Every September there is a hot air balloon festival in the town of Sussex, New Brunswick. The sky fills with a myriad of colours and shapes, like something out of a children’s storybook.  This year marked their 32nd year of hosting this event which draws a crowd from all different provinces and states in North America. The festival also includes other attractions for families: the typical fair amusement rides, food vendors with cotton candy, candy apples, street food, and many kinds of poutine (a Canadian treasure of fries smothered with gravy and cheese curds, with each vendor putting their own spin of “extras” to make theirs unique).  There was a bandstand with local artists, and an indoor market with local entrepreneurs selling their wares. Admission to the grounds are free, although there is a small fee for the market. There were several other family-friendly activities and events, and chances to go for a ride in a hot air balloon if you have the money and desire. I have not gone myself, but perhaps someday I will.

This year is the second year that I’ve gone to the Fiesta, travelling with family to take in the attractions and to see the Saturday evening’s “Moon Glow”. Several balloons set up and at dusk they increase the fuel and the flame lights up the balloon in the darkened sky. It took a few attempts to have all the balloons present synchronized, but oh, how pretty!

One of the best things about the Balloon Fiesta, in my opinion, is the chance to do something fun with your family or friends that doesn’t need to cost much (or anything). There isn’t much that accommodates people of all ages or abilities that costs so little for so much enjoyment. If you’re looking for something different to do while keeping costs low, and you are going to be in New Brunswick area next September, I suggest checking this out. For more information, you can find their website here. (And they have much nicer photos on their website than what I took with a phone camera!) Take some time to enjoy life, and enjoy family.