This year’s L//A Balloon Festival was more than we could have ever imagined. At first we weren’t sure if it would even happen, but the folks of Lewiston/Auburn came together and put on a weekend like no other before.
Not many balloons were released, but the atmosphere was good, with an estimated 133,000 people taking part this year.
It was my honor to be your humble servant and emcee for the festivities on Saturday and Sunday on the main stage, giving me a front row seat to the excitement of the event.
Without a tracker, counting attendance is quite a challenge, but this year organizers relied on food sales from nonprofit organizations as a guide.
Sales were up by about a third on last year. Previously, the festival has attracted about 100,000 people, but this year the organizers relied on food sales through non-profit organizations! This year, about 133,000 people came, so it’s quite obvious that the festival was well attended, with large crowds on Friday and Saturday nights and a strong turnout on Sunday afternoon!
Sponsorships raised nearly $170,000, while nonprofit vendors generated nearly $140,000 in sales! WOW!
A huge thank you goes out to the incredible sponsors and individuals who helped make this festival possible this year!
Nate Libby on the Balloon Festival
Many of these nonprofits reported that despite the windy weather, this year was their best or second best year!
Let’s talk about the weather. Yes, it was quite windy over the weekend, so the balloons didn’t get much lift during their morning and evening launches.
But despite all that, the crowds were there in abundance! It’s funny because the only towns that can have a successful balloon festival without putting a lot of balloons in the sky are Lewiston/Auburn, baby. That’s saying something!
The live music was top notch and there were so many great bands on stage. On Saturday night, legendary band Motor Booty Affair performed in front of thousands of people. It was the first time I experienced their funky awesomeness.
Other bands included Denny Breau, Cross Hair, Camp of Rock, Bazinga, Jody Boys and Julia Gagnon.
Some of my favorite live performances included Aerial Jade, Juggling with Jason, the Square Dancers of Maine, and a live demonstration by Lewiston Officer Avery and his K9 partner Payne on how to detect drugs in an unmarked vehicle!
I was asked to try flying on cloths with Aerial Jade and I have to say, the circus could be a possible career for me!
Vendors sold everything from Maine-made crafts to portraits, jewelry and more.
The absolute highlight for me was experiencing the vibrant spirit of Lewiston. The hard-working people of these Twin Cities bring events like this to life.
I also had the opportunity to meet Mayor Carl Sheline in person for the first time. He is down to earth and truly embodies the spirit of a mayor who works for the people!
A huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible. It was an unforgettable experience for all of us and I can’t wait for next year!
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