PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — For 14 years the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival has turned heads to the sky to witness a beautiful show of colors, fire and flight. This Thursday through Sunday hot air balloons will take off from the Star City while fun filled activities for those on the ground will take place in celebration of the annual event.
A dozen balloons will grace the skies starting Thursday night including new balloons “Diamond Girl” and the apple shaped “PI.” Thursday also means the annual street fair on Main Street in Presque Isle complete with food, music and fun for kids.
The National Weather Service in Caribou is calling for mostly sunny skies and low winds during the festival. If the weather cooperates launches will occur Thursday evening from the fairgrounds as well as Friday morning and evening, Saturday morning and evening and Sunday morning.
The traditional balloon glows will take place Friday and Saturday night where the public can see bursts of fire light up the night. Activities for all ages will stretch throughout the weekend at the fairgrounds and around town including a color run, yard sales and craft fairs.
New to the festival is All Star Gymnastics who will bring “fun to the field” at the fairgrounds Saturday afternoon. Musical acts “No Pressure” and “Star City Syndicate” will provide tunes Friday and Saturday.
For those not lucky enough to score a ride in a balloon, tethered balloon rides will be available at the fairgrounds.
The festival is an annual opportunity for the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce to draw crowds to the area and enhance the community, according to chamber director Theresa Fowler.
“There’s just more and more groups involved every year,” Fowler said.
Balloon pilots and festival attendees come to The County from all over the globe each year to fly and keep the hot air balloon tradition alive. But the festival wouldn’t be possible without its dedicated sponsors, Fowler said.
For a complete list of activities for the community and event sponsors visit crownofmaineballoonfest.org.
