"Probably what some people don't realise is that it's a very hard moment the families and also for many of us for different reasons.
"We were used to seeing Lance [Hopping] every morning, see him flying in his balloon from our window ... but it's a reassuring thing to see so many people present."
Organisers said three groups of family members, representing five of the victims, were known to be attending but others might have been among the crowd.
Per Rold, a balloon pilot from Blenheim, said he knew Mr Hopping well and, although it had been a hard time for balloonists in the wake of the tragedy, it was good to see the festival going ahead.
"Accidents do happen, but it's just like any sport," he said.
His friend, Rick Gant, agreed. "It's good to see people here - life's got to go on, doesn't it?"
Flight director Martyn Stacey said it was disappointing balloons were unable to fly but safety was paramount.
While the weather was calm at ground level, allowing the balloons to inflate, at 1000ft the winds were up to 25 knots, creating danger.
"The weather gods are what they are, but this is a sombre moment, and we're here to remember and to pay tribute," Mr Stacey said.
"It's important that we keep the Wairarapa balloon festival going, it's a great place to fly.
"The people are great and the flying conditions are usually - apart from this week - fantastic."
Later in the morning, conditions improved and nine balloons took an informal flight from East Taratahi to the aerodrome.
Balloons also lifted off after the Meet the Pilots event at Hood Aerodrome yesterday afternoon.
