Balloons invade Waikato skies
Balloons over Waikato began this morning, and for some it continued a long tradition of watching them take off.
Earlybirds around Hamilton were treated to a colourful tradition in Innes Common as 18 hot air balloons were inflated and launched into the sky for the first day of Balloons over Waikato
Photo: Sam Henwood
For many it was their first time seeing the balloons up close and personal, while for others it has been a family tradition to watch the early morning launch.
Hamilton resident Jenni Barr is the last in her family to carry on a 15 year tradition of going the launch.
“I used to bring the kids, but they’re all grown up and don’t come with me any more,” Barr said.
“It was a family tradition that we would come to the balloons and would always go to McDonald’s for breakfast afterwards.”
For Barr, watching the process of the balloons being inflated is the best part, but riding in one is also amazing.
“I’ve been twice in Australia,” said Barr.
“Once in Canberra and again in Melbourne, I would love to ride in one here but I haven’t had the chance yet.”
Barr also used to take foreign exchange students to the Nightglow, and for many of them it was their first time seeing a hot air balloon.
“They always thought it was really cool, we had some students who’d never seen them before and they were always really amazed by them.”
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