A hot air balloon prepared for liftoff at the 2009 Crapaud Exhibition. (crapaudexhibition.com)

A weeklong hot air balloon festival could be in the works for Prince Edward Island next year, thanks to the success of having balloon rides at the Crapaud Exhibition this year.

Three hot air balloons were available as part of the exhibition in late July and organizers say flights were nearly booked up.

"The weather cooperated and people flying had a marvelous time. They were just absolutely thrilled," said Tom Albrecht, head of the festival committee.

Balloon rides were available for $20 per person for a tethered ride or $200 per person for an hour-long flight.

Albrecht said the rides were made available to gauge interest in having a permanent balloon festival.

"The idea for this year was to have a test flight just to see what the interest and the support is."

Albrecht said if a festival is held next year, six or eight balloons would be made available.

"We will require quite a huge organization behind it," he said. "A committee will have to be set up."

Albrecht said he has yet to crunch the numbers on the cost of a weeklong festival, but the festival committee is looking for sponsorships.