FARMERS FEED CITIES! To Take Flight Again

The Farmers Feed Cities! campaign will be taking to the skies once again this year in partnership with Hyland Seeds, who has announced plans to purchase their own hot air balloon.

The balloon – funded entirely by Hyland Seeds – will feature the logos of both the Farmers Feed Cities! campaign and 4-H Ontario while running an eight-week crossprovince tour to begin in mid-August.

“Hyland’s continued partnership and commitment in bringing the message of Farmers Feed Cities! to the rural and urban public is amazing,” says Leo Guilbeault, Chair of Ontario Grains & Oilseeds. “Last year’s tour exceeded our expectations and with the extended timeframe, we
fully anticipate this year’s will exceed them even further.”

Over its six-week duration, the 2007 Harvest Balloon Tour saw the campaign gain a great deal of exposure throughout the province from flights over various cities and towns and having it inflated and tethered to the ground at a number of fairs and events. Running through the ideal weather conditions of the late summer and early fall, the balloon was able to make 54 flights over a 42-day span, a very impressive feat by ballooning standards.

The 2008 tour will follow a similar game plan, but has hopes of building upon and enhancing the successes of the inaugural season. The extended eight-week timeframe will be tightly packed with appearances at the Outdoor Farm Show, International Plowing Match, and fairs across the province, while also flying over rural and urban centres in between and during the scheduled events. A full listing of balloon events will be posted on www.farmersfeedcities.com once the schedule is confirmed.