On Friday, the inauguration took place under the best climatic auspices while the public was crowding the Boulevard. Jean Rottner, President of the Grand Est region, accompanied by numerous elected representatives including the Presidents of Meuse, Moselle and Meurthe-et-Moselle, opened the event from the region’s box. Mr Arnaud Robinet, Reims city mayor, honored us as well by being present at the inauguration, which proves that despite the 170km that separate us from the coronation city of the kings of France, the Grand Est is a united region. The tourist stand of the Grand Est, located in BallonVille Public – and to which an article in this issue is dedicated -– demonstrates it. As Mr Rottner highlighted, #GEMAB21 is an iconic event of the Grand Est region that allows the economical world and all kinds of public to meet up in front of a most incredible show that the entire world envies.
Editorial – Philippe Buron Pilâtre :
Well, we won’t hide it. A day without flight is quite sad, even if on Saturday evening the pilots raised the enthusiasm of the public with about fifty baskets topped by roaring burners. We were all disappointed, but we made the best of it. The weather is the determining factor for the success of an aerostatic festival. Since 1989, the average is 14 flights out of 19, which confirms that the choice of the date is perfect. But it is true that on weekends, the public is waiting for a show. We are not going to invoke the evolution of the climate, but anyhow, for the last few years, wind and thunderstorms are more frequent. In the meantime, many people have been in the aisles of the partner and the public villages, the drivers have taken the time to meet. Tomorrow will be another day. Let’s bet on a nice Great Line.
