A seven-storey high hot-air balloon that looks like a kiwi bird and the current men's world champion pilot are among the highlights at this year's Canowindra International Balloon Challenge.
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This year's challenge will feature pilots from eight different nations, including Australia, New Zealand, China and the United States.
Current men's world champion Dominic Bareford and two-time Women's World Nicola Scaife are among the contingent, while 30 per cent of the field are baloon pilots younger than 25 years of age.
The Supagas Canowindra International Balloon Challenge runs from April 19 to 28.
"This is a great sign for the future of the sport," the organisers said in a press release.
However, casual observers will also appreciate the inclusion of the seven-storey high 'Iwi the Kiwi' kiwi bird balloon. It will be the first time that the balloon - which will take flight in both the Challenge and the concluding Balloon Glow - has appeared in Australia.
With significantly more Balloon Glow tickets sold in pre-sale this year it was crucial to ensure ongoing funding so facilities at the Showgrounds grow according to the event's scale.
"Camping here at the showground has been booked out for weeks, due to the ever increasing popularity of the challenge," Mr Kerr said.
"We'll be turning this showground into a motor home village for 650 campers... but we could grow it into double this with a bit of financial help."
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