They will release 11 small, helium-filled white dove balloons as the other passenger balloons take off five minutes after them.
"I think that's very positive for them, it's a form of healing for them [to be part of the festival], and they want to keep involved with ballooning,'' said Mr Stacey.
On the ground, members of the public will have a moment's silence to honour the dead before hundreds of coloured small helium-filled balloons are released.
"We'll have about 500 helium balloons up in the air around all these balloons flying, so that could be quite spectacular,'' Mr Stacey said.
Other festival activities will contine today as planned. About 1.30pm balloonists will make their way around Carterton and Masterton schools to talk to children.
"The idea is to sow an interest in ballooing and reiterate that ballooning is a very safe, and marvellous sport,'' Mr Stacey said.
The day will end with a 'burner parade' along the main street of Carterton at dusk.
"In other words the baskets are set up with the burners on top of them on the back of open trailers. We have a police escort up the main street.''
Mr Stacey said those involved in the festival were determined to reinstate the longstanding good reputation of the activity.
"I think the mood this year is very, very positive. I think balloonists have taken on board what's happened, but they're keen to promote the sport as a very safe sport.''
