Not even the drizzle can dampen spirits at Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Not even the slight drizzle at the Polo Ground, the site of the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2019, could dampen the spirits of those attending the fifth edition of the festival.

Clearly everyone was excited to witness the highlight of the festival’s launch, which was officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

State Tourism, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said this was the only hot air balloon fiesta to be held on an island.

“Every year we will bring 15 hot air balloons from all over the world. Today, we have five from our Malaysia as well as others from Spain, the United States, South Korea, Slovakia, Japan, Belgium, Vietnam and Taiwan,” he said in his speech at the launching of the fiesta here today.

He said most of the activities were family-friendly and family-oriented.

“Family and friends can jointly participate in the activities, which provide them with the space and opportunity to foster closer friendship and family bonds. There aren’t that many outdoor activities these days because most activities involve technology and smart phones,” he said.

Meanwhile, AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Izzati Khairudin said the fiesta this time was different as they brought new balloons for the visitors to enjoy, among them being Nome, a statue in Europe.

Izzati also said their target was to attract more than 100,000 visitors to the two-day fiesta this year.

The Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is an annual affair which began in 2015. It is organised by AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd and endorsed by the Penang state government.

-- BERNAMA