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September 18, 2024

Despite nearly being canceled, Lewiston’s balloon festival provided economic boost

By William Hall

A stratospheric spectacle has provided a boost to Lewiston's economy, even after financial challenges and a citywide tragedy made that outcome unlikely.

The city of Lewiston said Tuesday that the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival — held from Aug. 16-18 — attracted more than 100,000 people and generated more than $240,000 in sales by nonprofits, artisans and others.

That's roughly comparable to the results from other years.

But this August, the city, Maine's second-most populous with 38,000 residents, had to deal with new challenges.

The vendor who had managed the balloon festival in previous years pulled out. 

So the city pivoted, and held the balloon-fest on its own. Hard work, the city said, accounted for the resurgence. Especially for a municipality that's also been dealing with a mass shooting in October 2023.

But Lewiston has managed it, officials said. 

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