Arown Purcell of Lewiston received an “Official Waver” award from balloon pilot Ray Fournier of Hillsboro, N.H. at the Great Falls Balloon Festival’s Pilot’s Brunch on Sunday, August 19.

Purcell and Fournier met in 2011 when Fournier invited Purcell onto his float to be his official “waver” during the festival parade. The two met up again in 2012 so Purcell could resume his duties. Purcell was later treated to a flight on the specially shaped balloon “Gus T. Guppy” with pilot Larry Konash of Mahwah, N.J.

The 2012 Great Falls Balloon Festival marked its 20th year from August 17 through 19 at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston. For more information, see www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org or find them on Facebook.