WELCOME TO THE 48th ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA. (AIBF)

WELCOME TO THE 48th ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA. (AIBF)

 

Pretty darn KEWL of NMSP to have a cruiser in support of breast cancer. I was moved to see survivors thanking the officer for the special vehicle. 

WELL DONE NMSP 

This event started in 1972 with 13 balloons and has grown over the years to an amazing extravaganza.

The Mission Statement is as follows - “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.”

The Theme or the 48th AIBF is “Picture Perfect”. Well, Canon has been a long time sponsor.

In 2000 there were 1,019 balloons in attendance, this prompted the AIBF to limit the number to 750 which was again lowered to 600 in 2009.

The AIBF is considered an Air Show and FAA regulations apply. That said, there is a major exception to the FAA rules. Spectators are allowed on the launch field. So if you get on the field early in the morning you can get up close to the inflation process. The Balloon Crews I encountered were super friendly and willing to share info freely about their sport.

Some highlights of the AIBF for me are as follows:

Dawn Patrol - The name reminds me of Snoopy as the WWI Flying Ace.  This started in 1978 when just a few balloon fitted with marker lights take off before dawn. Their purpose is to check the flying conditions. On days when there is a Mass Ascension their launch is choreographed to music.

Then there is the KRISPY KREME MORNING GLOW. Here 13 balloons start a balloon glow lighting up the launch field. They later launch with the other balloons. Why 13 balloons well, let me tell you…. There were 13 balloons at the first fiesta and since this is sponsored by Krispy Kreme, a Bakers Dozen (13) is rather fitting.

MASS ASCENSION - This is one of the most jaw dropping events at AIBF. Hundreds of colorful balloons launch in two waves and fill the New Mexico sky.

THE FLIGHT OF NATIONS - This is a mid-week mass ascension highlights the participating countries. Select balloons and pilots will carry their countries flags in a flight which precedes the mass ascension. At this writing, I will guess about 15-16 countries will be represented.

Special Shapes - These balloons first arrived at AIBF in 1989 and are annually featured in The Special Shapes Rodeo and Glowdeo. These balloons come in all sorts of characters and more, such as Smokey The Bear, a stagecoach, penguins, etc etc etc oh and Yoda and Darth Vader.

Night glows, laser shows,  fireworks, skydivers, flying competitions,  and much more, so stay tuned and we will cover as much of the AIBF as we can.

This year the official start will be October 5, with the opening ceremonies and a Mass Ascension. Tomorrow will be Albuquerque Aloft, with balloon inflation and a launch across Albuquerque. The next blog entries will cover those events. 

I am sure this will be an active week with lots to do see and learn. 

 

Sponsor Balloon Cool Beans, checking out the sponsor banner. 

 

Special Shape Balloon Pilots checking in.

 

Nice Swag for the Pilots 

 

Inside info (Scoop) on America's Challenge is the  weather pattern is looking fast and they might be over the Great Lakes in 48 hours. 

You can follow their progress via the AIBF web site - 

https://balloonfiesta.com/Americas-Challenge-Live

 UPDATE ON PRESIDENT’S COMPOUND RV SITES:

The area has a lot of new paving which is nice, this cuts down on dust. There is WIFI here at the President’s Compound, thus far seems fast. The holding tank pump-out service is included with your camping fee, you receive one pump-out for every three days of your stay. There is also a new program instituted this year where one can enter a program where you can pay a fee to enter an annual renewal program for RV spaces, thus avoiding calling in for a reservation.