The Saga International Balloon Fiesta (佐賀インターナショナルバルーンフェスタ, Saga Intānashonaru Barūn Fesuta?) is held at the beginning of November every year in Saga Prefecture, Japan. In 2009 it took place between October 30 and November 3.
The fiesta is held just outside of Saga City, along the Kase River. It has grown from a gathering of 5 hot air balloons to a competition where over 3500 people volunteer, and has gained a reputation as one of the top ballooning competitions in the world. It is also a popular time for tourists as the Karatsu Kunchi Festival is held at the same time in Karatsu City. Since 1980 the launch site has been visited by over 10 million spectators.
For the duration of the event, a temporary JR station (Balloon Saga Station) ferries passengers between Saga City and Kubota.
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“When I am on a stage, I am the focus of thousands of eyes and it gives me strength. I feel that something, some energy, is flowing from the audience into me. I actually feel stronger because of these waves. Now when the play’s done, the eyes taken away, I feel just as if a circuit’s been broken. The power is switched off. I feel all gone and empty inside of me—like a balloon that’s been pricked and the air’s let out.”
—Lynn Fontanne (1887–1983)