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Balloons taking to New Mexico skies
Posted by Paul Kandarian
August 21, 2012 09:54 AM
The New Mexico skies fill with colorful hot-air balloons Oct. 6-14 at the 41st annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Hundreds of balloons take to the air flown by pilots from 19 countries, and guests at the event can walk among the balloons as they are prepared for flight, talk to pilots and check out the food vendors selling New Mexican food. The event began in 1972 with 13 balloons launched from a shopping mall parking lot. It is now held at a custom-designed 365-acre field called Balloon Fiesta Park.
The signature event is the launch of 700 balloons, making it the largest ballooning event and the most photographed event in the world, and the largest annual international event held in the United States, organizers said.
The signature event is the launch of 700 balloons, making it the largest ballooning event and the most photographed event in the world, and the largest annual international event held in the United States, organizers said.
General admission is $8 for adults, and you can book your own hot-air balloon rides as well. For all ticket prices and information, including where to find lodging, visit www.balloonfiesta.com
Photo credit: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and photographer Cindy Petrehn
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