Great Falls Balloon Festival
Every August the skies above Lewiston and Auburn are filled with an explosion of color. Fanciful shapes glide across the sky as if by magic. Balloons skim across the waters of the Androscoggin River, their baskets kissing the water before they leap in to the air with a roar from the burners. For three days in August, people come from all over to attend the Great Falls Balloon Festival. It is a mixture of entertainment, food, and a chance to see hot air balloons of every size and color. Now in its 15 th year, the Great Falls Balloon festival has been delighting crowds with balloons of all shapes and sizes. Visitors have seen not only traditional shaped balloons but they’ve also been treated to balloons shaped like an eagle, the Space Shuttle, a monster truck, and the Flying Purple People Eater. Every year balloon pilots and their crews travel from all parts of the country to take part in the festival. Balloon launches typically take place in the early morning or late afternoon when air temperatures and conditions are most likely to be ideal. Because the balloons rely on hot air to remain aloft, the cooler air temperatures found in the morning allows the pilot to take flight more easily. In order to generate lift, the pilot must heat the air inside the balloon to a temperature higher than the outside temperature. In the morning, when the air is cooler, this is easier to accomplish. The temperature also plays a part in fuel consumption. The less time it takes to heat the air means less fuel is expended thereby increasing flight time.
Once aloft, the pilot uses information from the weather reports to determine wind currents. The wind can travel in different directions at different altitudes. The pilot uses these varying currents to fly the balloon in the direction he or she wants to travel in. After take off, some pilots will engage in a maneuver that is a thrill for both passengers and onlookers. It’s called the “Splash and Dash”. Once a pilot lifts off, wind and weather conditions permitting, they will allow the balloon to descend just far enough for the basket to touch the water. Then it’s a pull on the burners and the balloon leaps to the sky. Flight times for balloons average about fifteen to thirty minutes and depend on weather and atmospheric conditions. Pilots also take paying passengers up during the Balloon Festival. These rides are extremely popular and reservations are required. Another balloon activity that is immensely popular with the festival crowd is the Moon Glow. Just before dusk, pilots and crews set up balloons at the Railroad Park in Lewiston. When night falls, the pilots will fire up their burners. The goal isn’t lift off this time. What does occur is a spectacular show that’s guaranteed to please. The burners light the insides of the balloon, illuminating them for the crowds.
The balloons may be spectacular, but they’re only part of the attraction of the festival. The Balloon Festival is alive with music, dance, and food. Visitors are treated to groups that range in style from pop to R&B to jazz to country to the sounds of Inca Son. Venues are located throughout the downtown Lewiston Auburn area with the main attractions located at Railroad Park in Lewiston. From its inception, the festival has dedicated itself to being a family-friendly destination with activities extending throughout the day. Activities for the whole family abound with craft tents and carnival rides. As they stroll the grounds enjoying the entertainment, festival goers can feast upon the best fare from local organizations. Food booths are run by local charities, schools, and civic organizations. Perennial festival favorites like sausage subs and friend dough can be had along with fresh lemonade to quench your thirst When you come to the Balloon Festival, bring your camera. The opportunities to take photographs are practically limitless. So mark your calendars for August 18 th through the 20 th and make it a point to be here for the Great Falls Balloon Festival
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