Balloon Fest colors the sky in Star City

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The 11th annual Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, which wrapped up Sunday in Presque Isle, saw 12 colorful hot air balloons filling the skies as they flew overhead.
Hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce and the Mapleton Lions Club, Balloon Fest was held Aug. 21-24, and according to chair Floyd Rockholt, was a success.
“Things went great,” Rockholt said. “The only unfortunate thing was that the evening launches all had to be held off the field because of the wind. Normally the balloons would launch from the Northern Maine Fairgrounds, but the evening winds prevented that from happening. However, the evening launches still occurred. One launch went from the Reach Road and two went from Route 1. All of the morning launches went from the fairground.
“More people see the launches if they happen from the field because there were so many people there. “When the pilots go off the field they’re typically not launching from the same spot, which makes it difficult for the spectators, but all in all, we’re happy,” he said. “All six launches were held and there was no rain. The weather was perfect Saturday morning for the launch. The balloons were pretty much able to take off all together.”
Balloon glows were held both Friday and Saturday nights.
For a balloon glow, the pilots set up their balloons at dusk and use the burners to illuminate the envelope so it “glows.”
Tethered rides were also held Friday and Saturday evenings.
“Tickets were limited to 150 each evening,” said Rockholt, “and we sold out both nights. Those rides are very popular.”
Rockholt said the festival featured 12 “official” hot air balloons.
“There was also another hot air balloon that was in the area but not affiliated with the festival, as well as one ‘cloud hopper,’” he said. Cloud hoppers are about one-quarter of the size of the regular balloons and are usually only meant for one person.
“The street fair was enjoyable, all six launches were held, and there were many other events and activities going on as part of the festival,” said Rockholt. “I’m really happy. The pilots enjoyed flying here and the spectators had fun, too. People love seeing them go up into the air; they’re so peaceful … they just float. It’s a beautiful sight, and people really like that.”