This is one weekend you won't mind setting your alarm early, as the fourth annual Central Wyoming Hot Air Balloon Festival lifts off in Casper both Saturday and Sunday mornings at 6 a.m.

The Casper College Murane Playing Fields, just off College Drive between Poplar and Wolcott streets, will become "Balloon Fest Park," for the weekend.

Planners from RE/MAX The Group, sponsors of the event, expect about 20 hot air balloons from around the region.

The Casper Kiwanis Club is hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, free to the public. Saturday's mass launch and pancake breakfast starts at 6 a.m. All of the balloons will be launching from the Murane playing fields and will likely head east over Casper.

On Sunday, Kids' Day begins at approximately 6 a.m. with a mass launch. All but two hot air balloons will launch from the field. The two remaining balloons will stay at "Balloon Fest Park" and give free tethered balloon rides to children. The first 100 children to ride in a tethered balloon will receive a free T-shirt.

Miss Teen Wyoming, Callie Bishop, is scheduled to make an appearance on Sunday.

All launch events are free to the public.

Handicapped parking will be available, as well as bus dropoff service. Other parking is available around the Casper College, Murane Playing Fields, Mike Sedar Park, and other side street areas.

For more information or to volunteer for the event, call Mike Nighswonger or Chanel McCash at 265-0200. No experience is necessary to volunteer and duties may include balloon crewing and chasing, or general event assistance.