Fantasy Fiddlers North Dakota and Manitoba	InPulse Minnesota

Admission is only $10 per car

The "Ambassador," the International Peace Garden’s hot air balloon and official hot air balloon of North Dakota, as christened by former North Dakota Governor Sinner, is still flying the skies promoting the International Peace Garden and Dunseith, North Dakota, as well as educating people of the friendship between Canada and the United States.

The Ambassador was made in 1989 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Terry Hendrickson of Dunseith, North Dakota and his cousin, David Hendrickson of Rapid City, South Dakota, designed the balloon. Terry piloted the balloon and gave hundreds of rides. He flew the balloon over areas of North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Canada. One famous passenger was boxer Virgil Hill, accompanied by his manager and trainer.

Terry flew the Ambassador to several balloon rallies distributing pamphlets, educating people about the International Peace Garden’s wonderful significance and over the Turtle Mountain area. Terry once said, "Hundreds of people have received balloon rides. For most of these people it was their first experience and what a wonderful way to introduce the International Peace Garden. This balloon becomes a moving billboard, leaving lasting memories."

When Terry died suddenly on June 9, 2005, his wife, Michelle, wanted the Ambassador to keep flying and advertising. She felt the beautiful balloon would deteriorate if it were stored and this would not be acceptable. After first talking to a Dunseith Commercial Club member, Michelle made the decision to give the balloon to Terry’s cousin, David Hendrickson, of Rapid City, a long time pilot, well known for flying hot air balloons in many locations.

A trip of a lifetime came when Dave received an invitation to fly the Ambassador near Paris, France in May of 2006. Only 25 balloons from around the world were invited to participate.  Dave and his friend, Rich Thompson, of Bismarck arrived in Paris, with The Ambassador arriving the next day. Every flight was launched from a castle, or as they are referred to in France, a chateau. A flight from the Chateau de Villesavin was cancelled due to strong winds, but on the following day, a launch from a 400-year-old chateau, Chateau de Villemorant made a wonderful flight with another from the Chateau de la Sauldre. Most of the flights lasted two hours. The Chateau de Chambord, with 462 rooms, 381 fireplaces and 81 staircases, was the largest of the chateau areas from which they flew the Ambassador.

On May 30th, Rich and Dave left for the United States, carrying memories of a beautiful country and new friends. The Ambassador and Dave have been invited for a 2007 return trip to France. Also in 2007, Dave and the Ambassador plan to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the International Peace Garden, the 125th Anniversary of Dunseith, North Dakota, and to make a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Terry and Dave’s vision of the Ambassador has introduced many people to the International Peace Garden and the wonderful promise of peace between Canada and the United States.  Many memories have been made and, because of Michelle, new memories are around the corner.

For further information please contact us at:

E-Mail: kathy@peacegarden.com