Balloon Fest organizer
appreciates everyone’s support
BLUES BREAKER was one of the 12 balloons that participated in the recent Crown of Maine Balloon Fest in Presque Isle. The balloon is owned and piloted by Derik Smith, who had been the chair of the festival for the last five years. Smith recently announced that he is stepping down as chair to spend more time with his family.
To the editor:
The 2010 Crown of Maine Balloon Fest has come and gone and I’m happy to say that our community has a fantastic festival on its hands. It seems that every year it manages to grow a little more, even in these tough economic times. Central Aroostook is stepping up to the plate and helping to deliver a fun, family weekend.
I can’t thank the Presque Isle Elks Club enough for taking over the Street Fair and making it a continuing success. I can only guess at what they have planned for next year.
I also need to thank the Presque Isle Kiwanis, KeyBank, Cary Medical Center, the Presque Isle Rotary Club and The Forum, for contributing to and executing a fantastic kids event (my kids loved it). I firmly believe that if we continue to work together, we can make the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest one of the premier summer events in northern Maine and western New Brunswick.
Needless to say, a festival of this size can’t happen without a lot of financial help.
We need to start off by thanking, KeyBank, they were our Title Sponsor again this year. Cary Medical Center and Taco Bell both contributed as Major Sponsors. Beagle “Max” Maximus was here by the generosity of Steve at Aroostook Hospitality Inn. Not to mention all of our balloon sponsors, TD Bank, Horizon Wind, Walmart, Northeast Propane, KFC and RE/MAX. There are many more sponsors whose kind contributions made this event happen, I encourage you to show them all your appreciation.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the many volunteers who put in countless hours on the many events that made up our weekend, especially the balloon crews. The early mornings and late nights didn’t deter these folks from being there for their pilots and in the case of “Max” wrestling with a huge balloon. Thank you all and I hope to see you out there again next year.
Now I come to the hard part. I agreed to be the Chair of the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest committee for three years. That was five years ago. I look at the last five years as a fabulous, exciting and exhausting journey. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. With that said, I find it is time to step aside and allow a new person to take the helm. I wish to spend more time with my family and firmly believe that a new and energized leader can take this great little festival, to the next level. I will still be working to bring great balloon pilots to The County and help the new Chair, where needed.
I’m sure the new Chair will be announced soon and that their vision for the 2011 Crown of Maine Balloon Fest will be shared. Speaking of which, the dates for next year are August 25-28, 2011. I hope to see you all there and once again thank you.
Presque Isle
