The Canowindra Challenge will be a competitive ballooning festival, held in conjunction with a 10 day Festival of Flight in April 2010.

The challenge, which will involve a week of hot air balloon competition and at least $15,000 in prize money, has already attracted interest from balloon pilots from the United States and Japan.

Based on previous balloon festivals in Canowindra, organisers predict the event could attract as many as 4000 visitors to the region and generate tens of thousands of dollars for the local economy.

“Canowindra’s been synonymous with ballooning and is recognised as the balloon capital of Australia,” challenge organiser and chief pilot at Balloon Joy Flights Graham Kerr said.

“I don’t suspect it’s unreasonable to say we can expect 3000 to 4000 people.”

Mr Kerr said the challenge would also showcase new technologies, with competition footage being streamed live across the web and onto a big screen in Canowindra’s main street.

The Canowindra Challenge will be held in conjunction with other flight based community activities including kite flying, model plane displays and an art competition for school students.

Cabonne Council has thrown its support behind the event and is likely to provide some funding.

“I think it’s an absolutely tremendous idea and council will support it where possible,” Cabonne Mayor Kevin Duffy said.

“It’s another string in the bow for tourism New South Wales.”