The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

One day last week we took a break from the fishing and "roughing it" (no sewer connection) at the Navajo Lake State Park and headed south to Albuquerque for an event that has long been on our bucket list. I couldn't believe it when we actually heard the alarm go off at 2 a m! After lots of coffee and 185 miles, we arrived at Fiesta Park where entrance was only $6 a person. Believe me, this is the best bargain around!

Before the sun even began to rise, some balloons were inflating.

And before long, one of the patriotic balloons was launched. Against the night sky, it made quite an impression.


Everywhere you looked something was happening.

Of course, we had to have our picture taken to prove we were really a part of this magnificent experience. It is so great that you can mingle with the owners and crews and feel "a part of".

Mike loved it when the special shapes balloons started to inflate. A few years back I worked on a crew for Miss Daisy, but she wasn't in evidence the day we were there.
The people in charge (called giraffes although I don't know why) tell the field of balloons when they can launch so walking back and forth on the field of 300 + balloons we always were seeing something new.

The early morning sky provided a beautiful backdrop.

The day we were there was "Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension". Every morning for all 10 days, there is a Mass Ascension, but this event added some balloons representing all parts of the world. This one is from an area where I had ancestors.

" When pigs fly" takes on new meaning at this fiesta.

This balloon represents England.

As the sky lightened, the number of balloons increased and it was difficult to decide where to focus the cameras (both Mike and I were shooting pictures that day).

There were a fair share of advertising balloons but they didn't overwhelm the others.

The monkey balloon was probably the biggest one launched.

So who said houses can't fly.

This is my favorite picture and it is now my screen saver.

This gives you an idea of how the sky looked in any given direction at any given moment of the morning. The winds were perfect and the balloons lingered over the park for a long while before drifting away and eventually landing. For the duration of the event, there were only a few "mishaps" (as reported on local TV) and they were able to launch every morning.

There were three bee balloons but I love this mother - child combo.

Even Smokey was there.

There is a papa somewhere in the sky.

Humpty was there.

And a sky friendly crab.

And everywhere COLOR and MORE COLOR.

And even romance.

If you have ever thought this might be a fun event to attend... make plans to do it next year, first two weekends in October in
Something for everyone.
Take a good look.

It was a fabulous event that Mike and I will not soon forget. Oh, by the way, we took just over 450 pictures of which 326 are permanently preserved and you have only seen a quick sampling. We were home and down for a nap by 3 in the afternoon. Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascension is only 3 hours long - best three hours we have had in a long time! (No, the convention and visitor's center has not hired me... although I am open to offers!)