Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
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The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival is a yearly festival, held in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, and organized by the city, during which hundreds of hot air balloons are flown. It is normally held over several days in early September.
[edit] History
The festival started in 1988 by Jean Boileau. Through the following years the festival became much larger and was one of the biggest festivals in Canada. Attendance at one point reached over 200,000 and had over 125 balloons.
However, while it had continuous growth over the years, 2001 was the year that had transformed significantly the face and structure of the festival.
On July 14th 2001, Boileau who was the general manager since its beginning was involved in a horrific hot-air balloon accident just east of the Ottawa International Airport on Leitrim Road . The balloon, while trying to land in an open field, struck some hydro wires after a sudden wind gust. It suddenly engulfed in flames. Boileau sustained multiple burns while trying to rescue his 15 year-old daughter who was trapped inside the balloon's basket. Unfortunately, the rescue effort failed as the girl died instantly while two others also sustained burns. Boileau, despite the fact that a subsequent Transport Canada report which mention that the accident was caused by a pilot error, was later honored by then-governor general Adrienne Clarkson for bravery. After that event, he never piloted a hot-air balloon and left his general manager spot of the Festival afterwards - some speculations were that the new city of Gatineau administration of Yves Ducharme tryied to force him out of the job by offering a spot for the City, some speculated that the Ducharme administration wanted to remove people who were associated with the former city of Gatineau's last mayor, Robert Labine and Ducharme's mayoral rival in the 2001 elections for the new city of Gatineau. Boileau is currently the communication director of the Université du Québec en Outaouais
In 2002, the new city of Gatineau was formed and immediately it announced changes which included a new logo and also a lot less balloons for the festival - 75 down from 125. Still the attendance was fairly solid in the post-Boileau era showing a very little if any drop.
While the festival had stability by having one general manager for its first 13 years. There were several others after Boileau's departure including former president of the festival and Gatineau councillor Paul Morin, followed by post-Boileau general managers Diane Chevrier and Daniel Simoncic. Fernand Lavoie is this year's general manager.
Also, well known local businessman Martin Lacasse was president for the last editions but left in April 2006. Based on the official program for this year's festival (September 1 to September 4), Alain Fredette is the new president. This year's performances included Simple Plan, Mobile, Garou, Marjo, Veronic Dicaire, Les Cowboys Fringants, Former Star Academie competitor Annie Villeneuve, and Star Academie's second winner Stéphanie Lapointe
Finally, Yves Ducharme was defeated in the 2005 municipal elections by felloe councillor Marc Bureau. The 2006 edition was held with a new president, general manager and city mayor.
Shortly after this year's edition, Fernand Lavoie resigned his post and replaced bt Francois Grenier. City officials and organizers had mentioned its lack of leadership as the possible cause of its resignation.
[edit] Other features of the festival
In addition to the hot-air balloons, there are also numerous concerts of all sorts, the biggest being the evening concert set in the main stage. Big names including Celine Dion attracted seeveral tens of thousands of people.
During the festival there is also the Canadian Finals for the Strongest Man Competition. Gatineau's own and former policeman Hugo Girard won the event several times in order to reach the world championship finals. There are also several other local atheletes who were also competing in the Canadian Finals.
There is a mini amusement park on the site which usually attracts numerous youth people but also features rides for toddlers. There is also a mini-zoo.
