Summer Travel: Great Falls Hot Air Balloon Festival in Maine

Every summer since the early 1990s, hot air balloonists from around the world have gathered in Maine for the annual Great Falls Balloon Festival on the banks of the Androscoggin River in the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn.

The late August event annually attracts well over 100,000 visitors to this unique city setting, where dozens of hot air balloons take to the skies above the historic textile mills and the waterfalls that provided their power during the long-past industrial age.

Typically, 30 to 40 of the giant balloons participate in the festival. Activities include mass launchings in the early morning and early evening hours - a favorite of photographers. Dozens of balloons rise simultaneously, filling the Maine sky and providing a striking view against a cityscape background. In addition, each night of the three-day festival, the balloons are tethered and dramatically lit from within by propane burners in a beautiful event called a "moon glow."

The Great Falls Balloon Festival specializes in "special shape" balloons. In years past, balloons have included an enormous panda bear, a giant dragon, and balloons designed to look like dogs, birthday cakes, clowns, trees, penguins, polar bears - even a huge American flag.

Visitors to the festival can, of course, experience balloon rides throughout the weekend, weather permitting. The typical ride lasts one to two hours, accommodates two to four people plus a pilot, and travels to a destination determined solely by wind conditions. An accompanying chase team meets riders at touch-down with a champagne toast and a lift back to the center of town.

Lewiston and Auburn are typical of the New England "mill towns" that grew up in the 19^th century on the backs of their immigrant labor force. Lewiston produced mostly textiles - including the famed Bates bedspreads - while Auburn was mainly a shoe manufacturing center. As these industries shifted overseas in the late 20^th century, the cities fell on tough economic times. The Great falls Balloon Festival was founded by local citizens as a way to increase tourist traffic, lift local spirits, and benefit local charitable causes.

Over nearly 20 years, the festival has grown in size and popularity. The festival now includes fireworks, kids activities, dozens of food and craft booths, entertainment and more. It has become the largest, most heavily-attended attraction in the area and a source of much-needed tourism.

Lewiston and Auburn are located about a half-hour north of Portland off the Maine Turnpike. The Great Falls Balloon Festival is held annually in late August.