Flight Reservations Begin for Balloon Fest

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) - If you’ve been waiting to take your summer plans to new heights, now’s the time to act.

Hot air balloon flight reservations go online Saturday, August 1st for the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival. The festival runs August 28th through the 30th at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds in Presque Isle. 16 hot air balloons from across the country will give locals a bird’s-eye view of Aroostook County. Flights are $250 per person and require a 50% deposit to reserve. Tethered rides will take place Friday and Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on the launch field. Those are $20 per person, and are first come, first served. Festival officials say there are some requirements to fly.

Passenger requirements,

• Must be age 12 or older
• Must be able to climb into and out of the 3 ft. tall basket
• Must be at least 4 feet tall
• Must be able to stand unattended for 1.5 hours without an assistive device
• Must not be pregnant
• Must have long hair secured before flight
• Must not have loose clothing or jewelry
• Must wear flat, closed-toe shoes
• Must not wear clothes containing heat-sensitive materials
• Must not be on oxygen or carry flammable materials
• Must be able to navigate uneven or rough terrain

Hot air balloon flights typically last 40 to 60 minutes. To book a flight visit combf.org.