The best way to experience the festival is from the basket of a hot air balloon. Advanced reservations are recommended and are available for $200 per person until 5 p.m. Monday, August 12. Rides are available for the Friday evening launch, and both morning and evening on Saturday and Sunday.

Passenger application

To reserve your ride, fill out the passenger ride application online at www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org. Under Guest Guide, click Balloon Rides.

You can also pick up an application in person at Ness Oil, 249 Washington Street in Auburn, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or Reeder Chiropractic Health Care, 625 Main Street in Lewiston, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

Applications can be mailed to 392 College St., Lewiston, ME 04240 or faxed to 207-777-4625. If sending by fax, please be sure to include your credit card information.

If you wish to schedule a ride during festival weekend, we offer stand-by passenger options. The cost is $200 per person. Please visit the Information Booth at Simard-Payne Memorial Park for ride availability.

Cancellation

If your balloon ride is canceled due to weather, you will have the option (if space permits) to fly on a later flight during the festival as a priority stand-by passenger, or you may opt for a full refund.