Every
year, people from all over the world descend (or, maybe more appropriately,
ascend) upon New Mexico for the Albuquerque International Balloon
Fiesta. Over the course of nine days, hundreds of balloons piloted
by teams of highly trained and experienced hot-air balloon enthusiasts
partake in numerous competitive and spectator-thrilling events.
In 2007, we marveled at the nearly 700 balloons and their fun-loving
pilots as they fired up and took to the skies from the 78-acre Balloon
Fiesta Park launch field. Festivities began early with the Dawn
Patrol, where several balloons ascended to check the weather and
wind conditions. The daily Mass Ascension followed shortly thereafter,
with hundreds of balloons taking off within a very short period
of time. The public is welcome on the launch field to chat with
pilots and get balloon “trading cards” that outline the
specs of each balloon and its crew. There were balloons shaped like
bees, an octopus, Humpty Dumpty, a lighthouse, an American flag,
a haunted house and a pig. A giant tree occupied with songbirds
lifted off to the roar of the crowds. And then there was Darth Vader…
A team from Belgium was on hand to launch the Darth Vader hot air
balloon, which has the stamp of approval from Lucasfilm. Easily
the most popular balloon at the Fiesta, it was appropriately surrounded
by a fully outfitted team of Storm Troopers and Boba Fett. The balloon
took to the skies with the Star Wars theme blaring, and fans went
wild as the “balloon referees” (known as Zebras) kept
the air traffic and lift-off schedule in check.
The balloons competed in fly-bys, flag competitions and a special-shape
balloon rodeo. On the weekends at dusk was the Glow-deo. Hundreds
of balloons filled the launch fields (again, fans are invited to
join the crews) and, upon countdown, all the pilots fired up their
gas burners, causing a massive display of light and heat that was
one of the most spectacular sites our family has ever encountered.
Each night closed with an impressive and lengthy fireworks show.
Each day of the Fiesta was filled with live entertainment, all kinds
of food and vendors galore, and there is even an adjacent, hot air
balloon museum that was quite intriguing. The Balloon Fiesta is
on the New Mexico Rail Runner route, making it easily accessible
from just about any place in Albuquerque. The 2008 event will be
held October 4-12. For photos and more information, visit www.balloonfiesta.com.
