51st ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA WRAP UP!
The 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF) is in the books and plans for next year are in the works.
Yes, that is tip number ONE if you want to experience this amazing event. Start planning early and a year out is not too early.
One of the best resources is the AIBF website https://balloonfiesta.com/. There you can find all the info you might need to enjoy Fiesta.
RV reservations will open in January and they go fast really really FAST. They often sell out in minutes. Research before hand to find the campground which meets your needs. If you are not successful, get on a wait list.
Back to this year. The weather was AMAZING! Most sessions went off without a hitch. Here is some information I recently received from the Media Group.
Final Numbers:Following are the official numbers for the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held October 7-15, 2023.
•Total number of registered hot air balloons: 546
•Total number of registered special shape balloons:107 (12new to
Balloon Fiesta)
•Total number of registered pilots (primary and additional): 629
•Total number of Gordon Bennett Gas Race teams:17
•Total number of remote-control balloons: 75
•Total number of estimated guest visits: 968,516
•Total number of views on Balloon Fiesta Live: 771,631
Total numbers of countries represented (registered pilots and Gordon Bennett): 16–Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United StatesEvent
Two of the 14 sessions were canceled due to poor weather conditions (10/12 evening and 10/15 morning) and one was counted as a rain check event, with tickets allowed for re-use during the 51st Balloon Fiesta (10/12 evening).
Gordon Bennett: Of the 17 teams, 16 launched from Balloon Fiesta Park on Saturday, October 7 at 8:30 p.m. MST.
Winners of the race were France team two, piloted by Eric Decellieres and Benoit Havret, who traveled 2,661.40 kilometers before landing in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Balloon Competition Winners:The first prize in the hot air overall competition was awarded to David Strasmann of Switzerland. Second overall highest score went to Joe Zvada of Texas, third to Joe Heartsill of Texas and fourth to Tomas Hora of the Czech Republic.
Remote Control Balloons-On Wednesday, October 11, Balloon Fiesta set a new Guinness World Record for the “Largest Display of Model Hot Air Balloons” of 55 balloons. The new record of 58 model hot air balloons (also known as Remote Control Balloons) was set by the Balloon Fiesta when they were on all display at one time.
Navigators: 1,134 Navigators volunteered during this year’s event. Navigators (not including chase crew) are volunteers who provide guest services, administrative services, balloon coordination and safety, set-up and logistics, and more in over 40 different areas.
I think the best way to experience Fiesta is as a Navigator. If this is not your thing you can volunteer to be part of a chase crew. Lots of fun, and I guarantee you will learn a lot about Ballooning.
For me, Fiesta is simply infectious, I am excited about Fiesta 52.
Here some photos from this year. Hope you enjoy and maybe see ya at Fiesta in 2024.
