Thank you for volunteering at the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival 2026. The success of the Balloon Festival depends on dedicated community members like you!

For questions regarding volunteering at the festival, please email Angelynne at aamores@lewistonmaine.gov.

The logistics for the LABF are as follows:
WHEN: Fri., Aug. 21 to Sun., Aug. 23, 2026
WHERE: Simard-Payne Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston

Please Note:
  • The festival will have eight shifts each day. The first shift begins at 6 AM, and the final shift ends at 10 PM.
  • All volunteers must pass a background check before their volunteer shift is confirmed. There is no cost to the volunteer.
  • Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and be comfortable standing, running, lifting, and walking.
  • As a thank-you, each volunteer will receive a complimentary LABF T-shirt and food voucher.
The four volunteer opportunities and shifts are:

1. Balloon Crew - Work alongside licensed balloon pilots during the most exciting moments of the festival. Balloon Crew volunteers help with balloon inflation, launch preparation, recovery and packing, while following the direction of the pilot or crew chief at all times. This is a hands-on role on the launch field and may involve lifting, pulling, standing, walking on uneven ground and working around balloon equipment. No ballooning experience is required, but volunteers must be dependable, safety-minded and ready to follow instructions closely.

Shifts are needed at launch times: 6 AM and 6 PM on Aug. 21, 22 and 23. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants and weather-appropriate layers.

2. Field Crew - Help keep the launch field safe, organized and ready for balloon activity. Field Crew volunteers support festival operations during launch windows by helping set up and reset the field, monitoring access points, keeping spectators outside restricted areas, assisting with signs, cones or barricades, and helping keep the area clear of trash, chairs, coolers, strollers, pets and other items that could interfere with balloon inflation or launch. This role is ideal for volunteers who like being active, useful and right in the middle of the festival’s behind-the-scenes operations.

Shifts are needed at launch times: 6 AM and 6 PM on Aug. 21, 22 and 23. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes or boots and be comfortable standing, walking and taking direction from field leads or festival staff.

3. Souvenir Booth - Assist with selling festival merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, and memorabilia. Volunteers will help set up displays, handle cash/card transactions, and provide friendly customer service to guests.

4. Traffic Control - Help direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic around festival grounds and parking areas to ensure a safe and orderly flow. Volunteers may also assist with signage and providing directions.

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* 1. YOUR NAME

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* 2. What is your Birthday and Year?

Date

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* 3. YOUR CELLPHONE

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* 4. YOUR ADDRESS

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* 6. Do you possess a valid Maine State Driver's License?

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* 7. If yes, what is your license number?

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* 8. What is your tee-shirt size?

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* 9. Which volunteer opportunity do you prefer?

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* 10. Please provide the name your Emergency Contact.

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* 11. Please provide your Emergency Contact's cell phone number.

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* 12. If you wish to volunteer on Fri., Aug. 21, please check the shift(s):

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* 13. If you wish to volunteer on Sat., Aug. 22, please check the shift(s):

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* 14. If you wish to volunteer on Sun. Aug. 23, please check the shift(s):

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* 15. If you have additional comments, please add here:

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* 16. Background Check Consent:

AUTHORIZATION FOR BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION My signature below constitutes authorization for release to the City of Lewiston, Maine all information relating to my employment, criminal and driving history, including without limitation, criminal arrest and conviction record checks, reference checks and release of investigatory information possessed by any person, corporation, or state, local or federal agency; at any time after receipt of this authorization and throughout my employment, if applicable. To this end, I hereby authorize, without reservation, any law enforcement agency, administrator, state or federal agency, institution, information service bureau, or employer to furnish any and all background information requested by Backgrounds Online, 1915 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95811; (800) 838-4804; www.backgroundsonline.com and/or the City of Lewiston, Maine. I expressly waive in connection with any request for or provision of such information, any claims, including without limitation, defamation, emotional distress, invasion of privacy, or interference with contractual relations that I might otherwise have against the City of Lewiston, its agents and officials or against any provider of such information.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION The City of Lewiston, Maine may obtain information about me from a third-party reporting agency for employment purposes. Thus, I may be the subject of a report which may include information regarding my criminal history, social security verification, motor vehicle records, or other background checks. The investigations will be conducted by Backgrounds Online, 1915 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95811; (800) 838-4804; www.backgroundsonline.com. I understand that information submitted in connection with my application for employment may be disclosed to a screening and/or interviewing committee, which may include elected officials, administrators, other staff, and members of the community. I give my consent to this disclosure. I agree that a facsimile (“fax”), electronic or photographic copy of this Authorization shall be as valid as the original.

If you consent to this background check, please type your full legal name below.

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