President’s message

Greetings to all,

On behalf of myself and the board of directors, welcome to the 21st annual Great Falls Balloon Festival. We look forward each year to this great community event and can ensure that a fun time will be had by all.

Our theme this year is a Beach Party and you can expect the same spectacular weekend that the Twin Cities has enjoyed together in the past. Our special shape balloons for our Beach Party will be Waddles the Snobird and Claw’d the Crazy Crab.

We all eagerly await the much anticipated, breathtaking sight of the balloons. Whether they are inflating on the field, launching into the Twin Cities’ skyline, touching down on the water in front of the falls or glowing in the night sky, they are an awesome sight to behold.

In addition to the balloons, we have a tremendous weekend of activities for the whole family to enjoy. We have a wide variety of free entertainment that will be featured in Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston and Festival Plaza in Auburn, including music, dancing, puppets and magic shows.

We will have repeat performances of last year’s crowd favorites – the Cloud Hoppers and the Tethered Balloon Rides. Don’t forget the Craft and Trade Booths, the Carnival, the Parade on Saturday morning and of course the Family Fun Day on Sunday.

Finally, let’s not forget the many, many food offerings provided by your local nonprofit organizations. The mission of the festival, for 21 years, has been to provide a major fund raising opportunity for various local nonprofit groups.

Last year, 34 different organizations raised $180,000 to benefit these groups right here in our community.

You will find a diverse selection of food and beverages at the festival, with something to please everyone’s tastes. The board will be hosting the Pancake Breakfast this year on Saturday and Sunday mornings under the tent. Come and watch the morning launch and then sit down and enjoy breakfast.

The festival is made possible by the efforts of many. Our volunteer board, committee members, festival volunteers, nonprofit groups and the cities of Lewiston and Auburn all contribute endless hours and in-kind services that make this festival weekend possible.

I encourage everyone to remember the mission of the festival and support our local nonprofit organizations participating in the festival this year in exchange for a fun-filled family weekend event.

If you have the opportunity, say thank you to the many, many volunteers, sponsors, city councilors and local businesses that support this festival. In addition, a special thank you to the landowners in L/A and the surrounding communities that provide a safe place for our balloons to land.

Come out and join us for a fun-filled weekend. Support your community, catch up with friends and neighbors, enjoy some mouth-watering food, watch the entertainment and maybe even enjoy a glorious balloon ride!