To the editor:
The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest organizing committee is honored to be named by Governor Paul LePage as one of the premier aviation events in the State of Maine. The proclamation was issued July 29th.
The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, which began in 2004, has grown consistently throughout the years. Attendees and participants come from the Continental United States and Eastern Canada. This four-day festival is one of the largest events held in Aroostook County and keeps growing each year. As a non-ticketed festival, the actual attendance is unknown, but has been estimated to be thousands of viewers at each balloon launch. In addition to viewers we also involve 150-200 volunteers, balloon pilots, artists and entertainers.
The 2015 version will offer even more to entertain people between and after balloon flights.
The official opening Thursday, Aug. 27 at 5:30 p.m. will coincide with the Street Fair, hosted by Presque Isle Elks Lodge and being held on Main Street in Presque Isle. Friday the vendors will open, “Sound Friendships” will perform and the movie “Up” will be shown at the fairground while tethered balloon rides will be available to the first 150 who purchase tickets which go on sale at 4 p.m.
Come to the fairgrounds, have supper, listen to music, take a balloon ride, visit with neighbors, take pictures, watch a movie! Music, movie and taking pictures are free.
Saturday the day will be full. Balloons will launch around 5:30 a.m. We encourage those who are interested to have a yard or garage sale that day while town is full of people who would not normally be here. Chapman Ridge Runners will be serving breakfast from 7-10 a.m. for $7 per person. If you haven’t enjoyed one of their great breakfasts don’t miss this opportunity.
The Northern Maine Antique Tractor Club will be holding tractor pulls at the fairgrounds and providing tractor train rides. Presque Isle Kiwanis Club and Cary Medical Center will host the Youth Day events with help from Presque Isle Boy Scouts and the Presque Isle Rotary. All the fun and games at the Presque Isle Forum is offered free of charge to children. The activities are planned to appeal to children between the ages of 3-12 but don’t let age stop you. There will be activities to appeal to a wide age range.
Saturday evening ”No Pressure” will be performing. Tethered rides will be available again and the vendors will stay open until the music stops!
Don’t forget that hot air balloon rides are available Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 5:30 p.m. Evening flights cost $200 per person. Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings balloon rides will also be available. Morning flights are scheduled to launch around 5:30 a.m. Morning flights are available for $180 per person. We suggest that you contact the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce 207-764-6561 to book your flights as there are a limited number.
We are fortunate to have a full field of hot air balloons this year and pilots waiting to be invited to this great event. It is exciting to see new groups joining in the fun each year. The planning takes a lot longer than the events. What fun we have for 4-7 days with hot air balloon pilots, crew members, visitors, vendors and seeing all the excited faces when balloons launch and land.
The magic that these balloons paint in our northern Maine sky would not be possible without the generous support of our many sponsors and all the clubs, organizations and volunteers who come together to host this each year. For more information and details visit:www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org or pick up a brochure in the August 19th Star-Herald, Aroostook Republican or Houlton Pioneer Times.
Theresa M. Fowler, executive director
Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce
