Pre ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA (AIBF):

 Pre ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA (AIBF):

We have taken the long way to AIBF this year via Missouri to see family.

We got hooked on AIBF in 2017 when we attended for 5 days. We realized it was a way too short experience. The 2017 experience got us hooked on staying at the President’s Compound located on a bluff above the launch field. Basically it is all about Location, Location, Location. It is pricey for an RV space with "Rally Style" parking. 2017 it was $175 a night and now it is $250 a night. To soften this price each reservation gets admission media for 4 people for your entire stay. You also get waste water pump outs, the number of them depends on your length of stay. Again it is LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. In 2019, those staying for the full duration of AIBF were allowed to prebook for a full stay in 2020. This will also hold true for 2021 and pre-booking for 2022.

Now the 2020 AIBF was to have been the 49th Fiesta. Due to COVID 2020 was cancelled. Tickets and reservations could be carried over to this year.

Since there was no 49th Fiesta in 2020, the 49th is this year. 2020 was called “FIESTA SIESTA”. 2022 will be the 50th. The dates for 2022 are October 1-9.

Important to note is reservations for RV spaces will open on January 5, 2022 at 0900 MST. YES THEY SELL OUT QUICKLY!!!! IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING GOING, VISIT the AIBF website https://balloonfiesta.com to get descriptions of the various RV areas and prices.

We like to arrive a day or two early to get set up and settled in.

SO WHAT GOES ON AND WHY IS IT SO KEWL!!

The AIBF lasts for nine days during the first part of October. The dates for 2021 are October 2-10, 2021.

During these 9 days there are many events and what are called sessions. Some days may have  two sessions, one morning and one evening. The morning session on designated days feature Dawn Patrol, Special Shapes, Mass Ascensions and more. The evening sessions on designated days feature the Glows and Fireworks.

I would recommend planning on a stay of a minimum of 4-5 days. This gives you a fudge factor in the event of bad weather cancelling a session.

WHEN SHOULD WE GET THERE - EARLY EARLY EARLY, TRUST ME IT IS WORTH IT.

First, on weekend days the crowds get large, 80,000, so early is a good thing. Gates open at 0430 for morning sessions and 1500 for evening sessions.

No pets are allowed on the launch field, ADA service animals are allowed and emotional support animals are not.

There is NO SMOKING on the launch field. Makes sense as there is 100,000 gallons of propane present.

Chairs, outside food, packs and bags are allowed and will be searched prior to admittance. Also starting this year there will be walk through scanners at the entry gates.

I have seen folks spread out a blanket for a picnic and there are a few picnic tables available.

Weather can be cool with temperatures ranging from 40F to 70F as the day warms up. Also remember you are at an altitude of just over 5,000’ so don’t forget the sunscreen and to stay hydrated.

So this should peak your interest and get one thinking about the 50th AIBF in 2022. The key is planning to avoid disappointment in getting a reservation. 

I will be pretty busy during Fiesta doing the Photo Thing, but will post some blog entries of interesting events etc. 

Till Then :

 

May the winds welcome you with softness. 


May the sun bless you with its warm hands. 


May you fly so high and so well that God 
joins you in laughter

                     and sets you gently 
back into the loving arms of Mother Earth.