65-foot hot air balloon to fly above Vancouver Art Gallery next weekend

A 65-foot hot air balloon is scheduled to take flight above the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) for the 2019 Honda Celebration of Light.

The massive balloon, belonging to Hendrick’s Gin, is called the A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R, which stands for Amazing, Whimsical, Enchanting, Voyaging, Astounding, Nocturnal, Ascending, Interstellar, Roamer.

The event also marks the first time that Celebration of Light festivities extends from English Bay to downtown Vancouver.

An artistic rendering of the A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R, which will take flight this weekend.

The vessel features a quirky design, centred around Hendrick’s Gin, cucumbers, and roses.

It will fly “44^1/4 cucumbers” above the Vancouver Art Gallery next weekend, on Friday, August 2, and Saturday, August 3.

Lucky passengers will have a chance to ride the hot air balloon in groups of four, although they’ll have to win a “golden ticket” in order to ride. Rides will take place on both the Friday and Saturday between 5 and 10 pm, depending on weather conditions.

Golden ticket winners will also be able to enter the Hendrick’s Gin Air Departure Lounge, which is expected to be set up near the steps of the VAG.

Inside the lounge, visitors will be able to listen to what Hendrick’s Gin calls the CORGAN — the world’s only cucumber organ, consisting of 49 real, whole cucumber keys. There will also be what the company calls an “Intuitive Specialist” to conduct one-on-one energy readings.

Naturally, they’ll have the chance to try libations from the distillery as well.

In order to win a golden ticket, contestants must have their name pulled in a ballot.

Draws will be held at a number of participating bars around Vancouver, as well as onsite at the Hendrick’s Gin Air Departure Lounge from August 2 to 3.

Eager riders can also enter via an online ballot.

Entrants must be residents of British Columbia and of legal drinking age to win and ride. No purchase is necessary.

A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R above the Vancouver Art Gallery

When: Friday, August 2 to Saturday, August 3, 2019
Time: 5 to 10 pm (weather dependent)
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery — 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free of charge with a golden ticket