River Bend Balloon Fest

Fairgrounds / Launch Site Rules

 No smoking or vaping near the booth, near the launch site, or on the launch site
(propane is in use).
 No alcohol, controlled substances, or illegal substances.
 No drones.
 Closed-toed shoes must be worn on the launch site.
 Only certified service dogs travelling with pilots are allowed on the launch site.
 Dogs are permitted on the fairgrounds but must be leashed at all times; however, many
people attend festival events, and hot air balloons make noises that may startle dogs, so
it is best to leave them at home. If you choose to bring your leashed dog to the
fairgrounds, please clean up after them.

 

Schedule

All events are held at the Bath Fair Grounds, 200 Main Street, Bath, NB
Events are subject to weather / confirmation / change
For updates, visit River Bend Festivals on Facebook

Thursday, August 29th

  • Balloon Flight 6:30 a.m.
  • Balloon Flight 5:30 p.m.

Friday, August 30th

  • Balloon Flight 6:30 a.m.
  • Balloon Flight 5:30 p.m.
  • Balloon Glow at dusk

Saturday, August 31st

  • Balloon Flight 6:30 a.m.
  • Market 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. rain or shine featuring artisans, makers, vendors, service clubs, food trucks, musical entertainment (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), inflatables (to be confirmed), and more!
  • Balloon Tethered Rides $10/person cash (no ATM on site) – date and time to be confirmed so watch Facebook for updates!
  • Balloon Flight 5:30 p.m.
  • Balloon Glow at dusk (if not on Friday)

Sunday, September 1st

  • Balloon Flight 6:30 a.m.
  • Bath Regional Fire Department Brunch 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by donation
  • Balloon Tethered Rides $10/person cash (no ATM on site) – if we cannot tether on Saturday; date and time to be confirmed so watch Facebook for updates!
  • Vehicle Show with Door Prizes and 50/50 (for school lunch program) 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
  • Balloon Flight 5:30 p.m.
  • Balloon Glow at dusk (if not on Friday or Saturday)

Monday, September 2nd

  • Balloon Flight 6:30 a.m.
  • Trevors/Goodine Professional Lumberjack Competition starts at 9:00 a.m.
  • Balloon Flight 5:30 p.m.

IMPORTANT FLIGHT INFORMATION

 No smoking or vaping near the booth, near the launch site, or on the launch site
(propane is in use).

All hot air balloon flight passengers:

 Must be able to climb over the side of the basket (about 3 feet high) and be at least 4
feet tall. (8 years old is the general guide, but most importantly, passengers must be able
to see over the sides of the basket, be mature enough to follow the pilot’s directions, and
be physically able to fly. Pilots have the final say as to who can or cannot fly. If someone
cannot fly, they may wish to ask about a tethered ride instead.)

 Must not weigh more than 320 pounds.

 Must not be pregnant (confirmed or suspected), use oxygen, have had neck, back, or
joint-replacement surgery recently, have back or neck injuries, or have a heart condition.

 Must inform the pilot of any allergies, and bring medications (e.g., EpiPen, insulin) that
may be needed.

 Must not be under the influence of any substances (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, other
drugs).

 Must be able to stand unassisted for at least 90 minutes. Assistive devices are not
permitted inside the basket.

 Must be able to independently navigate uneven/rough terrain (e.g., fields, hills,
embankments) and should be prepared for sudden stops and possibly hard landings.

 Must not wear hanging jewelry, loose clothing, or clothing made of heat-sensitive
materials (e.g., nylon). May wish to wear layers, long pants, hat, and sunglasses.

 Must wear appropriate footwear (e.g., closed-toe, flat, okay to get wet).

 Must have long hair secured before getting in the basket.

 May wish to bring a camera (a strap is recommended), but should leave everything else
at home, in their vehicle, or in the chase vehicle. (Pilots and festival organizers are not
liable for loss of, damage to, or theft of any personal items.)

 Should read the guideline from Transport Canada before the flight: ENGLISH  FRENCH.

 Must arrive at the fairgrounds booth at least 30 minutes before the scheduled flight (i.e.,
6:00 a.m. for 6:30 a.m. flight and 5:00 p.m. for 5:30 p.m. flight).

Please note:
 Flights are $250/person (cash only; no ATM on site) at the fairgrounds booth the day of
the flight.
 We cannot guarantee that passengers in the same party can fly together; however, we
will do our best to accommodate requests.
 Flights depend on weather. We do our best to accommodate passengers if a flight must
be rescheduled, but cannot guarantee being able to do so, in which case money will be
refunded.
 The adventure starts as soon as you arrive at the launch site until the chase vehicle
returns you to the fairgrounds. Time spent in the air varies depending on weather
conditions. Plan to be adventuring about 3 hours from start to finish.
 Go to the washroom before you make your way to the launch field with your
pilot. Washrooms are available on site.

All spectators:
 Must yield to official festival vehicles (chase, committee). They must be able to get
where they need to be as quickly as possible to ensure we can launch and retrieve
balloons.
 Must follow the rules of the road if you wish to chase balloons. (It is always best to pull
over safely to watch balloons.)
 Must not go on private property, fields, or the launch site(s).

Thank you!

 

Site Map and Evacuation Plan

Site Map and Evacuation Plan

 

To Reserve a 2024 Flight

Flying Balloons


Schmedley
Mike Lavoie
New Hampshire


Cat Sass
Mike Lavoie
New Hampshire

Sphère
Alexandre Houle
Quebec


Freedom Flyer
Mark Fritze
Florida


DogOnIt
Mark Fritze
Florida

Mirador
Jeremy McFarlane
New Brunswick



Tracer

Wendell Purvis
Florida

Czech Mate
Seth Bailey
Nova Scotia


Master Zaba
John Viner
United Kingdom


Montréal Montgolfière
Martin Unsworth
Quebec


Hemisphere Dancer
Marian Deeney

Florida


Polar Dawn
Rick Jones
New Hampshire


Spellbound Spirit III
Randy Lee
North Carolina


Czech List
Brad Armstrong
New Brunswick

Questions?

Have questions about ballooning? Our neighbours in Sussex have an excellent Frequently Asked Questions and Answers page

Still have a question? Please visit River Bend Festivals on Facebook, e-mail riverbendballoonfest@gmail.com, or call (506) 425-0819.