ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA (AIBF)

As many of you know we are on our way back to Albuquerque to attend the 48th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF). I am very excited about this years event for many reasons. The first reason is I was accepted to be part of the official Photography Team for the Fiesta. Secondly, The Soggy Moose Travels Blog was approved for Media Status, this allows access to many behind the scenes locations. Thirdly, we were able to procure a RV spot at the Presidents Compound, which allows us great views of the Launch Field. 

 

Our 2017 Campsite

 

View from the Presidents Compound 

We attended this event in 2017 and were simply wowed in so many ways. One can observe 300-500 balloons launch at the same time, the Morning Patrol, Balloon Glows, Fireworks, and much more. In 2017 we did not attend the full 9 days of the Fiesta, but we will this year. Actually we will arrive two days early so as to get settled in, pick up credentials and get photo assignments. 

My advice is that one should stay as long as possible so as to experience the most, as well as have  some flexibility should the weather not cooperate during your stay. In 2017 we stayed 5 nights and locals said the weather was great and we only had two launches cancelled.

Here is some information for those of you thinking about attending the  AIBF in 2020. Reservations for RV spaces are made only online.  2020 reservations will go on sale October 22nd, 2019 at 9am MST, and premium locations sell out FAST, REALLY FAST.

Here are the various RV sites available and the 2019 prices.

STANDARD: $40.00 per night (dry camping) (South RV Lot)

BOX VIEW: $50.00 per night (dry camping) (South RV Lot) 

PREMIUM: $95.00 per night (30Amp and water connection)  (South RV Lot)

VIP West/East: $100.00 per night (dry camping, adjacent to the Launch Field with 2 general admission passes included valid during your stay.) 

PRESIDENT'S COMPOUND : $250.00 per night (Sites on a bluff overlooking the Launch Field with city water pressure and 30-50 Amp RV Hook-up, this site also includes 4 general admission passes to the Launch Field valid during your stay.) 

There is a waste pump out service which costs $30 cash per pump out. (Last years Price.)

The Presidents Compound is paved and the other RV areas are gravel and can be dusty. Efforts are made to water down the roads to keep the dust down. I did read some reviews where people complained about thistles causing flats on bicycle tires. 

Yes, The Presidents Compound is expensive, yet the location can not be beat. This location on a bluff above the launch field, with a nice grass area where people set up launch chairs for prime viewing.
 

It is also handy for us with The Boys (our pups), they can be with us in the grass area on the bluff. Kenai gets a bit freaked out with the Balloons flying over head and he prefers staying in the camper, not sure how Koda will respond, Sitka enjoyed sitting out and getting attention.  There are even puppy poop bag stations on the grassy area. 

As The Presidents Compound has electricity, a generator is not needed, hence no generator noise. 

As part of the Official Photo Team, I have to cover 5 sessions and I have currently requested 6 morning sessions. The mornings for me will start with an early wake up about 0400 to 0430, as I need to be on my location at 0530. The morning photo assignments will last about 5-6 hours.  I will then have to produce 25-30 edited images to be submitted electronically. There is some flexibility on the submission due date. 

This is a volunteer position, as are most of the worker bees at the ABIF. There are over 1000 volunteers and over 2000 volunteer chase crew members. 

The Volunteers are called Navigators, as they will be helping people navigate the fiesta to provide them with the best experience available. I have had to watch videos and take exams to fulfill this position. I have learned a good deal and will be passing on this information via this blog.

So think about joining us in 2020 as I am pretty sure we will be returning. Just remember PLAN EARLY.