Balloon Fest 2007 ready to launch

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest Committee has announced that plans are nearly complete for the 2007 Crown of Maine Balloon Fest presented by EZ to Use Big Book.     The festival, held at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds in Presque Isle, will begin Aug. 24 and continue through the 26th. The event will feature hot air balloon launches as its centerpiece, including a special shaped balloon as a festival first this year. Other activities will include a midway, demolition derby, concerts, children’s games, charity BBQ, pancake breakfast, geocaching, and displays.
“We have tried to grow significantly this year to make a great event for the people of Aroostook County and draw in people from all over the region,” said committee chair Derik Smith.
The festival will kick off with a Friday morning balloon launch, another on Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday night, and wrap up on Sunday with another morning flight. There will also be balloon glows on Friday and Saturday night.
“For a balloon glow, the pilots set up their balloons at dusk,” said Smith. “Then they use the burners to illuminate the envelope so it glows … it’s really quite pretty.”
The committee also announced that some pilots would take paying passengers during their flights. Those wishing to make arrangements for a flight should contact the committee through e-mail at dsmith@crownofmainballoonfest.org or call the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce at 207-764-6561.  For a detailed list of events, visit www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org or in brochures available before the event.