Our 2025 Pilot Lineup!
We are happy to introduce the pilots registered for the 2025 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival. Not only do we have our local pilots, we have representation from across Alberta, BC through Quebec. Our international friends from the United States, United Kingdom, and Belgium are participating again this year as well.
Enjoy becoming familiar with the pilots and their balloons so you'll know who is in the sky when we fly. As of August 2025, we have 25 entrants. That number may increase or decrease over the coming weeks as details are finalized.
Competitor: #23
Pilot: Dale W. Ritchie
From: Golden BC
Attended: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
5 Time Canadian Hot Air Balloon Champion
Dale began flying in 1977 and commercially in 1979. In his 46-year career, Dale has trained many pilots, flown worldwide, and amassed over 4,700 flight hours. He holds multiple licenses and ratings, including flight instructor certification. Dale has has flown at numerous festivals and competitions, and won the Canadian Championship five time, more than any other pilot. Dale finds joy in ballooning challenges, from flying over the Rose Bowl to soaring above the deserts of Jordan.
Balloon: Emily
Call Letters: C-FJAV
Type: Sundance SBA77
Size (volume): 77000
Category: Sport
World Traveler
Emily was built in 2006 and made her inaugural flight in Motegi, Japan at the 2006 World Hot Air Balloon Championship. Over the past 15 years she has flown at a number of festivals and competitions for the last fifteen years. You may recognize Emily as a familiar face from past Festivals in High River.
Competitor: #24
Pilot: Jonathon Perron-Clow
From: Ottawa ON
Attended: 2025
Fiesta Party
Jonathan wanted to be a pilot since attending balloon festivals as a toddler. He has participated in nearly every Canadian event and represented Canada at three World Championships. Jonathan received his license in 2023 and bought a balloon with his sister. His fiancée and sister serve as crew, helping him take up the friends and family who have supported him. At this Festival, he'll fly with his friend Richard. Jonathan believes ballooning uniquely brings communities together and encourages others to consider becoming crew or pilots.
Balloon: Our Treat
Call Letters: C-FGBY
Type: Cameron O77
Size (volume): 77000
Category: Sport
Competitor: #25
Pilot: John Phillips
From: Parkland County AB
Attended: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025
Director, Producer, Pilot
John Phillips was introduced to hot air ballooning in 1986. After crewing for a year he obtained his license in 1987. He continues to fly recreationally and semi-competitively. A freelance producer, director, technical director and videographer, John has travelled across North America to cover a wide range of sporting events including world championships, the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. He has directed music and variety productions for well-known artists. Recently John has been busy televising Canadian professional rodeos.
Balloon: Purple Haze
Call Letters: C-GSTK
Type: Aerostar RX7
Size (volume): 77500
Category: Sport
Mystery of the Sky
Purple Haze returns to fly in the Festival once again.