Just warming up (photo)

Gary Cass, pilot of the Applebees balloon, prepares for takeoff in the Yuma Sun parking lot with the help of Jake Boos Thursday morning. Cass and Matt Paulin's balloon (not pictured) left the Yuma Sun shortly after 7 a.m., with two more balloons leaving from Gila Vista Junior High for a pre-festival ride. The annual Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival officially lifts off Saturday morning at West Wetlands Park and continues through Sunday with various events.