Arrrr ya ready for some fun?! We certainly hope so, because we have a fun-filled weekend planned. On behalf of myself, and the entire board of directors, we want to welcome you to the 22nd annual Great Falls Balloon Festival.

This year’s Swashbucklin’ in the Sky theme will feature two special shapes—Pegleg Pete and Sunny Boy. In addition to these very special balloons, we will have close to 20 other hot air balloons to make this a spectacular weekend. All of these balloons are the awesome focal point for this annual festival.

Whether you look forward to standing beside balloons inflating on the field, watching them launch into the twin cities’ skyline, touching down onto the water in front of the falls or glowing in the night sky—they are truly amazing.

In addition to the balloons, we have a fun-filled weekend with free activities for all ages to enjoy—we’ll even have real live pirates with us for the weekend! The Pirates of the Dark Rose will be in the festival parade and on the field both Saturday and Sunday.

We will continue to have entertainment on stages in Lewiston at Simard Payne Memorial Park and in Auburn at Festival Plaza. Our entertainment includes live bands, local dancers, cheerleaders and, of course, Family Fun Day on Sunday.

On Saturday morning, the festival parade promises to be bigger and better than ever before! All weekend we will have carnival rides, craft and trade booths and even some free giveaways.

Finally, let’s not forget the many, many food offerings provided by our local non-profit organizations. The mission of the Festival, for 22 years, has been to provide a major fundraising opportunity for various local non-profit groups.

Last year, 35 different organizations raised funds to benefit groups right here in our community. You will find a diverse selection of food and beverages, with something to please everyone’s taste buds. 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, non-profit 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 non-profit organizations participating in the festival this year in exchange for a unique and exciting 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 who provide a safe place for our balloons to land.

Come out and join us for our 22nd annual celebration! Support your community, catch up with friends and neighbors, enjoy a wide variety of mouth-watering foods, watch the entertainment and maybe even enjoy a glorious balloon ride!

Sincerely,

Kelly MacKinnon, President

Great Falls Balloon Festival 2014

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