The ninth annual Crown of Maine Balloon Fest
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
LIGHTING UP THE SKY during last Friday night’s balloon glow as part of the ninth annual Crown of Maine Balloon Fest in Presque Isle are, from left: hot air balloons Sinbad, piloted by Jim Rogers and Doug Shippee of Saint Jean, New Brunswick; Freedom Flyer, operated by Mark Fritz, Tracer, piloted by Wendell Purvis, and Magic Carpet, owned by Bob Bush, all of Tallahassee, Fla.
For a balloon glow, the pilots set up their balloons at dusk and then use the burners to illuminate the envelope so it glows. The brightness of the balloon depends on the color and density of the fabric.
A story and more photos will appear in an upcoming issue of The Star-Herald.
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As part of the downtown Presque Isle street fair — part of the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival — Governor’s Restaurant held a blueberry pie eating contest. While not the overall winner, Callie Junkins, daughter of Brock and Melanie Junkins, earned the award for most blueberry pie eating style points.
