Some characters...

Here are just some of the character balloons.  Some don't fly well and are often displayed in a "Static Display" where they blow them up, but don't actually launch.

Close ups...

So, they have laid the basket down and aimed the heat source into the balloon.  The attendants are all holding lines on all sides of the balloon and a couple of people hold the bottom open until there is enough warm air inside to do that.

Next, they set up a fan to better direct the warm air inside.

At this point, you  can see and actually walk inside to check the integrity of the seams and rigging.

Here you can get a better idea of the size of the balloon.

 

When there is enough air volume, they start the burner which is used in flight to complete the inflation process.

And now, up she goes...

Pre-Launch activity...

Each balloon must be laid out very carefully, so the crowd can watch but not help.

Next, close ups of the process...

On the launch field...

As you can see, every one goes out on the launch field and get really, really close to the action.

The balloon transports come in all sizes.

 

These guys were testing and demonstrating the burner system for the crowd.

Finally, they begin laying the balloon out on the ground ready to begin the process of blowing up the craft for launch.