Great Falls Lesson

If you are looking for a new thing to do with your family, then you might want to think about taking a trip that is full of adventure. Best of all, it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg if you don't want it to. Where To Go Deciding where to go can be as hard or as easy as you want it to be. If you want to go somewhere that is exotic and fun, you might end up spending some serious money. Consider places that are still in the U.S, because you will not have to get a passport to go there. You can also plan trips that are as simple as just filling up the car with gas and picking a road. This works without a plan and without an idea of where you really are trying to go. Just go! Have a fun time on your own without worrying about what is

The late August event annually attracts well over 100,000 visitors to this unique city setting, where dozens of hot air balloons take to the skies above the historic textile mills and the waterfalls that provided their power during the long-past industrial age. Typically, 30 to 40 of the giant balloons participate in the festival. Activities include mass launchings in the early morning and early evening hours - a favorite of photographers. Dozens of balloons rise simultaneously, filling the Maine sky and providing a striking view against a cityscape background. In addition, each night of the three-day festival, the balloons are tethered and dramatically lit from within by propane burners in a beautiful event called a "moon glow." The Great Falls Balloon Festival specializes in "special shape" balloons. In years past, balloons have included an enormous panda bear, a giant dragon, and balloons designed to look like dogs, birthday cakes, clowns, trees, penguins, polar bears - even a huge American flag. Visitors to the festival can, of course, experience balloon rides throughout the weekend, weather permitting. The typical ride lasts one to two hours, accommodates two to four people plus a pilot, and travels to a destination determined solely by wind conditions. An accompanying chase team meets riders at touch-down with a champagne toast and a lift back to the center of town. Lewiston and Auburn are typical of the New England "mill towns" that grew up in the 19th century on the backs of their immigrant labor force. Lewiston produced mostly textiles - including the famed Bates bedspreads - while Auburn was mainly a shoe manufacturing center. As these industries shifted overseas in the late 20th century, the cities fell on tough economic