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To produce a festival where the emphasis is on music and the wonder of hot air ballooning, while focusing on the constant enhancement of the customer experience. At the heart of this experience is a bold, unifying, distinctive, multi-generational and creative offer, aimed at making a lasting impression and inspiring festival-goers of all ages.
Within 5 years, to become, for all age groups, a must-go festival in Quebec. Reclaim our place as a major music festival. To be recognized for offering an outstanding experience that is reflected in our diversified programming, in the creation of unforgettable moments and unifying opportunities to maximize the pleasure of being together.
To create healthy relationships by putting people at the heart of our actions. Harmonize the different aspects of our programming to create an offer in synergy with the interests of our festivalgoers.
All pulling together in this common mission to maximize the pleasures shared by our festival-goers!
Our dynamism and ingenuity allow us to evolve our events in a creative way.
Safety is at the heart of our decisions, just like people. We inspire a sense of calm by doing everything we can to provide a positive, memorable and safe experience.
It all started when the Chambre de commerce, the Office du tourisme and the Conseil économique du Haut-Richelieu were looking for a way to promote tourism and develop the region's economy during the summer season. Bob Burch and Dave McLeod, two hot air balloon enthusiasts living in Montreal, came up with the idea of proposing a hot air balloon festival. Both had noticed that the geographical location and climatic conditions of the region made it an exceptional area for balloonists to practice their sport in ideal conditions. At that time, the Haut-Richelieu Balloon Festival was a success. During the four days of festivities, 20 hot air balloons officially launched the great gathering of balloons.
It all started when the Chambre de commerce, the Office du tourisme and the Conseil économique du Haut-Richelieu were looking for a way to promote tourism and develop the region's economy during the summer season. Bob Burch and Dave McLeod, two hot air balloon enthusiasts living in Montreal, came up with the idea of proposing a hot air balloon festival. Both had noticed that the geographical location and climatic conditions of the region made it an exceptional area for balloonists to practice their sport in ideal conditions. At that time, the Haut-Richelieu Balloon Festival was a success. During the four days of festivities, 20 hot air balloons officially launched the great gathering of balloons.
We are changing our name to the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Hot Air Balloon Festival. Another important change this year is the creation of the Festival Corporation and the arrival of a brand new team. We are also adopting a more family-oriented orientation.
We are celebrating our 18th anniversary. Our notoriety on the international scene has been strongly consolidated. The balloon with our colors has been seen in many countries, attracting to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu many balloons from abroad. To better mark our international dimension, we adopt the name "International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu".
We have a new image with warm colors in homage to the "fire breathers" that are hot air balloons. The sun, the moon and the stars are united to form a smiling and festive logo.
We celebrate our 25th anniversary with fun and color.
Not only was it a very busy year, but we also had great weather conditions, allowing 125 balloons to color the sky of the Haut-Richelieu twelve times during the festival.
The bright and energetic Anouk Meunier becomes our official spokesperson. With her cheerfulness, her humor, her kindness and her warm and colorful side, Anouk embodies the spirit of the festival and she knows how to reach our festival-goers, young and old alike! It's not unusual to see her walking around the site, marvelling at the hot air balloon flights or dancing in front of the big stage!
The particular context does not prevent us from offering unique moments to people of all ages. In a short period of time, we put together several events designed in compliance with the Public Health guidelines. Whether it was the SAQ Discovery Picnic or the Yoga Envolées, the public was able to continue to experience wonder even in these difficult times.
That same year, we made history. Joining our expertise to that of Lysanne Richard (second in the world in high-flying diving) and Yves Milord, this collaboration allows the realization of two dives from the top of two hot air balloons in full flight! The two athletes descended 25 meters to reach a speed of 80KM/H and touch the water at the same time. This feat is a world premiere and will leave a mark on everyone's imagination.
We are beginning the return to our festival formula with a refresh of our brand image. Blue, red and yellow are blending to make way for new vibrant colors, and graphic elements are being added to continue to inspire our festival goers. Added to this are several new features, including the repositioning of the main stage, which offers a larger front stage area.
We are also proceeding with the electrification of our operations, a major milestone in terms of our involvement in sustainable development. To learn more, we invite you to visit our page on this subject.
As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, we're inviting the public to an evening rich in emotion: Saint-Jean shines with a thousand lights. On August 16, 2023, local and international pilots will light up the region's skies with their burners, offering a flamboyant spectacle to the rhythm of the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School. The evening concludes with a fireworks display presented by the SNQ Richelieu Saint-Laurent, coloring the sky with sparkling colors.
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