By Carlene Smart
Freelance Writer
Adding to the festival atmosphere are the crafters and trades people that participate; some are relatively new, others are festival veterans.
Deborah Kelly, from Topsham, owns My 4 Jewels, (www.picturetrail.com/my4jewels) named for her four children.
“I kept hearing about the balloon festival from friends, and living only about 20 miles away, I thought I should really see what it was about. I was impressed enough to join as a crafter; this will be my third year.” said Kelly. She specializes in all types of precious metal wrapped jewelry, from rings, earrings, pendants, cameo’s using glass, crystal, precious stones and other materials such as wire sculpted jewelry using Dichroic Glass.
“These are all one of a kind pieces, Kelly explained. “The glass used is called Dichroic. My Dichroic glass has been handmade by glass artists all over the United States. It was created for use by NASA. The glass is coated with metal oxides such as magnesium, titanium, and silicon in a vacuum furnace. Dichroic glass displays an array of color depending on the angle from which it is viewed.”
When asked what keeps her coming back to the Balloon Festival, Kelly said,” When they launch the balloons it’s such an overwhelming sight. It takes your breath away. Everything is clean and organized and the people are friendly; it’s a pleasant place to be and do business.”
Aerial Specialties’ owner Paul Veilleux has been returning for eight years to be part of the festival. From Rhode Island, Veilleux believes the trip well worth the time.
“The Great Falls Balloon Festival is one of the best run festivals I’ve attended,” Veilleux said. “We travel from Maine to Pennsylvania, and this is one of my favorite places to be. We spend the three days at the local Motel 6, and really enjoy being here.”
Aerial Specialties features more than 80 balloon gift items, ranging in price from $5-$50. They include inflatable hot air balloons manufactured in the Orient – Oriental paper lanterns shaped like balloons. In addition to their jewelry, Aerial also carries cubes of crystal with balloons inside (made with lasers) and several kites made of rip stop nylon, around $20.
Veilleux shared a moment he and girlfriend Bea experienced two years ago. “My girlfriend Bea, who works with deaf and special-needs people, met this couple at our trailer; they were in their 70’s or 80’s.The gentleman was deaf and blind, the woman was deaf and sighted. Bea began talking with them in sign language, and after a few moments, she took them to the yellow balloon called the Bear Ship, the one with the Teddy Bear on it, and the pilot took them and Bea up in a tethered flight (anchored so it can’t float free) and she signed with them as they floated about 75 feet up. That’s what this festival is all about. Great people, a well organized festival and fun. That keeps us coming back.” (They can be reached at hotair@cox.net)
John and Linda Garrison, from Stroudsburg, PA, have been around nearly as long as the Balloon Festival itself. Garrison Creative Glassworks was founded in 1990. John Garrison has worked in glasswork for 27 years. Their beautiful glass balloon creations glimmer in the sun. Glass is hardened after blown, so it is very sturdy and is not as fragile as you would think. All balloons made are fade resistant so they won’t fade in the sun; the shadows the balloons cast from the sun are beautiful.
Then, each basket is threaded by hand onto the balloons. The prices start at $17 and go up to the $60-$70 range. Some custom orders can be placed for larger balloons, but they extend into the $100 range. These are all handmade, so no balloon can be made exactly the same.
(Stands are not included, they are sold separately and come in gold or silver).This will be their 8th year at the festival, and their work is also displayed at Cape Cod Crafters (www.capecodcrafters.com,) 8 Dexter Lane, Kittery, Maine 03904, or can be viewed from their website( http://www.gcgw.com)
Country Market owner, Angelo D’Ambrosio, ranks the Great Falls Balloon Festival in the top four festivals he does each year.
“We’ve come for two years now, and I wish we’d come before now. The atmosphere is so laid back and friendly, the music and food are good; it’s clean and well-organized. I should know, though I’m retired, and this is more a hobby than anything, I’ve been doing this for 10 years, so I’ve been and seen a lot of places, and I’d rank this in the top four festivals.”
The Massachusetts resident began at flea markets and worked up to fairs and festivals; his interest in hot air balloons led him to the festival.
His special hot air balloon memorabilia includes 10 specialty balloon wind chimes, along with the largest (over 200) collection of wind chimes on the circuit. They specialize in wildlife, nautical, collectibles and garden accessories. In addition to a selection of lamps and welcome, they have a fantastic selection of special wind chimes for firefighters, the military, E.M.T’s, police, American heroes, doctors and nurses, and so much more. If you can’t make the festival, you can visit their intense website at http://www.countrymarket.net It’s worth checking out. They’ll be offering a Balloon Wind chime raffle that might be worth checking out too.
All the tradesmen and crafters at the festival put time and effort into providing a pleasant atmosphere, quality merchandise and reasonable prices. While you’re there, be sure and stop in and say hello.
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