The Taiwan Balloon Fiesta, an annual summer extravaganza hosted by the island’s eastern county of Taitung, launched its 2012 celebration Friday, June 29. The 47 participating pilots will showcase 21 hot air balloons from over 13 countries for the two-month festival. Through September 2, visitors to the isle of Formosa will enjoy witnessing freestyle performances by experts from the United States, Canada, Switzerland, France, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Lithuania, Spain, Thailand, India, the Netherlands and Brazil. Various balloon models will be debuted during the 2012 Taiwan Balloon Festival and many hot air balloon artists will offer special rides to audience members.