| Balloon Fiesta tips and photos posted by real travelers and Albuquerque locals. • 48 Photos
• 33 Reviews
See all Albuquerque Things To Do |
 | Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Reviews | 1 - 10 of 33 |  |
 Hot Air Balloons-ABQ by kymbanmLeave a Comment Address: http://www.aibf.org/Directions: Directions and other info on the website ...
|
Visiting Albuquerque?
Read reviews about Albuquerque Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 The Balloon Fiesta by VeronicaG
We arrived at 6:15 am on Saturday morning...early enough to enjoy a delicious cinnamon roll and hot chocolate before the Mass Ascension at 7 am. The balloons ascend at this early hour because the wind shifts around 9am each day, making it a difficult flight.
I believe there were about 750-800 balloonists this year. The procedure is to launch them in three separate waves. Less than half of the balloons participating in the fiesta ascended on Saturday morning because the wind was predicted to pick up.
|
Hot air balloons are filled by using a propane-fired burner (picture #2). The tanks lie at the bottom or sides of the basket and the pilot can control the flow with levers.
I learned that balloons can't be steered left or right, but can only go up or down. The wind decides which direction one goes, so its important to know exactly which way you'll be headed--you don't want to drift into the Sandia mountains or into the Rio Grande river.
To rise, the pilot adds more hot air, to descend one releases the hot air...slowly. When in flight, the balloon below has the right of way.
During the festival visitors could sign up for hot air balloon rides. The cost was $150.00 per a half hour and $300 for an hour. We didn't schedule a flight, but many people did!
|
Although the GLOWDEO, featuring the 'special shaped balloons', had been cancelled the night before, we had the opportunity to glimpse a Balloon Glow as we dragged into Fiesta Park early Saturday morning.
The gentle glow of the balloons pierced the darkness dramatically. It was magnificent! As people straggled into the field, you could hear the surprised "ahs!" as they were startled by the beauty of this scene.
I was very happy that we didn't miss seeing and experiencing this highlight of the fiesta!
|
 Patrolling the Fiesta by VeronicaG
We wanted to plant ourselves at that point on the grounds, because the balloons were going to drift to the North/Northwest--and what a spectacle!
Although many balloons were launched seconds after each other, the majority drifted North, but a few headed West. As we watched the television Sunday morning, it was reported that someone's balloon landed on the roof of a house.
Residents welcome the balloonists by displaying a white sheet--this signals they can land in that particular yard.
|
Visiting Albuquerque?
Read reviews about Albuquerque Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 Photo courtesy of Larry Neely by VeronicaG
The organizing that goes into this event seems like it would be staggering! Although we inched our way to the grounds, the traffic flowed fairly well. There was a vast amount of parking and school buses were used as shuttles.
Those staffing the booths were given special visor cards so that they were able to access parking lots closer to the activities. We were fortunate to be traveling with a couple who was helping with the event, so were able to use nearby parking. Otherwise, we would have had a good walk to the grounds.
Cent'r Stage is a Wells Fargo balloon--sponsor of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta this year.
|
 The Concession Strip by VeronicaG
Food booths seemed to multiply from one visit to another and there was no excuse for anyone's stomach rumbling because there was an abundance of edibles! Funnel cakes, breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls, sandwiches, turkey legs and much more. Getting up early was less a chore because we could grab a quick breakfast here.
|
 Kymbanm and VeronicaG by VeronicaG
Several weeks later I found the message and answered, but it seemed we would be there on different days. However, once we flew to New Mexico, our group decided to spend Friday evening at the balloon fest, as well.
I was so excited to meet my second VTer! Kym had given me directions to the First Aid building where she was part of the crew and we had no problem finding the location. Unfortunately, our visit was brief because she was working and my husband and I had to relocate our friends in the huge crowd...but we did take pictures!
So glad to have finally met you, Kym!
|
 | |  |
Aside from the main attraction, there were other amusements at the park. A trickster did magic or sleight of hand tricks for the crowd.
A chainsaw carving contest was held on Saturday morning. The participants were given 90 minutes to carve something ingenious out of wood. I'm not sure about the prize offered, but this bigger than life inflatable chainsaw directed contestants to the proving ground (picture #2)!
A designated ride area appealed to the children at the fiesta. A giant inflatable 'TITANIC' set apart their special place (picture #3). As we strolled by, a girl was being spun in some sort of hoop...I got dizzy just watching her turn head over heel.
|
 picture courtesy of Larry
Neely by VeronicaG
Last year, this bovine-shaped balloon descended to the street below the home of friends who live near the Sandia Crest. It was a thrilling occasion for them!
Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Park actually sits near the feet of the Sandia Mountains. As the sun sets, it casts a rosy glow on the mountains which have been named for the Spanish word meaning "watermelon". This was a curious effect and very dramatic!
|
|
More Albuquerque Travel Deals Hotels Cheap
Save up to 50% on Hotels and Now Get Our Best Price Guarantee. From $179.99 Weekly
Furnished Efficiencies No Lease - No Credit Check Airlines
United offers flights to 5 cities Nonstop to & from Albuquerque Sponsored Links
- Best Western Rio Grande Inn Albuquerque
1015 Rio Grande Boulevard Northwest, Albuquerque, NM - Cinnamon Morning Bed And Breakfast Albuquerque
2700 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM - Super 8 Albuquerque East
450 Paisano Street, Albuquerque, NM - Motel 6 Albuquerque Coors Road
6015 Iliff Road Northwest I-40 at Coors Road, Exit #155, Albuquerque, NM - Fairfield Inn Albuquerque University Area
1760 Menaul Road NE, Albuquerque, NM - Hampton Inn Albuquerque North
5101 Ellison NE, Albuquerque, NM - Quality Suites Albuquerque
5251 San Antonio Boulevard, Albuquerque, NM - Econo Lodge East Alburquerque
13211 Central Ave. N.E., Albuquerque, NM - Quality Inn and Suites of Albuquerque
6100 West Iliff Road, Albuquerque, NM - The Hotel Blue Albuquerque
717 Central Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM - Value Place Central Albuquerque
13001 NE Central Avenue, Albuquerque, NM - Barcelona Suites Albuquerque
900 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM - Holiday Inn Express Albuquerque
2331 Centre Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM - Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Journal Center
5320 San Antonio Blvd, Albuquerque, NM - Hotel Albuquerque At Old Town
800 Rio Grande Blvd NW formerly Sheraton Old Town Hotel, Albuquerque, NM
|
