Justin Verrill (left) and O’Neil Thorpe work on signs in preparation for this weekend’s Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston on Aug. 14. The festival begins Friday morning with a 6 a.m. launch. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal
Dan Carroll questions lemonade stand owners Maddie Corson, 11, and her brother Madden, 9, on Aug. 14 before giving them a generous tip for his cold lemonade on Stevens Mill Road in Auburn. When asked why they set up the stand, Madden said, “We just want money because we don’t have any.” Maddie said she plans to spend her share on clothes and video games. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal
Omar Hassan (left) of the Cooperative Development Institute answers questions from U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (center) and U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Director Terry Cosby on August 13. Cosby visited several farms in Maine and signed a state grant agreement for a $411,000 grant to “improve climate resilience through urban agriculture soil restoration, conservation implementation, and community outreach.” Andree Kehn/Sun Journal
Chastity Johnson and Danny O’Neal work out at the Fitness Court on Lincoln Street in Lewiston on Aug. 12. Johnson said the couple hits the court three times a week to work out. “We go for a walk afterward,” Johnson said, “and we love being outside.” O’Neal, who recently inspired Johnson to work out with him, says he prefers it to any gym. “Everything you want to work out for is out here. The air is good, it’s not crowded or overcrowded — I prefer it to any gym,” O’Neal said. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal
Children of all ages line up for the clown bounce house at the Pine Street entrance during the 4th Annual Pine Street Community Back2School Block Party on August 12. Hosted by Community Credit Union and Webb’s Market, the block party featured free stuff for kids and adults, including free food, food trucks and balloon animals. Emma Meserve Photo
Kyle McClintock of Cumberland helps her daughter, Whalen McClintock Reilly, 3, bike through the tall grass at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester on Aug. 11. McClintock says she and her daughter are on their way to the starting line to watch her husband, Drew Reilly, race in the Mainely Gravel Bike Race. McClintock says she will also be participating in the race, but parenting comes first. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
Bruce Byberg (center) and his crew inflate the Re/Max hot air balloon, which will be displayed at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston on Aug. 16 during the Lewison-Auburn Balloon Festival. The balloon master, who is responsible for safety decisions, canceled the morning launch after thick fog reduced visibility. Normally, balloons are only launched in the early morning or at dusk, when air currents are most stable. (Andree Kehn/Sun Journal) Andree Kehn/Sun Journal