The editorial team advises you
Both are volunteers for the Evènement’ciel association, mobilized for the 23rd European Hot Air Balloon Cup, which lasted from August 1 to 4; like about 200 other people. And they all agree, “it’s a family affair,” continues Ghislain. “We’ve all known each other for a long time, we talk, we meet up.” Above all, “we get the people around us involved.” Sometimes, right up close: “My father was a volunteer, I’ve been a volunteer since I was 18 and my children are too!”
From generation to generation
Whether it’s at the bar, the restaurant or security, it’s often the generations that follow one another. Like in Christian’s family, who got involved when he was 15. That was in 1975. “Ah, it’s a state of mind! At the time, young people had fewer activities. And that allowed us to travel. We’d collect a bit of money and then we’d go and visit Europe.” The man who knew what was, at the time, the Fête de l’air, didn’t take long to involve all his relatives in the adventure. “Today, everyone participates! My mother, my daughter, my brother-in-law and their children… There have even been quite a few marriages within the association.”
The most forward-thinking had brought a folding chair. For the others, we enjoyed the air show sitting on the ground.
Julie Desbois
And the torch is not about to go out. Leaving his cart, the man heads towards a nearby tivoli to hail Lucie and Marion, both 27 years old. “Here are my daughter and my niece,” he proclaims with a smile. A smile shared by the young women, who have been volunteers for many years. “You could even say forever,” says Marion. “We’ve always known this!” Lucie says the same thing. “We were born into it, it’s an event we look forward to all year. We can’t miss it.” Both describe a big family among the 40 or so members of the association, who meet up even outside of it. “We’ve gone skiing, and even to Dubai together.”
Traditionally, the European Hot Air Balloon Cup ends with a large air show with demonstrations of different aircraft.
Julie Desbois
We were born into it, it’s an event we look forward to all year long.
This Sunday, Marion even came with her daughter, who is only a few months old. “I left her with her grandmother,” she says. “That’s the good thing about this event, some people come from far away to visit their family.” But you still need time. The two women have been mobilized since July 26 and will continue to do so until Wednesday. “That’s when the backlash comes, when you have to pack up and go your separate ways. But we don’t count our hours. We think we’re lucky to be so many. It goes beyond the four days of competition.”
A beautiful edition
More than 10,000 people, sold-out hot air balloon flights… The 23rd European Hot Air Balloon Cup in Mainfonds is a pretty good year, according to Sandra Nauroy, pilot and head of communications. “We’re even having ideal weather,” she said at midday on Sunday. “It’s warm but with a bit of wind, which is perfect for the public.” And for the pilots? “It’s going well too! Apart from the party flights on Thursday and Friday, but the demonstrations on Sunday are going perfectly.” The day continues and ends with a fireworks display and a drone show. Enough to leave with stars in your eyes, just to keep you going until the next Cup in two years.
