Staff photo by Gordon Chibroski

Hot air balloons rise above Railroad River Park in Lewiston as some of them leave in rather windy conditions over the Midway by the Androscoggin River.

The winds have welcomed you with softness;
The Sun has blessed you
with warm hands;
You have flown so high
and so well,
That God has joined you in your laughter,
and has set you gently back
into the loving arms
of Mother Earth.
-- Balloonist's Prayer

Doesn't it sound marvelous? Drifting above the sea, the deep woods or farmland in your own Wizard of Oz type of adventure? There are a few places in Maine that offer such unusual expeditions into the skies (see below for some resources). Every year in August, a grand celebration of balloons takes place in Lewiston.

	Great Falls Balloon Festival
	Where: Lewiston/Auburn When: Mid-August Details: Lots of family events, balloon rides, contests and more. More: Visit the Web site or call the Balloon Ride Line at 207-782-2637

For a more silent but no less exciting experience, view the scenery from a glider plane. On and off the water, sea plane rides offer new and stunning vistas as well.

Take to the skies for a decidedly different point of view.

Listing of Maine Balloon and Flight Operators

Anyone can fly lighter than air
A look up at hot-air ballooning in Maine
(1998)

History of ballooning
Learn a little background before you go, technically speaking.

Great Falls Balloon Festival
The official web site for this annual event in Lewiston/Auburn.

Soaring Adventures of America, Ltd
A Nationwide Source, this company has gift certificates and info on glider rides and ballooning all over the country, including Maine.

Exploring: By land | Up & away | Out to sea

Listing of Maine Balloon and Flight Operators

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