LEWISTON— Festival organizers canceled the planned first launch of the 2023 Great Falls Balloon Festival on Friday morning. Low cloud cover — which would hinder balloon pilot’s ability to navigate safely — was given as the reason for not launching balloons.

Five hot air balloons were inflated. One of them was a small balloon controlled by tethers.

There is a launch scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday. Festival organizers are not commenting on the weather report.

Friday’s Events

6 a.m. — Balloon Launch

4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. — Robert Washington

6 p.m. —  Balloon Launch

6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. — Breaking Strings

8:15 p.m. – 10 p.m. — Toby McAllister and the Sierra Sounds

Dusk — Moon Glow