Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off 2012

Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off is a not-for-profit organization that is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, consisting of 18 community leaders who work 11 months of the year to bring this festival to life.

Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off is currently the only Hot Air Balloon Festival in the province of Ontario.

The long term goal of Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off has always been to create a signature festival for the City of Cornwall and the surrounding communities -both to add to the quality of life and to create additional tourism. The Festival has quickly become the most important hot air balloon gathering in Ontario and is an extremely popular festival in Eastern Ontario.


To appeal to a wide demographic audience, and to maintain that audience throughout the day and evening, there are a range of additional activities offered. A very popular children’s carnival operates throughout the day and evening during the entire festival. The Lift-Off Carnival features a Loonie-Toonie Day where all rides are either a loonie or a toonie, as well as a One Price Bracelet Day for unlimited rides. 
In 2010 we introduced a Family Fun Zone that went over so well that we decided to make it a mainstay for future years and received a grant in 2011 to purchase the inflatables that we use for the event. This is a growing piece of our Festival.


Lamoureux Park is a beautiful waterfront park with a wonderful open air bandshell, perfect for musical entertainment and concerts. Lift-Off takes complete advantage of this facility featuring entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening through to 11 pm.

Every year we have one evening that ends with a fantastic Fireworks display to cap off the nights entertainment.  This display was established to enhance the festive atmosphere of Lift-Off. It is a very popular aspect of the festival, creating excitement and a “grand” finish to the entertainment of the evening. 


To satisfy the tastes of the various individuals who comes to the park during the event we have included a variety of events in the past to encourage day time activity, these event included:

• This year we are excited to add a few new elements in addition to our Seniors Bingo which will be returning in 2012.
• • Roll to win!  We are offering a limited number of individuals a chance to win $50,000.00 in cash and prizes.
  • Sift-Off at Lift-Off.   A rare archeological find!
  • Backyard Boot camp…A test of physical endurance and fun.
  • Up, Up and Away!  5K run on Sunday morning.
  • Buskers among Us!  A splash of something to come. 
  • Classic Car show.

Each component of Lift Off has been established to create a diverse festive atmosphere. The many different types of activities and entertainment attract spectators and participants from many different demographics.

During the festival, there are a number of additional activities such as a free Pancake Breakfast,  Pilot Farewell Brunch, and various activities for children. In addition to these activities, Lamoureux Park is populated during the festival by many vendors who line the park, offering products and food and drink.

Our budget has steadily increased over the years and with that, so has the level of entertainment and activities in the park.  That being said, outdoor festivals always come with risk and we could not have shown growth without the support of our Sponsors, Our Volunteers and those who attend the festival!  The Board of Directors would like to thank everyone who believes in the event and makes an effort to support it either by financial contribution, in-kind support, volunteer aid or simply good word-of-mouth.  We hope you enjoy the latest installment of the event and to see you in the park!