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Media information
The International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, the biggest gathering of balloons in Canada, is a major event for all the family. With an average of 350,000 visitors per year, the event's popularity has risen steadily throughout the years and employs a strategy based on three essential elements: the enchantment of Laurentian Bank hot air balloon flights and Laurentian Bank night glows, free animation for the whole family, and major shows nightly. There are 115 hot air balloons, including many special shapes, major shows, and a huge site that hosts an incredible variety of animation activities.
In 2009, from August 8 to 16, visitors will participate in this great magical and colorful festival!
A bit of history…
 It all began in 1984, when The Chamber of Commerce, the Office for Tourism, and the Haut-Richelieu Economic Council were looking for a way to promote tourism and develop the region on the economic front during the summer season.
 Two hot air balloon enthusiasts, Bob Burch and Dave McLeod, both Montreal residents, came up with the idea of holding a hot air balloon festival. They had both noticed that the region was an exceptional zone for hot air balloon flying. The geographical location and weather conditions allowed balloonists to practice their sport in ideal conditions.
In 1984, the event, then known as the Haut-Richelieu Hot Air Balloon Festival was a success. During the four days of festivities, from August  23 to 26, 20 hot air balloons and 60,000 visitors officially launched this great gathering of balloons!
The following year, in 1985, the festival acquired a permanent structure. The event was there to stay! In 1987, the municipal council of Saint-Jean-sur- Richelieu officially designated the city as the "Hot air balloon capital". Throughout the years, we have seen the presentation of the North-American championships, the Canadian championships, and the 10th hot air balloon world championship; an international competition presented for the first time in Canada, featuring the 100 best balloonists in the world, from 30 countries, this was in 1991.
 In 1992, the event became the Hot Air balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Another major change marks that year; a new team, as well as the Festival Corporation are established. Objectives focusing more on the family are followed. In 1993, the festival begins presenting big shows  nightly on a main stage. That year, the honorary presidency is awarded to Mr. Timothy C. Forbes, President of American Heritage publications and Vice-President/CEO of the Forbes financial magazine. Mr. Forbes, a great hot air balloon enthusiast is present at the opening ceremony of the 10th Hot Air Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
 The 1998 festival greets the two millionth visitor on the site. That same year, we saw the first Festival balloon, the winged blue balloon with a large smile, an image developed by the internationally renowned poster designer Vittorio, that represented the event throughout the world.
In 2001, for its 18-year anniversary, the festival modified its name and became the International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. At that time, the festival's international notoriety was greatly strengthened. Each year, hot air  balloons from various countries visit the event. Also, the hot air balloon sporting the Festival's colors was seen in the skies of many countries. This name change will allow the festival to position itself even more as a major international event.
 In 2004, the International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu adorns its own magical image. A visual feast of fire-breathing colors now represents the event. The sun, the moon, and the stars are united to form a cheerful and festive logo. Eight hot air balloons sporting the shapes and colors of this new visual image appeared this year, in 2005. In 2008, the International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu celebrate its 25th anniversary !
In 1984, a bright idea gave life to what is today the biggest gathering of hot air balloons in Canada, and since then, in August of each year, the sky over Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is covered with hot air balloons.
In 2008, the International Balloon Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary!
Photos and logos
For your photo or corporate logo needs, feel free to contact the Festival's department of communications and we will gladly send you the requested information. Make your online request by filling out the Media form.
If you already have your password, click here.
Press Releases
Press release 2008
Archives 2007
Archives 2006
The sky is the limit!
For inspiration leading to original and colorful ideas, to be used in unique articles and stories, the International Balloon Festival invites you to experience the magic of a flight.
We will gladly welcome you for a flight before or during the event, from August 8 to 16, 2009,
when places reserved for the media will be available.
Let us know and we will let you soar!
Contact Nathalie Lussier,
Communications coordinator,
(450) 346-6000, ext. 239
or click here.
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