Latest News Balloons Back for 2009 Wairarapa’s annual hot air balloon event will take to Wairarapa skies in March 2009 with several changes from previous years. Trust House Balloons Over Wairarapa will take place over three days from 20-22 March 2009 in a change from the five-day events held in previous years.    Wairarapa Balloon Society chairman, Bob Francis, said the current economic climate meant corporate sponsorship had this year been much more difficult to secure.  “The fiesta in its traditional form is a costly event to put together but we are able to continue in 2009 with a number of changes.”    “The balloon fiesta has become an iconic Wairarapa event which we would have been extremely reluctant to let go so we have adjusted what we are able to do to the funding available. There is still a strong desire and commitment from the community, pilots, volunteers, organisers and local sponsors to continue to hold the event.” “Balloon pilots from throughout New Zealand have enjoyed their time spent in the Wairarapa over many years are still very keen to come back and fly here,” said Mr Francis. Mr Francis said more than 20 balloon pilots from throughout New Zealand had already indicated that they would attend the 2009 event.  Mr Francis said special shape balloons from overseas would not feature in 2009 as funding did not allow for this.  The Night Glow will shift to the Colin Pugh Sports Bowl in Masterton and entry will be by gold coin donation.  Renamed “Trust House Balloons Over Wairarapa” the three-day event will begin on Friday 20 March morning when all balloons will lift off from Clareville Showgrounds and drift in the direction of the wind. Late Friday afternoon will see the balloons combining with the annual Wairarapa College Gala – flying out of and around Wairarapa College grounds.  Balloon pilots and crew will parade with their baskets and firing their propane burners through Carterton’s High Street later on Friday evening.  Saturday morning will feature the traditional flight over Masterton’s Henley Lake followed by the fiesta highlight, the spectacular Night Glow set to music on the Saturday evening at the Colin Pugh Sports Bowl. The event will conclude with an early morning flight over Masterton at a venue yet to be decided. Balloon ‘meister’, Martyn Stacey of Blenheim will return for the third consecutive year to direct the various ballooning events. Trust House will be the major supporter of the 2009 event, along with Masterton and Carterton District Councils, Radioworks, the Wairarapa Times-Age and other local businesses. 16 December 2008