FLIGHT OF THE NATIONS

This year marks the 46th Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta  which is an international event  recognized as ballooning’s premier event. It should be noted the Fiesta is produced by a private non-profit corporation. 

In 1972 there were 13 balloons in attendance and now it is a nine day celebration with up to 500 balloons participating from many countries. The balloons will be filling the skies in the early morning hours and evening hours, in events such as mass ascensions, evening balloon glows and of course the special shaped balloons. All the balloons ascend from the 78 acre Balloon Fiesta Park. To give one a sense of reference that is 56 football fields. 

In my contacts with the Balloon Fiesta organizers it has been nothing but a pleasure, they were quick to respond to any questions which may have arisen. I am sure the same questions get answered many times over and over,  The people do live up to the mission statement of the Balloon Fiesta - “ To conduct the world’s premier ballooning event, while promoting the sport of ballooning, the City of Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico, nationally and internationally.”

Weather will be factor as to wether the balloons fly or not. Winds greater than 10 knots (11.5 MPH) and less than three mile visibility, and a ceiling below 1500 feet will postpone an event. Here one must keep an eye on the Flag Pole Notification system. There is a flag pole adjacent to the main stage where various colored flags are displayed. A GREEN flag indicated the event is a go, a YELLOW flag indicates the event is on hold in hopes the weather may clear, A RED flag means the event for that session has been cancelled.

I feel there will be so many great stories and things to discover and learn about. This may include the volunteers who make the event happen, the pilots, the crews, how are those speciality shaped balloons made, the meteorologists on site, the various RV options available and on and on. I know I will be overwhelmed in oh so many ways.  

I am afraid a ballooning bug may just bite me and this will become an annual event along with journeys to other events across our country.   

 This morning I learned there are only three paid positions on the Balloon Fiesta Board. The morning for me was spent on the launch field for the Dawn Patrol, then I made my way up to the Presidents Compound area for the remainder of the launches. This morning was the Flight of Nations, along with the laser show and morning glow. 

Temps were a bit chilly but the conditions were great for the balloons. 

Time for a nap.