The Great Falls Balloon Festival will host its 24th annual celebration Aug. 19-21 at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston and Festival Plaza in Auburn. The mission of this annual community event is to provide a fundraising venue for dozens local nonprofits.

Visitors to the festival can expect a unique experience as hot air balloons take to the skies over the Androscoggin River and the rocky Great Falls. This year’s “The Force Takes Flight” theme will feature two special shape balloons featuring the heads of Darth Vader and Yoda. The balloons featuring the two "Star Wars" characters were constructed in Great Britain. Their designs were approved by Lucasfilm Ltd. There are also 20-25 standard shape balloons are also expected to fly throughout the weekend.

During the day, visitors can enjoy offerings from dozens of food booths — all staffed by volunteers from area nonprofit groups. Pancake breakfasts follow the morning launches on Saturday and Sunday. Performance stages in Lewiston and Auburn feature a variety of live entertainment throughout the weekend.

The river walkway will host dozens of craft and trade vendors offering handmade items, balloon-themed collectibles, toys and jewelry. The children’s area will offer miniature horse rides, bounce house, face painting, games and prizes. Carnival rides, moonglows, a parade, inflatables and rock climbing wall round out the weekend’s offerings.

Stop by the souvenir booth for the newest festival gear. The yearly commemorative pin has become a collectible among festival fans. Souvenir proceeds go back into the festival fund for future events.

The entertainment schedule showcases both returning artists as well as some new ones — 'Elvis' will be appearing on both stages and the Elton John tribute band is returning, among many other great acts.

The Riding of Ravensbridge will return in Bonney Park in Auburn to re-create the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. They will be set up all weekend for guests to visit and take a walk back in time.

'Pups in the Air' will be coming this year — they are a creative, enthusiastic group of Disc Doggers and their performing canines entertain crowds all over New England. This will be their first appearance at the festival and they will be doing two shows Saturday, Aug. 20 and two on Sunday, Aug. 21 in the early afternoon.. Each show is approximately one hour with a meet and greet after each performance.

New for the first time in all of the festival's 24 years: the main stage will host a free 90-minute comedy show on Saturday night. Maine Event Comedy, hosted by Mark Turcotte, will entertain the crowd with other Vacation State comedians.

Family Fun Day on Sunday morning will feature Grammy nominated artist, Judy Pancoast. (She was nominated for Best Children's album in 2011.) There will also be face painting, animal exhibits, science demos, fun runs and all sorts of family fun. Also new this year: a costume contest centered around the festival theme of “The Force Takes Flight.” All Family Fun Day activities are FREE!

As always, admission to the festival is free. Some activities, such as carnival rides and inflatables, require a fee.

Balloon launches are scheduled for 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Friday–Sunday, weather permitting. Ride tickets are $200 per person, prior to Aug.15 and 16, and can be purchased through the festival website, www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

For visitors who want to stay closer to ground-level, tethered rides are available for $10–$15 per person and are available to purchase on-site during festival weekend.

For the most up-to-date festival information, follow the festival on Facebook (Great Falls Balloon Festival), visit the website, or call 1-800-639-6331.