Norm and Deb Steeves' dog Willow waits for a ride around Oxford Plains Speedway Wednesday morning before the rain came. The pair, from Pittsfield, have seen every race since 1974 and were the first to arrive last week. They travel the race circuit and know many of the racers with Travis Benjamin a favorite since he broke into racing but think the favorite to win is Nick Sweet.

Scenes from Sunday afternoon and evening at the Great Falls Balloon Festival.

Balloons rise into the air at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston Sunday night during the only successful launch of the entire 3 day festival.