High costs let the air out of Vernon Balloon Glow event

VERNON – The popular Balloon Glow event at Vernon Winter Carnival has been grounded this year due to prohibitive costs and a lack of manpower.

Magnificent glowing balloons have been a part of Winter Carnival for years, and while the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be going ahead next month, the Balloon Glow event scheduled for Feb. 1 has been cancelled, according to a Winter Carnival Society media release.

The North Okanagan Hot Air Balloon Society cancelled Balloon Glow due to monetary and manpower problems.

The Society says its usual location of Polson Park has been problematic due to costs, the soft ground and a lack of parking. The group chose a new spot for 2019, but they said the City of Vernon Park Department's requirements were too expensive.

“We’re very disappointed to hear this event has been cancelled," Winter Carnival executive director Vicki Proulx says in the release.

The 28th annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is still scheduled to take place Feb. 1 to Feb. 3, depending on the weather.

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