Photo Courtesy Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Facebook

By Lisa Parent

Soar to new heights: Medicine Hat’s Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival returns with public flights

Apr 20, 2024 | 7:00 AM

You might be able to hitch a ride to the clouds this year as the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Medicine Hat.

The festival runs from May 23 to 26 and will be offering paid flights for the public.

Organizer and balloon pilot Willy Taillon believes they will be in high demand, but if weather permits, they will try to give as many rides as possible.

“It’s a super cool feeling to be flying and people screaming at you and waving at you,” Taillon said.

“You just look to the sky and you see a hot air balloon, it makes you smile automatically.”

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This year, there will be two balloon glow nights in Kin Coulee Park, as well as a community event held in downtown Medicine Hat.

This includes arts and crafts activities for kids at the Medicine Hat Public Library, food trucks in Town Square and a free movie at the Monarch Theatre.

For more information on Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival, visit the website.