Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 22 : Fall 2014 | Page 67

The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest typically has included 10-12 balloons each year. The number of pilots wanting to participate in the Presque Isle-based festival exceeds the number that can comfortably launch from our home field at Northern Maine Fairgrounds. Each year there is a waiting list of pilots who want to come to the area and fly where the landowners are hospitable and the opportunities to land the eight story high balloons are plentiful. Like everything in Aroostook County, the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest is only successful because so many groups and organizations cooperate to host an event that appeals to the entire family. The festival is hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce and the Mapleton Lions Club. Members from both organizations, along with other community members, work year long on the organizing committee to coordinate all the details involved with hosting a festival of this kind. The Presque Isle Elks Lodge, under the leadership of Alan Harding who is presently the Exalted Ruler, has hosted a Street Fair the first evening of the festival for a number of years. This event attracts area residents and visitors to enjoy food, music, entertainment and opportunities to chat with friends old and new. Friday and Saturday see a number of events in the city. The balloon launches in the mornings and evenings attract people to the fairgrounds and provide beautiful sights for those traveling the roads or enjoying their own back yards. After the evening launches there is entertainment at the fairgrounds as well as a balloon glow, when the inflated balloons look like stained glass ornaments standing tall into the night sky. The Presque Isle Kiwanis Club, Cary Medical Center and Presque Isle Rotary Club collaborate to provide activities for children on Saturday, including both games and educational activities. The Masonic Lodge has often been on hand to provide their Masonic Children Identification Program, giving parents the opportunity to create a kit of identifying materials for their child, free of charge. Throughout the festival, a number of food vendors are at the fairgrounds to satisfy the tastes of those on hand to watch the balloons inflate and launch or glow. There are also a number of artisans and crafters offering their wares. Each year has provided a new array of items that make wonderful gifts to yourself or others. For those who missed this year’s festivities, mark you calendars and plan to join us next August for this incredible event. For more information visit us online at www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org. Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce [phone] [email protected]