To the editor:
I have written before in regard to the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest committee. I would like to update your readers on the progress we’ve made in our planning efforts for this year’s event, which will occur on August 24, 25, and 26.
The committee has been busy finding sponsors and hot air balloon pilots. This year, for the first time and thanks to a special sponsor, we have secured a special shaped balloon. Jumpin’ Jack is an 100 ft tall, well, jumping jack; personally, I can’t wait.
COMBF is more than balloons. We are currently working on many fun family events such as family games, eating contests, carnival rides, horse drawn cart, entertainment, and concerts. We have once again teamed up with the Northern Maine Fair Association, who are planning a Demolition Derby. 2007 will also see the return of the Amateur photo contest. It’s shaping up to be a great weekend. Information will continue to be added at www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org and there will be brochures available before the event. While visiting our Web site, please make note of our sponsors. Without their generosity, there would be no festival.
Also, some of our pilots will be able to take paying passengers. A hot air balloon flight makes for a life long memory and makes a great gift for anniversaries and birthdays. If you would like to make arrangements please contact us. If you are more inclined to win a flight. This year we are raffling off a “Champagne Flight for Two.” Tickets are $5/each and available at certain area merchants and at the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, please see our Web site for more details.
Any large event requires many hands; balloon festivals even more so. We are looking for volunteers for August 24, 25, and 26. We need people for balloon crews and for the many other aspects of this event. If you would like to help out or have questions about volunteering, please call the Chamber at 764-6561, visit our website or email me at dsmith@crownofmaineballoonfest.org. If you would like to join our committee the schedule of meetings is on the Volunteer page of our website.
Derik Smith
Presque Isle
