Balloons Visit to South Waikato attracts thousands

Peg Leg Pete can certainly draw a crowd and what a crowd arrived at the Tokoroa Memorial Sportsground on Friday 27 March to celebrate the Balloons Visit South Waikato event.

"It was a welcome sight to see thousands of people from Tokoroa and South Waikato come and watch five balloons, including one shape - Peg Leg Pete, the Pirate Parrot inflate and tether for a couple of hours," said Amanda White from the South Waikato District Council's Community Team, that organised the event.

The event was spearheaded by Craig Hobbs, Chair of the Balloons Over Waikato committee and South Waikato District Council's Chief Executive.

"This free-to-the-community event is about bringing Balloons Over Waikato to other communities to encourage more families to visit all the celebrations in Hamilton, particularly the hugely popular Zuru Nightglow event," said Mr Hobbs.

Kites were the big hit of the day, 300 kites were gone in less than half an hour and kids got them up, flying amid the balloons. Council staff reckoned, "we could easily have given out a 1,000 kites!'

"It was particularly awesome driving round Tokoroa on Saturday and Sunday and seeing the number of kids who were still flying their kites," said Ms White.

The event was also a fundraising opportunity for local organisations and charities with support from three local commercial operators.

"The balloon envelope was a huge hit too," said Ms White. "The Lions manage this as a fundraiser and there were many excited kids enthralled at the size of the balloons from the inside because as an envelope the balloon basically lies on the ground partially inflated and you get to walk inside it."

"Feedback from the pilots was very positive. They enjoyed the engagement from the community, excitement from the children and parents and the hospitality. One thing a number of the pilots commented on was the change of scenery and our large oval at the sportsground being a great spot to inflate and tether balloons," continued Mr Hobbs.

"Council is committed to bringing our community events like this as we believe building social cohesiveness is key to growing our community pride. Events like these fill an important need," continued Ms White. Ends: words: 427