share this experience with Medicine Hat and to see friends and families gather to spend time together.

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