DEAR SUN SPOTS: The 24th annual Great Falls Balloon Festival will be held Aug. 19 though 21. The theme this year, as many already know, is “The Force Awakens.” It will feature special balloons Darth Vader and Master Yoda traveling from Belgium to make their first appearance on the East Coast, north of New Jersey. The response to this year’s theme since we announced in early May has been amazing. In addition to the two special shape balloons, we will have more than 20 additional hot air balloons, featuring several balloons that haven’t participated in our festival before.

With that being said, we would like to remind folks that we are always looking for people who may be interested in participating in our parade on Saturday, Aug. 20. This could be local businesses, nonprofit organizations or individuals. We are also always seeking folks who may be interested in being a craft and trade vendor, or those who may be interested in purchasing a balloon ride ticket. For more information, you can visit us on Facebook, or on the web at GreatFallsBalloonFestival.org or call Marcus at (207) 689-1439.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lisbon United Methodist Church is holding a 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 17, to benefit the Lisbon Area Christian Outreach Food Bank. As you may be aware, LACO provides food to nearly 100 families each month and anticipates additional needs during the winter months. We are hoping the event “Neighbors Helping Neighbors 5K Run/Walk” will be a successful way to raise funds and awareness of the needs of our neighbors in the Lisbon area.

More details are given on the church website, click on the link for Neighbors Helping Neighbors 5K: lisbonunitedmc.com

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at 14 School St.,  Lisbon Falls. Participants should register no later than Aug. 31. There is a $25 entry fee per person, payable by check or Paypal. Check-in begins at 8 a.m.  Participants receive a complimentary T-shirt. There is a one-mile fun run/walk for the kids, along with face painting, games and more. All proceeds to support the Lisbon Area Christian Outreach Food Bank. Thank you for the community service provided by your column. — Monica, Lisbon Falls.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are seeking crafters and vendors for our very busy Christmas Fair, sponsored and benefiting High Street Congregational Church Guild. Tables are $20. We will be having knit and sewn items, candy, baked goods, jewelry, crafts, home-party vendors, Country Store and others. We are seeking additional crafters and vendors to make this fair really pop. Please email office@highstreet-ucc.org for registration. Sign up early as this is a first-come-first-served opportunity. — Rose, Auburn.

DEAR READERS: Did you know Sun Spots also loves to help spread the word about community events with particular needs — for volunteers, donations, etc?

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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). Please include your phone number. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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