To the editor:
This weekend, the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival promises to have something for everyone; including the growing tradition of spectators making the trek to the outlying areas of the city to watch the balloons fly over our picturesque landscape and beautifully manicured fields. The Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce board of directors ask that as you are enjoying the brilliant colors of festival that you remember and respect an even longer Aroostook County tradition; our local farmers. The local farmers and landowners are a vital part of the festival and have always been very gracious in allowing the balloon pilots to land on their property.
However, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone to use caution in your excitement and avoid going into fields where crops are planted. This practice will not only protect our farmers’ crops by preventing damage to the plants, but it will also protect the fields against cross-contamination (i.e. late blight).
Thank you in advance for helping to make this year’s Balloon Festival a huge success.
Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce
