That’s why the Darth Vader crew recruited the help of several children during balloon inflation after Sunday morning’s launch of the Great Falls Balloon Festival.

The Darth Vader, Yoda, Wonder Bread and Windswept balloons inflated but stayed on the ground at Simard-Payne Memorial Park. The rest of the balloons launched and leisurely floated away. There was a barely a breeze to push them.

When the Darth Vader crew deflated their balloon, they asked children in the park to help stomp the air out of the massive envelope. 

At one point, they formed a line, walked across the fabric in a semi-organized fashion and pushed more air out in a cheerful fashion. 

This might be how Jedi Knights are inspired.

More online at SunJournal.com/BalloonFest

The Sun Journal is covering the Great Falls Balloon Festival with:

• Livestream video of the 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. launches Friday, Saturday and Sunday at SunJournal.com
• Facebook Live video and photos from festival at Facebook.com/SunJournal
• Stories, photos and videos at SunJournal.com/BalloonFest
• Status updates at SunJournal.com/BalloonFest, Facebook.com/SunJournal and Twitter.com/SunJournal