September 2000
is
historically
tied
directly
to
European
beginnings. Quebec’s genuine passion for
the sport of ballooning
may be a result of
those
European
ties.
It
is
therefore
not
surprising
that
the
two
largest
balloon
gatherings
in
Canada
both
take place
in
this
province.
Located on the south shore of the St.
Lawrence River about
half-way between
Montreal
and
Quebec
City,
Bécancour
held
their
annual
balloon
festival
from
July
20-23. Although
not one the largest
festivals in terms of numbers, the enthusi-
asm and support of the local
balloonists,
organizers
and
spectators
resulted
in
a
very
enjoyable event.
The
poor
weather
that
has
plagued
Ontario and Quebec throughout the early
summer
continued
to
do
so
once
again.
All of Friday and
Saturday’s flights were
canceled
due to nearby
thunderstorms or
high winds, but improved for a night glow
later
Saturday.
The
inclusion
of
a
wide
variety of musical entertainment and car-
nival
activities
ensured
the
spectators
could still enjoy themselves.
Pilots and crewawoke Sunday morn-
ing
to
a light fog, but
as
soon as
the
sun
rose
the
fog
burned
off-exactly
as
fore-
casted
at
the pilot’s
briefing
a
half hour
before.
The
conditions
were
idea
for
all
of
the
25
participants.
Two
special
shape
balloons were in attendance. One was the
Yellow
Pages
telephone
book
and
the
other was
Papi, the pharmacist. This is a
truly Quebecois balloon as it is the mascot
for a drug store chain in Quebec, Essaim.
The
balloonists
were
able
to
com-
as
a
result
of
the meteorological
condi-
tions.
The facilities and organization of the
Bécancour Balloon
Festival was
as
good
as
any
of the
much
larger
festivals
held
Festival,Quebec

nearby highways right to the festival loca-
tion was clearly marked for vendors, bal-
loonists and entertainers resulting in a
very efficient flow of traffic through this
small town.
The Pharmacist