Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque

The Balloon Fiesta

The Balloon Fiesta began each day at 5:45 am with the Dawn Patrol. The pilots participating in this event take off in the dark using position lightning systems. They maintain their height until first light, which allows them to safely descend. 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.

Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website: http://aibf.org/


	Balloon Fiesta: To Rise Above The Rest	Tip Rating:

Updated By VeronicaG

on October 19, 2007

by VeronicaG, 1 more photos
Send Photo to a Friend

Filling the Balloon

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!

Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website: http://aibf.org/


	Balloon Fiesta: Other Amusements	Tip Rating:

Updated By VeronicaG

on October 18, 2007

by VeronicaG, 2 more photos
Send Photo to a Friend

A Trickster!

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.

Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website: http://aibf.org/


	Balloon Fiesta: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta	Tip Rating:

Updated By AlbuqRay

on August 7, 2005

by AlbuqRay
Send Photo to a Friend

Hopper T. Frog Balloon
2002

If you are in Albuquerque starting the first weekend in October, you can see one of the premier events in the world. It is the largest hot air balloon fiesta in the world. During the mass ascensions there may be 800-900 balloons in the air at one time. That is why it is called "The Big One." There may be 200,000 people there on the first day. You can even walk among the balloons as they are taking off. It's cold in the early morning that time of year, so dress warm. There are plenty of vendors. Plan to eat breakfast at the Fiesta. The favorites include breakfast burritos, funnel cakes and curly fries.

Leave a Comment

Address: Albuquerque Balloon Park

Directions: North on I-25 and take the Paseo del Norte exit west

Website: http://www.aibf.org/


	Balloon Fiesta: The Balloon Glow	Tip Rating:

Updated By VeronicaG

on October 18, 2007

by VeronicaG, 1 more photos
Send Photo to a Friend

Balloon Glow at the Park

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!

Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website: http://aibf.org/


	Balloon Fiesta: Visit the Souvenir Stands	Tip Rating:

Updated By VeronicaG

on October 16, 2007

The Concession Strip

There were two large tents at either end of the concession strip that sold all types of souvenirs from the Balloon Fiesta. We found commemorative pins, posters, gorgeous calendars, a beautifully illustrated guidebook and many other balloon-inspired items. 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.

Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website: http://aibf.org/


	Balloon Fiesta: High in the Sky	Tip Rating:

Updated By VeronicaG

on October 18, 2007

Photo courtesy of Larry Neely

Categorized as a 'special shaped balloon',Cent'r Stage was truly a masterpiece. This huge creation captured the attention of kids and adults both. Who didn't imagine sitting atop this stage coach for the ultimate ride? 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.

Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website: http://aibf.org/


	Balloon Fiesta: Meet a Fellow VTer	Tip Rating:

Updated By VeronicaG

on October 16, 2007

Kymbanm and VeronicaG