On the way in to the festivities I spotted this cab which made me laugh.

The cab's hood ornament... cute.

Walking in.

Lots of vendors selling things, these balloons were very popular.

Keeping the kids occupied with a ride around the field until it was time for the balloons to go up.

The first balloon being inflated.

The gondola is tipped on the side and the balloon attached to it.

The balloon is rolled out and ready to be inflated.

The first balloon is half way inflated.

As it inflates, one of the crew holds it down - see the rope with the guy holding on tight?

All those ropes come together at the very top.

Hang on tight!

This balloon is now being filled with air.

The fan is what is blowing the air in to fill it initially.

Takes some time, but these fans move lots of air very quickly.

The first balloon has lifted off the ground!

The kids were all having a great time. I never saw a balloon liftoff when I was a kid - I'm guessing I would have been like the girl in yellow - touching it to see how soft it was.

Look Dad! It's filling up!

I would be afraid the balloon would get away when it gets to a certain point.

As you can see the first balloon is upright and the anchor person is still holding it down but walking toward the gondola.