John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Twenty balloons took off from Lewiston’s Simard-Payne Memorial Park on Friday morning to kick off the 21st Annual Great Falls Balloon Festival. The annual festival runs through Sunday.

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Katie Witham, 19, of Augusta, and her cousin, 10-year-old Adriana Ellis, of Farmingdale, take photos as the balloons first take off. Balloons are scheduled to launch at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. throughout the weekend festival.

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Joe Caputo from Pittston readies his balloon on Friday morning in Lewiston’s Simard-Payne Memorial Park. For the festival website, click here.

Advertisement

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

All smiles aboard the Firefly as 20 balloons took off from Lewiston’s Simard-Payne Memorial Park.

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

A large penguin was among the first of the 20 balloons to take off.

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Pilot Jason Boucher regulates his burner as he prepares to take off.

Advertisement

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

One balloon was appropriately lobster-themed.

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Pilot Joe Caputo does a last-minute check inside the envelope before he takes off at the festival’s outset.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.