If you looked into the sky over Western Pennsylvania this evening you might have gotten a colorful surprise. The annual Balloon Quest put on by The Union Township Volunteer Fire Department launched 20-hot air balloons into the summer sky.

It's something that brings a smile to peoples faces no matter what age. The beauty of a hot air balloon rising into the sky. This weekend in Lawrence County hundreds got the chance to see just that, many times over.

"WE HAVE 20 BALLOONS FROM OHIO AND PENNSYLVANIA"-Louis Merryman Balloon Organizer

Getting a balloon in the air is a quite a process and takes a team of helping hands.

"TO ACTUALLY FLY A BALLOON WHAT WE DO IS WE LAY IT OUT ON THE GROUND. WE'RE GOING TO FILL IT WITH COLD AIR. IT TAKES ABOUT 10 MINUTES TO FILL UP WITH COLD AIR. THEN WE TAKE THE BURNER HEAT THE AIR INSIDE THE BALLOON TO GET IT ABOUT 100-DEGREES HOTTER THAN THE OUTSIDE AIR. FOR INSTANCE TONIGHT IT WOULD BE ABOUT 185-190 DEGREES. THAT'S HOW WE CREATE THE LIFT."-Louis Merryman Balloon Organizer

The Merryman family has been ballooning for 12 years. Louis, the father is the Pilot and he has to give instructions to his crew on just what everyone should be doing.

"I'M GONNA GO HOT AND I'M GOING OUT OK?"-Louis Merryman Balloon Organizer

His wife and kids all have jobs and actually chase the balloon once it's airborne.

"WE BASICALLY DO WHATEVER THE PILOT TELLS US TO DO. WE HELP HIM GET THE ENVELOPE OUT. GET THE WHOLE BALLOON SET UP READY TO FLY. THEN WE PACK UP THE VAN, GET IN CAR AND CHASE THEM, AND PICK HIM UP WHEN HE LANDS."--Lynn Merryman Balloon Crew

So then the work begins and in just a few minutes, Louis and a couple of passengers are airborne, the first to go up. Next, crews from 19 other balloons begin setting up and taking to the skies themselves. It's a feeling that never gets old.

And they float in that balloon wherever the wind may take them.