05/22/2024
Lewiston, ME – May 22, 2024 – With deep regret, the Board of Directors of the Great Falls Balloon Festival announces the cancellation of the 2024 Balloon Festival due to a series of challenges and unforeseen circumstances. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment this news will bring to our community, sponsors, volunteers, and participants who have eagerly anticipated this event.
The Great Falls Balloon Festival has been a beloved tradition in Lewiston/Auburn, bringing joy and excitement to our cities for almost 30 years. However, despite our best efforts and extensive planning, we have encountered several significant obstacles that prevent us from hosting the festival this year. These challenges include logistical issues, safety concerns, and other unexpected factors beyond our control. Our 2024 Business Sponsors of the 2024 Balloon Festival will have their monetary support returned to them with the hope that we can count on their support in the future.
The Board of Directors are committed to returning stronger in the future and are taking this time to reorganize and plan a more successful and resilient event. The goal is to ensure that the Great Falls Balloon Festival continues to be a highlight of our community's calendar, providing memorable experiences for all, and supporting the many nonprofits in our communities.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and volunteers. Your unwavering support and dedication are the backbone of the Balloon Festival. Without your contributions, the event would not have been possible. We look forward to your continued partnership as we work towards bringing back the festival in the future.
We will be providing information on the reorganization and rebranding of the Balloon Festival and other related matters on our official website and through our social media channels. Please continue to follow us and be part of the future of the Great Falls Balloon Festival.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this time. We are confident that, with the community’s resilience and enthusiasm, the Balloon Festival will soar to new heights in the coming years.
About the Balloon Festival:
The mission of the Great Falls Balloon Festival is to provide fundraising opportunities for local nonprofit organizations, while celebrating our community and promoting the Lewiston/Auburn area as a visitor destination.
The Balloon Festival is an annual event that celebrates the joy and spectacle of hot air ballooning. Featuring a variety of activities, entertainment, and food, the festival attracts 100,000 visitors from across the region bringing an estimated $2,000,000. in economic impact. The event is organized by the Great Falls Balloon Festival Board of Directors, a dedicated team committed to bringing unique and exciting experiences to our community. With the local support of businesses, volunteers, and the cooperative efforts of the cities of Lewiston & Auburn, the festival has gained a national reputation for being a first-class event and a destination for many visitors in Maine.
