International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu – August 12-20 LiveEvents August 8, 2017 3663 International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu The International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, the biggest gathering of balloons in Canada, is a major event for all the family. With an average of 450 000 visitors per year, the event’s popularity has risen steadily throughout the years and employs a strategy based on three essential elements: the enchantment of hot air balloon flights and night glows, free animation for the whole family, and major shows nightly. There are close to 100 hot air balloons, including many special shapes, major shows, and a huge site that hosts an incredible variety of animation activities. The 34th edition of the Festival, which will take place from August 12 to 20, offers a variety of shows and activities that will delight the crowds! «For the last two years with the Festival, I was thrilled to see the passion of the people who work there, but also of its festival-goers. Each year, I can’t wait to go back to try the new activities that the Festival has to offer, dance in front of the main stage, and watch the wonderful hot air balloons flights! » Anouk Meunier, spokesperson. HOT AIR BALLOONS Night Glows, on August 13, 15, 18 and 19, these magnificent illuminations of balloons (held to the ground) that resemble big fireflies. NEW ACTIVITIES The 34th edition of the Festival adds to its activities the Pop Challenge. Run against the clock in this fun and colorful racing course of nearly 2 km, made up of 20 gigantic inflated structures and a dozen of amusing trail obstacles, where you will be filmed in action! At the end of the course, you can even download your personalized video and share it on social media! Whether you try it with friends, family, colleagues, in a team or for your own personal challenge, one thing is sure, the race is accessible to everyone! CONCERTS The worldwide superstar Wyclef Jean will be performing on the Loto-Québec stage on Saturday August 12th, to the greatest pleasure of his fans, as well as the supporters of his 90’s Hip Hop group The Fugees. It is clear that Wyclef Jean will have the whole crowd dancing to his many hits, such as «Sweetest girl» and «Divine Sorrow», without mentioning the titles from his most recent album J’Ouvert, including«I Swear», out last February. Rap and hip-hop culture will also be represented by the presence of Dead Obies and Alaclair Ensemble. Fans of more traditional Quebec music will find their match with the performance of the singer-songwriter Paul Piché,who is celebrating 40 years of a wonderful career. To see the complete event schedule, and for tickets and passports, visit www.montgolfieres.com
