Organizers say Balloon Fest 2011 delivered family-friendly fun
Event well received
To the editor:
Once again through the efforts and cooperation of many, the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest was a success.
The involvement of many service organizations is beneficial to the Balloon Fest and hopefully to the organizations themselves. This event provides hours of enjoyment for the entire family. The addition of music and entertainment at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds attracted large numbers after the evening launch. The weather allowed us to have four successful flights out of the six planned. In the ballooning world this is a booming success!
Thank you to the people who supported the pilots and the thousands who were at the launch field, watched from their homes or followed the balloons as they floated ever so gently over the terrain.
The organizing committee once again did a wonderful job planning and organizing a growing event. The number of hours devoted by a small number of people is amazing. In addition to the organizing committee more than 60 people volunteered to assist the pilots with launches and landings. For many that meant rising at 4 a.m. and working until after 9 p.m. for several days. Volunteers came from far and wide including: New York state, Pennsylvania and New Brunswick to participate in this year’s event.
One of the new attractions added this year was a walk through balloon, placed beside the launch field, which allowed children the opportunity to be “inside” a hot air balloon! There was a fee of $1 per child the proceeds of which will be donated to United Way for the Heating Assistance Fund.
Once again the balloon pilots expressed their enthusiasm for flying in this area. The rolling vistas, variety of crops and friendliness of the people make this area the favorite of many. One pilot who has been flying for 37 years said that this is “the most beautiful place I have ever been.” The pilots donate their time for a variety of things during their time in Presque Isle. They visit schools, explain hot air ballooning to children and one pilot donated $150 back to the community to supplement the Heating Assistance Fund.
As plans for the 2012 Crown of Maine Balloon Fest start we welcome participation, comments and suggestions for improvement. This really is your event as are all community events.
Thank you to all the sponsors and advertisers, without whom the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest could not be held. Please support these businesses!
Theresa M. Fowler, executive director
Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce
