LEWISTON — The Great Falls Balloon Festival has launched successfully Friday morning.

The first balloon lifted off around 6:10 a.m. A total of eight balloons flew and four others — including the two specialty balloons, Tico the Sloth and Simba the Lion — were inflated but did not launch.

Organizers estimated about 1,500 people attended the first launch Friday morning. “I think it went very well,” said Alan Collins, the festival’s logistics coordinator. “We had a successful launch, we had a nice crowd on the field … There’s a lot more in store.”

The Freedom Flyer, piloted by Mark Fritze of Florida, takes off Friday morning. #gfballoonfest pic.twitter.com/6Ds3NAoGh4

— Sun Journal (@sunjournal) August 19, 2022

The next scheduled launch is set for 6 p.m. Friday. The weather forecast is sunny with 6 mph winds.

FRIDAY’S EVENTS

Simard-Payne Park, Lewiston
6 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. Balloon Launch
4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Food Booths Open
4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Elvis
6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Balloon Launch
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Break’in Strings
8:15 p.m. – 10 p.m.-Shagah Kitty

Auburn Stage
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Food Booths Open
4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Christy Ray
6:15 p.m. – 8 p.m. LA Harley Band

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