Balloon Fiesta Wrap Up

 AIBF Wrap up: 



 

Well kids Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF) 50th is in the books and despite the weather it was AMAZING. Actually, the weather sorta made it amazing. Yes rain and wind canceled some events. 

Sadly Americas Challenge was one event the weather effected. Glows were also canceled. Yet skies cleared and Mass ascensions happened, Dawn Patrol flew, concerts were held, wood was carved with chainsaws, great food was served. Yes a good time was had by all. 

With these memories it is time to start planning for 2023. I think these next few years will be well attended. There were many first time attendees at AIBF for the 50th. These folks were bit by the Ballooning Bug, and will be back. Yes, back in hopes of better weather and to see more and stay longer. 

That said my advice is as follows:

#1 is start planning NOW!  Lodging is filling up. For you with an RV - 2023 RV reservations will go on sale January 11, 2023 at 9:00am Mountain time. These go quickly, yes very very quickly. Some RV lots sell out in minutes.

One may want to consider traveling with a group, either RV or Tour Company. There are advantages to this. 

We like the RV experience as you don’t have to drive when there. The traffic can get crazy. 

After you get your lodging squared away, think about becoming a Navigator. A navigator is a volunteer and the backbone of AIBF. There are many different positions to be filled, from RV hosts, Pilot registration, Bike Valet, and just too many positions to mention. There are some great benefits, if you work a specific # of shifts, (I think it is 5), the benefits may include: admission, a kewl warm coat, T-shirt and much more. Navigators are treated well. 

Another thing one should consider is being a part of a chase crew. No experience necessary and you will learn a great deal about ballooning, from laying out, cold and hot inflation, and the chasing the balloons flight, landing and packing up. A great fun experience, new friends will be made as well as great memories. You will be bitten by the Balloon Bug for which thankfully there is no vaccine.  

Next you will start noticing Balloon events in your area and attending them. 


So if AIBF is in your list of things to experience, start planning NOW!!.  Start with https://balloonfiesta.com and feel free to contact me with questions.  



AMERICAS CHALLENGE GAS BALLOON RACE

 

This year field is set for the 25th America's Challenge gas balloon distance event. Eight teams representing 5 countries are making preliminary preparations to participate in this prestige event. 

Lifting off from a common launch site on Balloon Fiesta Park, the idea is to fly further than any other team. If they do, they win! The 25th America's Challenge is scheduled to launch at 6 pm on Saturday, October 1, 2022, with inflation starting a few hours before.

One can follow the progress of the race via the AIBF website or other applications. 

 

 

AIBF Dawn Patrol

 AIBF Dawn Patrol: 



 

 

The Dawn Patrol began at Balloon Fiesta in 1978, when two California balloonists developed position lighting systems that allowed them to fly at night. Dawn Patrol pilots take off in the dark and fly until it is light enough to see landing sites.

Fellow balloonists appreciate the Dawn Patrol because they can watch the balloons and get an early idea of wind speeds and directions at different altitudes.

On mass ascension days, about a dozen Dawn Patrol balloons perform the Dawn Patrol Show, a choreographed inflation and launch set to music that has been part of the Balloon Fiesta since 1996. Dawn Patrol inflation begins, weather permitting, at about 5:45 AM, with launch around 6:00 AM.