A unicorn, snail and astronaut are set to visit Te Awamutu when Balloons Over Waikato heads to Albert Park next month.
Eight balloons will be on show for Balloons Visit Waipā, including three ‘special shape’ balloons - Resene Rainbow Unicorn, Speedy Snail and Mainfreight Cosmos. The free community event will be held in Albert Park, Te Awamutu from 5pm - 8pm, Friday 20 March.
The ‘great inflate’ of the hot air balloons will begin at approximately 6pm, depending on the weather, providing a stunning spectacle for the community.
The community can enjoy a rare opportunity to walk through a hot air balloon in exchange for a gold coin donation, with all money going to KidsCan Charitable Trust.
Two cloud hopper balloons and two standard balloons will also be displayed.
Cloud hoppers are a single-person balloon ride, with a pilot operating the gas cannister and burner attached to the back of a chair.
The Balloons Visit Waipā event, supported by Waipā District Council, also includes entertainment and food trucks for the whole family to enjoy.
This will be Balloons Over Waikato’s first visit to Te Awamutu, with Cambridge hosting the balloons in previous years.
But Cambridge residents won’t miss out, with Council putting on a free bus service to transfer people to and from the event.
With limited parking nearby, attendees are asked to use alternative transport modes such as cycling, walking or scootering to the venue to reduce traffic congestion.
Waipā District Council staff will be hosting a stall at the event where people can have their say on Council’s vision and community outcomes for its 2021-2031 Long Term Plan (LTP).
The LTP outlines the services, key projects and initiatives Council will deliver and fund over the next decade. The plan is revised every three years so it can remain current and address upcoming issues facing the district.
Visit www.whatsonwaipa.co.nz for the bus timetable and more information about the event.