First annual Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival takes off this spring
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Mark your calendars for the first annual Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival. A dream in the making for many years, this three-day hot air balloon festival will be held from May 31 through June 2 at the Charles A. Chase Junior Memorial Field. Founded by the Kiwanis Club of Dover-Foxcroft and the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce, this festival is a celebration of local talent in arts, crafts, agriculture, the work of non-profit organizations and the opportunities available in the Maine Highlands Region.
In addition to the breathtaking adventure of hot air balloon rides, there will be live music throughout the weekend, artisans and crafters selling their wares, agricultural displays, tradesmen demonstrations, food vendors, activities for children and families, tethered balloon rides, and many more unique attractions celebrating the region’s rich heritage. Balloon lift-offs are at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., with balloon glows on Friday and Saturday evening between 8-9 p.m. Tickets for hot air balloon rides will be available for purchase on the festival’s website, www.piscataquisballoonfestival.org, starting in April. This family friendly festival is extremely affordable, with an entrance fee of just $1 per day.
The Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival is truly the result of a partnership between businesses and the community. Without the valuable support from businesses sponsoring balloons, and the hard work of local volunteers carrying out the festival’s mission, this event would not be possible. Organizers would like to thank all of the hot air balloon sponsors.
There are currently three additional premier balloon sponsorship opportunities available. If you are interested, please contact Jody Arno, festival coordinator, at jojoarno@yahoo.com. Organizers would also like to thank the exclusive radio sponsor, Zone Radio. Be sure to tune into WKIT-FM 100.3, WZLO-FM 103.1, and WZON -AM 620 for all the latest on the Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival.
To stay informed on the latest balloon festival updates, be sure to visit the festival’s website often and also look the festival up on Facebook. The balloon festival is currently accepting vendor applications for artisans, crafters, trades people and non-profit organizations for food vendors. The applications can be downloaded from the website.
Interested in getting involved? There are many volunteer opportunities for interested parties. Contact Arno at jojoarno@yahoo.com to learn more.