Fireworks launch the Plainville Fire Company's 26th annual Hot Air Balloon Festival Friday evening. The event, being held at Norton Park in Plainville, continues Saturday morning with a hot air balloon launch at 6 a.m. followed by a day of activities and more on Sunday.

Southington Fire Company 1 works with members of the National Guard based at the Southington Armory to prepare the shipment of supplies to servicemen and women. They include, from left to right, Sgt. Stephen Jansen, Bill Cummings, who is spearheading the collection, Walter Lappen, of Company 1, and Pfc Matthew Lagasse. Company 1, which is based at the Fire Department on North Main Street, is continuing to collect items throughout the summer.