Hot Air Balloons Float Above Lewiston/Auburn, in the Lakes Region of Maine

August 13th, 2010 categories: Belgrade Lakes Region

Reflections of Hot Air Balloons in Lewiston/Auburn

Want a bird’s eye view of Maine’s lakefront property? Then take a balloon ride at the 18th Annual Great Falls Balloon Festival in Lewiston/Auburn on August 20-22, when the sky will be filled with an array of colors. Located on the banks of the beautiful Androscoggin River, the festival will feature 30-40 balloons plus a variety of activities.

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Lift off is at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day, weather permitting. This is when the wind is the most calm, one hour after sunrise and one hour prior to sunset.Balloon rides cost $225/person if purchased after August 13 ($200/person prior to August 13). All rides are free-flying, meaning they’ll go wherever the wind takes them. Balloons normally carry enough liquid propane to stay aloft 1-2 hours, but other factors may determine the duration of a flight. A chase crew follows the flight as best as possible and should be on hand when the balloon touches down. At the end of each ride, there will be a champagne toast to celebrate your adventure.

Two special balloons this year include Old McDonalds Farm and Jack N D Box. Jack stands 110 feet tall and weights 550 pounds. He has a crew of 12, piloted by Colin Graham.

Other events include live entertainment, Sky Dive New England, a Rotary Duck Race, Family Fun Day, craft and trade booths, various demonstrations, food booths, a carnival, and parade. Most events take place along the walkway of the Androscoggin River and at Simard-Payne Park.

A special event includes the “moon glow.” Balloonists will light their burners, partially fill their balloons and negotiate a tethered lift-off.

The entertainment scheduled throughout the weekend features some of the best regional performing artists including Withrop, Maine’s premier teen rock band, Fyve. Other favorites include Motor Booty Affair, Imari and the Sahara Desert Dancers, Rick Charette, James Montgomery Blues Band, and Delta Knights.

A carnival with thrill rides and games will take place on Lincoln Street in Lewiston throughout the weekend. The parade, with the theme “Celebrating Maine Farms,” will feature mascots, floats, local bands, balloon pilots and crews plus many other attractions. It will step off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, from the Auburn Public Library on Spring Street, proceed down Court Street, cross the Longley Bridge and turn right onto Lincoln before ending at Cedar Street.

Proceeds generated from the Balloon Festival provide funding to various local non-profits. So . . . bring the family, stay the weekend, and while you are here, take a look at lakefront property.

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