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The annual hot air balloon festival will be back in town to showcase 25 hot air balloons from 12 countries with 4th Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. The fourth edition of the fiesta held from 15th-18th MAR 2012 at The Millennium Monument, Putrajaya is set to inspire viewers once again with hot air balloons that come in various shapes, sizes and colours, with maintaining its 2011 theme ” 1World, 1Malaysia, 1Fiesta”. Visitors to last years’ edition that numbered 250,000 will recall hot air balloons floating over Putrajaya’s sky in the shape of Darth Vader, the character in Star Wars, and the cartoon character Doraemon, among many of the extraordinary shapes along with original ones.

The fiesta has garnered strong interest and participation from inside and outside the country, a testament to the success of previous editions and the allure of its theme. Among countries that have confirmed their participation are the United States, Belgium, Poland, Netherlands, France and Thailand. With participation from almost every continent of the world, this event is a practical platform to bring the world together. For one night, balloonist will keep their propane burners on and raise their envelopes, giving a spectacular scene to the area. On top of that, a fireworks show will add colour to the night. The “night glow” will take place on the night of 17th MAR 2012.

Besides, this year’s event would inject a new element with a game called “Hare and Hound”, a game similar to playing catch among the balloonists. For each day of the event, one Malaysian balloon will become the “hare” where it will fly far, before the rest of the balloons lift off, playing “hound”. The hounds’ objective is to follow the same path and land at the same place as the hare, as accurately as possible. Though it sounds simple, this game can be very tough. Factors like change of altitude and differences in wind current will test the pilots’ level of skill. The hot air balloon that collects the highest number of points will be announced as winner on the last day of event. Apart from ballooning activities, this year’s fiesta will also host a bicycle fiesta, street touch rugby, helicopter rides, water sports activities and extreme sports activities.

Get ready to roar at the sky once more!