FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUSSEX, NB, August 24, 2026 – Kings Regional Service Commission, through its Fundy Foothills destination brand, is thrilled to announce that the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta has been officially named a finalist for Event of the Year at the upcoming Event Atlantic Awards.
The nomination, submitted by Fundy Foothills, celebrates four decades of excellence, community leadership, and regional impact. Marking its landmark 40th anniversary this September, the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta has grown from a grassroots gathering into Atlantic Canada’s premier fall festival, drawing between 60,000 and 100,000 visitors each year to Princess Louise Park in Sussex.
Event Atlantic is the regional membership organization representing and supporting the event and event-tourism industry across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Its network includes event organizers, municipalities, destination organizations, tourism agencies, venues, and industry suppliers working collectively to strengthen the region’s hosting reputation. The prestigious Event of the Year Award recognizes events demonstrating industry best practices, economic impact, sustainability, inclusivity, and exceptional visitor experience. Previous recipients include the IIHF World Junior Championship in Halifax and Moncton, the Prince Edward Island Marathon, and the Mummers Festival, alongside recent winners such as Canada SailGP in Halifax, the Canada-USA Women’s Hockey Rivalry Series, and New Brunswick’s own Fundy Sea Shanty Festival.
“The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta represents the very best of our region,” said Matt Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Kings Regional Service Commission. “For 40 years, this volunteer-driven festival has created unforgettable memories for generations of families while remaining true to its founding promise of accessible, free admission for everyone. We are proud to champion this nomination and celebrate the incredible team behind one of New Brunswick’s true cultural treasures.“
The nomination highlights the profound economic, social, and cultural contributions the festival brings to south-central New Brunswick. Economically, festival week serves as a powerful shoulder-season catalyst, completely booking out accommodations within a 65-kilometre radius and driving record sales for local restaurants, retailers, and service stations.
Socially, the event acts as a vital community fundraiser. By keeping admission free, the festival enables local youth sports organizations to manage event parking, generating their single largest annual revenue stream to fund ice time for minor hockey, figure skating, and grassroots recreation programs.
Accessibility and inclusivity remain central to the Fiesta’s success. Through dedicated partnerships with groups like Hospice Mobility+ and St. John Ambulance, the grounds offer on-site mobility support, reserved viewing areas for regional care home residents, and indoor sensory-friendly spaces so every visitor can take part comfortably.
Culturally, the festival showcases the region’s warm hospitality and picturesque rural landscape to the world. Featuring upwards of 30 hot air balloons from across Canada, the United States, and the UK, alongside an artisan market of over 70 local makers and an antique car show with 500 vehicles, the event continues to be a point of immense pride for the entire Fundy Foothills community.
The 40th annual Atlantic Balloon Fiesta runs from September 10 to 13, 2026, at Princess Louise Park in Sussex.
Kings RSC and Fundy Foothills extend sincere congratulations to the volunteer organizing committee, pilots, local landowners, and community partners on this well-deserved recognition, and wish them the best of luck as the Event Atlantic selection committee makes its final decision.
