What once began as a Vernon Winter Carnival tradition has morphed into something more.

The hot air balloon show害羞草研究所檚 departure from Carnival to form the North Okanagan Hot Air Balloon Society in 2016 opened the doors for further opportunities, secretary Cindy Brassard said. However, with those possibilities come other complications, primarily that of funding.

To bring further awareness of the Society害羞草研究所檚 departure from the Carnival to the forefront and raise money for the annual event in the process, the North Okanagan Hot Air Balloon Society and the Village Green Hotel are hosting a fundraiser Oct. 19.

害羞草研究所淎 lot of people still think we害羞草研究所檙e part of the Carnival,害羞草研究所� Brassard said, adding that some falsely assume when they donate to the Carnival Society a portion of the proceeds goes towards the hot air balloon event.

Brassard said, apart from funding from key sponsors Great West Equipment, Lordco, Vernon Tourism and support from media sponsors SunFM and The Village Green Hotel, the Society害羞草研究所檚 funds are generated primarily through members害羞草研究所� efforts.

害羞草研究所淧eople don害羞草研究所檛 understand they害羞草研究所檙e not getting their funds from an organization. That害羞草研究所檚 why we wanted to put this on,害羞草研究所� said Peter Kaz, Village Green Hotel marketing manager. 害羞草研究所淚 just found out about this. That害羞草研究所檚 why I jumped on it.害羞草研究所�

According to Brassard, it costs the Society an estimated $1,500 per balloon to run the annual event that marks the Vernon Winter Carnival calendar. This year, the Society anticipates a total of 15 balloons to partake in the festivities for the cost of about $22,500.

The Society fundraiser kicks off at 5 p.m. in the Village Green Hotel parking lot with a training session for potential future ground crew volunteers before transitioning into a balloon glow at 6 p.m. featuring two hot air balloons. The party starts inside The Green Pub, attached to the hotel, at 7 p.m. with a $20 burger and beer special and a silent auction, the prizes for which include a hot air balloon ride for two during the Carnival event in February, air conditioning and water heater upgrades and more.

Tim Reardon of The Young害羞草研究所橴ns fame will take the stage with his rock and dance band #POUNDSIGN at 9 p.m. after the auction winners are announced.

North Okanagan Hot Air Balloon Society memberships will be available for $10.

害羞草研究所淛ust come, support us and enjoy yourself,害羞草研究所� Brassard smiled. 害羞草研究所淚 would like to see Vernon become a destination for hot air balloons.害羞草研究所�

parker.crook@vernonmorningstar.com
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