LEWISTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The 20th annual Great Falls Balloon Festival takes flight this weekend. The first balloons lifted off Friday morning.
The festival runs through Sunday, with balloon launches scheduled every day at 6 AM and 6 PM, weather permitting.
The theme of this year's parade is "Celebrating 20 Years of Flight".
It will be held Saturday at 11am. The one-mile parade route goes from Spring Street at the Auburn Public Library, down Court Street across the Longley Bridge, onto Lincoln Street.
The main launch site for the festival is Simard-Payne Memorial Park (formerly Railroad Park), off Oxford Street in Lewiston.
From Points North
Take the Maine Turnpike (I-95) to Exit 80, Lewiston. At the light, turn left and follow ME-196 W/Lisbon Street downtown (about 2.5 mi.). At the intersection of Lisbon Street and Main, turn left. At the next light, turn left onto Lincoln Street. Simard-Payne Memorial Park is located off Oxford Street, one block over from Lincoln.
From Points South
Take the Maine Turnpike (I-95) to Exit 75, Auburn. At the light, turn left and follow US-202/ME-4/ME-100/Auburn (Washington Street and Minot Avenue) for about 4.75 mi., to the intersection with Court Street. Turn right onto Court Street. Cross the bridge into Lewiston. Take the first right onto Lincoln Street. Simard-Payne Memorial Park is located off Oxford Street, one block over from Lincoln.
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