WANT TO BE PART OF THE ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA, BE A NAVIGATOR



Volunteers at Balloon Fiesta are called Navigators.  They are called Navigators because they help guests "Navigate" the Balloon Fiesta.  To Navigate is to direct, guide, or manage a traveler on its course. A Navigator is a person who navigates by offering guidance to our guests so that a successful experience is had by all.  Approximately 1200 individuals have completed the Navigator application process and been assigned to one of 45 teams.  

Navigators help before, during, and after the event and are critical to the event's success. Navigators are under the direct supervision of an AIBF Staff person, who may or may not be assisted by a Navigator Team Leader(s). Navigators are critical to every area of operations, providing guest services, administrative services, balloon coordination, safety, set-up, and logistics.

Navigators are asked to work five (5) shifts during Fiesta and for that there is a very nice package of swag. Here is what one receives - Admission into the 9-day event, parking for the 9-day event, access to the Navigator Hospitality Tent for snacks and beverages, invitations to a variety of Balloon Fiesta parties, two of the current year's Navigator shirt, the current year's Navigator pin, the current year's program and calendar, and the current year's Navigator Jacket.

                                    My 2024 SWAG BAG
 


Some Navigator positions require work before Fiesta as you help get things ready. 

There is a great training program to help the Navigators learn about Fiesta and Ballooning. 

Also by working 51+ hours you may receive free dry camping in the South RV Lot. 



Simply put being a Navigator is really Fun and people come from all around the world to be Navigators and have been doing so for years.

Again one should go to the AIBF web site at balloonfiesta.com for more information about all the Navigator opportunities  and their requirements. On the top of the page locate the Behind the Scenes tab and scroll to Volunteering. 

The door prizes at the Navigator party are amazing!

I will bang the drum again of starting to  plan now if one is thinking of attending AIBF. 



I am proud and honored to be a Navigator at AIBF as I am a small part of the event helping folks enjoy such an amazing event. 

 

                                              THE 2024 PHOTO TEAM NAVIGATORS

                                                           ONE OF THE PARTY INVITES

                                                                       HOW KEWL!!!

                                                     BE A PART OF THIS GREAT EVENT! 

                                   ZEBRAS GETTING READY IN THE NAVIGATORS TENT

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR BALLOON FIESTA:

 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR BALLOON FIESTA:

 

 

One way to make the most of your Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF) is to become part of a chase crew. 

 

By Crewing, one can have a fascinating, informative experience, and a lot of fun. 

Here you will work under the guidance of a Crew Chief and the Pilot. They will guide you in accomplishing the tasks needed to launch and recover the balloon. Some of the tasks you may perform include assembly of the basket, laying out the envelope, holding lines, running the inflator fan and using your body as ballast holding the basket. 



After the launch, it is time jump in the chase vehicle and follow the balloon to the landing site. At the landing site you will help get the air out of the envelope, prepare the basket for transport, pack up the envelope by stuffing it into it’s bag. Then load it all up and head back to the field. You might get to ride back in the basket. Oh, and be asked to sign the banner on the basket to commemorate your crewing. 



Many crews have a party upon return to the launch field and pop the traditional bottle of Champaign and make a toast.

The time honored toast is the Balloonists Prayer:

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.



 

Yes, the task of crewing does start early in the morning. Very early to some. While there is no guarantee you may be offered a flight, if you crew several days, it might just happen. 



So how do I crew for a balloon at AIBF. It is rather easy as there is a sign up desk on the launch field. In the past this can be found near the media tent. Better yet, go to the official AIBF website balloonfiesta.com, find the ballooning tab on the top banner, scroll down to crew registration. This form is usually available from mid July to mid September. 



Balloonists are a very friendly lot of folks and will guide you along as you gain experience. 

A big plus is you become part of the WORLD’S Primer Hot Air Balloon Event. Now there are some major bragging rights.

 

Either way, if you are planning on attending AIBF, START YOUR PLANNING NOW!!!  



 

ALMOST FIESTA TIME

 ALMOST FIESTA TIME:

 

CLICK ME FOR MAGIC

Yes it is that time of the year where the crisp morning air is filled with the sounds of balloon burners heating the canopies. 

We have made our way from my folks house in Missouri to the Bernaillo, NM KOA. Here at this location for two nights where we will get some preparation done for our move to AIBF (Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta) . 

At AIBF we camp at the President’s Compound as it is the perfect location. This campground sits on a bluff above the launch field and it is nice and close for me to get to work doing the Photo Thing. 

Yes, again this year I am part of the AIBF official photo team. As such my days are jam- packed and we need to have it all together for those 10 days.

This year I am very excited to see several new special shape balloons attending this year. 

Currently the weather looks to be great, although the afternoons will be warmer that I care for.

Should you be interested if following along on the largest balloon festival in the WORLD here are some links for where you can tune in for all the action. 

For the Balloon Fiesta Live audio -
https://balloonfiesta.com/Balloon-Fiesta-LiveI-Radio


To watch Balloon Fiesta Live broadcasts -

 https://balloonfiesta.com/Live-Stream

One can also go to the AIBF website for schedule information and more at
 https://balloonfiesta.com/

Will update more after we move to the President’s Compound.