Pilot Jim Rodrigue of Lewiston brings his hot air balloon, Tailwinds, in for a landing on an old dairy farm off of Broad Street in Auburn during the Friday morning launch of the 2017 Great Falls Balloon Festival. Dawn Sullivan, center, of Lewiston and Kim Long, right, flew with Rodrigue. “This was a bucket list for both of us and we didn’t want to go alone,” Long said. The two were scheduled to fly during the 2016 festival, but their evening flight was canceled due to high winds, delaying their first-ever balloon trip for one year. “I thought it would be scary,” Sullivan said. “But it was peaceful, very calm and relaxing.” (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)
Balloon rides are available for six launches throughout the weekend. Morning launches are at 6 a.m. and evening flights are at 6 p.m.
All balloon rides are free-flying and go where the wind takes them. Balloons range in size from two to 10 passengers. At the end of each balloon ride there will be a champagne toast to celebrate your adventure.
Availability
- Friday, Aug. 17 (morning with limited availability and evening launch)
- Saturday, Aug. 18 (morning and evening launches)
- Sunday, Aug. 19 (morning and evening launches)
Cost
Balloon rides cost $200 per person. All purchases must be prepaid with either a check or a credit card.
They can also send you an invoice via email after you send in your form where you can pay securely online (see ride application).
Passenger ride application form
Download the 2018 Balloon Ride Application.
Application may also be picked up in-person at Ness Oil, 249 Washington St. South, Auburn. Their hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Ticket delivery
All tickets will be mailed out prior to Monday, Aug. 13. If tickets are purchased on or after Aug. 13, they will be available on the day pf your flight. Please refer to your email confirmation for time, location and pickup information.
If you are traveling and have not received your tickets in the mail, replacements will be issued during flight registration per your confirmation email.
Questions?
For more information, please contact rides@greatfallsballoonfestival.org or call 207-713-0717.
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