“I hope we get some good weather this weekend,” said Eric Lawson of Dunedin, Fla., as he set up The Zipper at the 16th annual Great Falls Balloon Festival carnival Tuesday. “It’s been a tough season.” The carnival opens Thursday evening and will remain open, weather permitting, through Sunday night. The balloon festival will host its first launch at 6 a.m. Friday, with live entertainment, food and other activities scheduled through the weekend. For a complete schedule of events, go to www.greatfallsballoonfestival.com.