LEWISTON — The Force unfortunately did not take flight Saturday evening when the 6 p.m. balloon launch was canceled due to strong winds.

Balloon pilots and crews remianed hopeful that they would still be able to take off at some point, but it never happened. 

Nineteen balloons would have taken off at the 6 p.m. launch. 

Carol Libel with the RE/MAX balloon crew said there could still be a Moonglow after dark, but no flights.

“Tomorrow looks better,” she said. “There might be some fog in the morning, though. It’s been good up until tonight, of course on the busiest night of the weekend.” 

Despite the setback, festivalgoers were abundant with energy and excitement, dancing to the live music from local groups like The Skidmarks and munching on onion rings and cotton candy while soaking in the end of summer. 

Food booths hosted by nonprofit organizations offered an array of carnival foods, including clam rolls and pizza, corndogs and french fries — all things greasy and delicious. 

Festival games drew in excited kids playing games for prizes such as mini air balloons, emoji pillows and plastic lightsabers. 

There were also dizzying rides like Tornado and The Sizzler. 

Even though the launch was canceled and balloons remained on the ground, children still clamored for the chance to see the baskets up close. 

The next launch is scheduled for 6 a.m. Sunday morning at Simard-Payne Memorial Park and Lewiston High School. 

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