Word of Aroostook’s great flying, greater people has gotten out

To the editor:
    I am writing in regard to the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest (COMBF) committee and would like to update your readers on the progress we’ve made in our planning efforts for this year’s event, which will occur on August 21-24.     Word of the great flying and the great people that Aroostook County offers has gotten out. We now have more balloon pilots, who would like to come, than we can afford to bring. So, the committee has been busy finding sponsors to fund the cost of the hot air balloons. We would like to thank Key Bank for becoming the Title Sponsor for 2008. We also need to thank the Northern Maine Fair Association for co-hosting the event.
    We are pleased to announce that Jumpin Jack will be making a return engagement this year, thanks to Aroostook Hospitality Inn. Last year Jumpin’ Jack, at 100 ft tall, didn’t get to fly. Jack’s pilot Joel Jones, wanted another chance to share his balloon with the people of Aroostook County.
    We are also working on other events for the weekend. We are planning a comedy show at UMPI, and the traditional family fun and games (which can score kids a ticket to a special showing at the Braden Theater). This year we are partnering with local groups and businesses to bring events to the festival, some include: the Key Bank Wildcat’s Golf Scramble, Second Annual County Spin-off presented by County Physical Therapy and Horizons Occupational Health & Wellness Services, Spud Speedway Race, Aroostook Partners in the Arts-Artists in the Park, and Benefit BBQs for the Presque Isle Historical Society and American Legion. If your organization has an idea for an event that could be part of COMBF please contact us.
    Some pilots will be able to take paying passengers and a hot air balloon flight makes for a lifelong memory and makes a great gift for anniversaries and birthdays. If you would like to make arrangements please contact us. If you are more inclined to win a flight. This year we are raffling off a “Champagne Flight for Two.” Tickets are $5 each and available at the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, KFC/Taco Bell, Eagle Hill Stamp and Coin, and Mojo. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Please see our Web site for more details.
    Any large event requires many hands; balloon festivals even more so. We are looking for volunteers for August 21-24. We especially need people for balloon crews, which is the second best thing to flying. If you would like to help out or have questions about volunteering, please call the Chamber at 764-6561, visit our Web site or e-mail me at dsmith@crownofmaineballoonfest.org.
    It’s shaping up to be a great weekend. Information will continue to be added at www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org and brochures will be available before the event. While visiting our Web site, please make note of our sponsors. Without their generosity, there could be no festival.