Recession has hit the annual Wairarapa balloon fiesta set for next year.
Trust House Balloons Over Wairarapa will take place over three days from March 20 to 22 in a change from the five-day events held in previous years, Wairarapa Balloon Society chairman Bob Francis said.
"The present economic climate meant corporate sponsorship had this year been much more difficult to secure," he said.
"The fiesta in its traditional form is a costly event to put together but we are able to continue in 2009 with a number of changes.
"The balloon fiesta has become an iconic Wairarapa event which we would have been extremely reluctant to let go so we have adjusted what we are able to do to the funding available.
"There is still a strong desire and commitment from the community, pilots, volunteers, organisers and local sponsors to continue to hold the event," Mr Francis said.
"Balloon pilots from throughout New Zealand have enjoyed their time spent in Wairarapa over many years are still very keen to come back and fly here," he said.
Mr Francis said more than 20 balloon pilots from throughout New Zealand are set to attend the event next year.
He said a lack of funding had also grounded plans for special shape balloons from overseas and the Night Glow will shift to the Colin Pugh Sports Bowl in Masterton with entry by gold coin donation.
The three-day event will begin on March 20 when all balloons will lift off from Clareville Showgrounds and drift in the direction of the morning winds.
Balloons that afternoon will combine with the annual Wairarapa College Gala flying out of and around Wairarapa College grounds and balloon pilots and crew will parade with their baskets and fire their propane burners through Carterton's High Street later that Friday night.
On the Saturday morning balloons will make their traditional flight over Masterton's Henley Lake followed by the fiesta highlight, the spectacular Night Glow set to music on the Saturday evening. The event will conclude with an early morning flight over Masterton at a venue yet to be decided.
Balloonmeister Martyn Stacey, of Blenheim, will return for the third consecutive year to direct the various ballooning events.
Trust House will be the major supporter of the 2009 event, along with Masterton and Carterton District Councils, Radioworks, the Wairarapa Times-Age and other Wairarapa businesses.
Balloon fiesta cut to three days
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