The Mapleton Lions Club, host sponsor, thanks pilots and volunteers who made the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest a success.
The flights are highly weather dependent event and despite the high winds on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, half of the scheduled flights did occur. With 15 balloons and pilots supported by approximately 70 volunteers, the flights that did go were wonderful rides for the balloon passengers.
Many passengers who missed flying at their scheduled times were accommodated in the flights that did go, as well post balloon fest flights on Sunday evening, Monday and Tuesday by pilots and balloons who remained in Presque Isle until they left for a festival in Bath, New Brunswick.
Those attending enjoyed the family-oriented activities Saturday afternoon. Food vendors reported excellent sales. The balloon glow with nine balloons up glowing Saturday was viewed by more than 1,000 spectators.
The Mapleton Lions Club thanks all who attended the COMBF. They especially appreciate the friends and neighbors who stopped and bought sandwiches, homemade fries and doughboys at their food booth. The funds raised at the food booth will be used to support the Mapleton Boy Scouts, buy eyeglasses for low-income individuals, support the Mapleton Recreation Program, fund college scholarships and sponsor youth to the Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp.
The club is already looking forward to the 2020 Crown Maine Balloon Fest, scheduled for Aug. 20-23. See everyone there.
The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest depends on the balloon owners/pilots who bring the excitement and enjoyment of hot air ballooning to Aroostook County. Pictured here are this year’s pilots from left to right, front row: John Viner (United Kingdom), Marion Deeney (Tallahassee, Florida), Patrick Grogan (Cleveland, North Carolina), Kenny Shumate (Orlando, Florida), and Randy Lee ( Four Oaks, North Carolina). Standing : Mark Stoldolski (Auburn, Massachusetts), Seth Bailey (Winsor, Nova Scotia), Jim Rogers ( St. John, New Brunswick), Bud Heberlee (The Villages, Florida), Joe Caputo (Pittston, Maine), Derik Smith (Presque Isle), Bob Martell (Sterling, Massachusetts), Mark Fritze (Tallahassee, Florida) and Wendell Purvis (Tallahassee, Florida).
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Historical society supper
The Haystack Historical Society will hold its annual baked ham fundraising dinner this coming Saturday starting at 4:30 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m.
The dinner menu will consist of low-salt baked ham, prepared by Ivan Pratt of Chapman. Along with the ham, there will be two kinds of baked beans (high-test and low-test), homemade potato salad, green salad, rolls and soda or water. A variety of sweet treats will also be served to the diners.
The dinner will be held at the Haystack Historical Society’s museum 1565 Main Street, Mapleton. The price is $10.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. This is the Society’s largest fundraiser of the year. Everyone is invited to enjoy an excellent dinner and to help support the Haystack Historical Museum.
Pastor’s Pasta Extravaganza
On Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. the West Chapman Advent Christian Church will hold a Pastor’s Pasta Extravaganza.
This supper will have a variety of hot and cold pasta dishes along with green salad and a variety of breads and desserts. Donations made at this dinner will help raise funds for phase one of the church’s renovation project now underway, which will make the church much more handicapped-accessible.
All are welcome to join in the food and fellowship.
First Friday luncheon
The monthly First Fridayluncheon held at the Mapleton Methodist Church is scheduled for this Friday, Sept. 6, at 11:30 a.m.
The luncheon promises to be fun as some of our local snowbirds are still with us and will be in attendance. The chefs are planning an enjoyable lunch. While the food is always delicious, the real joy is being with longtime friends as well as making new ones, sharing family updates, stories and memories. Remember there is no charge for the lunch, but donations will be accepted.
First Daze fundraiser
Lynnelle Foster, Mapleton Daze president, announced the first scheduled fundraiser for Mapleton Daze 2020 will be held from 4:30 to 7 p .m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, and will be a stew night accompanied by both a silent auction and live music at the Mapleton Lions Hall.
Foster said, “Let us do the cooking and the dishes — what a deal.” She invites everyone to come and help raise funds for Mapleton Daze 2020 Events. The committee is suggesting a donation of $7 for the meal that includes a main dish, roll, dessert and drink. Extra bowls of the main dish will be $3, and hot dogs will be available for $1.
Speaking of main dishes, the menu includes beef and barley stew, chicken stew, taco soup, homemade baked beans, american chop suey, veggie chili, corn chowder, unstuffed cabbage roll soup, mac and cheese, chicken chili, and of course, baked potatoes that you can load with your favorite toppings. Also Pam’s famous oatmeal rolls and lots of homemade desserts will add to the enjoyment of terrific dinner out. Remember Takeout Containers will be available if you cannot stay for dinner.
Invite all of your friends and family to come out and have a great meal and help raise funds for Mapleton Daze 2020.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
