Patrice Lewis jumped as pilot Jim Rodrigue ignited the flames inside the hot air balloon in which she was about to ride high above the Twin Cities. Like a child at Christmas, the 57-year-old former Lewiston woman’s eyes grew large as saucers as she watched the colorful nylon come to life before her eyes.

“I’m really excited because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Lewis said. “I’ve always been amazed by the balloons.”

Lewis, who now lives in Homeport at Island Nursing Home in Deer Isle, was one of two assisted living facility residents whose lifelong dream of riding in a hot air balloon was fulfilled Sunday evening in Lewiston thanks to the Maine Health Care Association and Great Falls Balloon Festival organizers. Joining her in the “bucket list” adventure was 93-year-old John McDonald, a resident of Seventy-Five State Street, an assisted living facility in Portland.

“I’m all ready for it. I’ve been here twice, and I’m ready for the third try,” McDonald laughed, as he waited patiently for the wind to die down Sunday so he could finally have his dream fulfilled.

Originally scheduled to take place during the Great Falls Balloon Festival last month, the ride for Lewis and McDonald had to be postponed due to the bad weather that kept hot air balloons grounded most of the weekend. The two dreamed of one day riding in a hot air balloon, and that dream launched thanks to Live Your Dreams, a program developed by the Maine Health Care Association to help older residents living in nursing facilities fulfill lifelong dreams and goals.

“It’s very, very important that the weather cooperated so that these folks could have their dream come true,” said Nadine Grosso, communications director for the Maine Health Care Association. “The third time is a charm.”

Organizers tried desperately to launch the Live Your Dreams event for Lewis and McDonald during the festival. But after two failed attempts, the balloon ride was postponed in hopes of better weather, since travel arrangements had to be made for both residents, especially Lewis, who made the three-hour drive from Deer Isle twice during the festival.

Festival treasurer Mell Hamlyn said that several sponsors donated their balloon rides, which cost $200 per person, to make enough rides possible so that Lewis and McDonald could each bring along a family member. McDonald was joined by his 15-year-old great-niece, Abbie Bruni of Falmouth. 

Surrounded by friends and family, the nonagenarian was praised for his adventurous spirit and willingness to always try something new and different. The trait, they all agreed, was one McDonald passed down to more than one generation of family members.

“I’m very proud of him,” Bruni said. “He’s active in everything that he does, and everything that he does is fun. I only hope I can be that way when I’m his age.”

Lewis brought along a very special friend with whom she reconnected at the balloon festival.

“I hadn’t seen her in six years,” said Bob Coffey, who rode with Lewis Sunday evening. “I came down here with my grandkids and ran into her. We’ve been on the phone everyday since the balloon festival.”

Lewis and Coffey dated for eight years prior to losing touch with one another. Coffey said he’d always wondered what happened to Lewis. He said he never knew she moved away until reading about her in the paper.

Cheers filled Simard-Payne Memorial Park as Rodrigue, owner of Androscoggin Balloon Adventures, lifted the hot air balloon off the ground. McDonald and Lewis waved like rock stars to the crowd of about 50 people who turned out to watch their dream become a reality.

“(Lewis) is very nervous, but at the same time she’s very excited,” said Harry Rodriquez, activities director at Homeport at Island Nursing Home. “I went to pick her up and she was waiting outside a half-hour early. This is all she’s talked about, and it was so important for her to do it in her hometown of Lewiston.”

“It’s been my lifelong dream to go up in one,” said Lewiston native Pat Lewis before rising into the air with John McDonald of Portland on Sunday evening.

Lewiston balloon pilot Jim Rodrigue, right, meets his passenger, 93-year-old John McDonald of Portland on Sunday evening.