Dear Sun Spots: I am writing to inquire about the status of the Great Falls Balloon Festival. I have visited the Web site, and it has not been updated since before the last festival. The new contest pictures are not up, nor is any information on where they will be displayed. I tried e-mailing the general inquiry e-mail address, as well as the “volunteers needed” e-mail address. All came back to me with “mailbox over quota” messages. Is the organization having problems? I hope not, because the festival is something that I know many look forward to every year. Thank you for your help! – Concerned in Lewiston.

Answer: Sun Spots checked in with Bob Waterman, who works with incoming vendors to the festival. He says the Web site is in the process of being updated. Among the work to be done will be posting the photographs from the 2007 balloon festival as well as updating for the 16th annual festival. Waterman has confirmed that the festival remains a popular event here in the Lewiston-Auburn area. It is scheduled for Aug. 15-17, 2008. Waterman expects there will be some different balloon shapes and possibly more. You should keep an eye on the site for future updates at www.great fallsballoonfestival.org.

In addition, the city of Auburn will also have updates on their Web site at some point in the near future about the festival. Posting of the photographs will also be completed at some point. Check them out at www.auburnmaine.org

You might also note that judging of the photographs was held Oct. 11, and a reception for public viewing of the winners was held Oct. 28 at the Corinne Croteau Lepage Women’s Health Pavilion at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center here in Lewiston.

According to www.laitshappeninghere.com, with an estimated 100,000 attendees, The Great Falls Balloon Festival is one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in New England,. The event includes live musical performances, carnival rides, food vendors, children’s games, radio remote broadcasts, and more. Each year, organizers feature special character balloons shaped like the U.S. Flag, cartoon bears, the Space Shuttle, and animals of all types.

Dear Sun Spots: I am in need of any deaf-learning material. I will pay postage or pick up within a 20-mile radius. Please call 897-2506. – Ruthann LeBlanc, Livermore.

Dear Sun Spots: Is there somewhere in the Lewiston/Auburn area where I could purchase Indian necklaces with things like ceramic whales or animals on it? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might consider contacting: Pueblo Pottery Maine, located in Limington, 25 miles West of Portland off Route 25, 637-2547 or via mail at P.O. Box 45, Limington, ME 04049. You can also reach them on the Web at www.pueblopotteryme.com; Land of the Dawn, 103 Running Hill Road, Scarborough, ME 04074, 839-2428 or 1-800-570-9112, www.micmaccrafts.com or via e-mail at [email protected].

Another option to consider is many of the powwows held around the state. For a listing of 2008 powwows, check out www.soaring-spirits.com.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].