Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta sees successful first weekend of flights
The opening weekend launched with green flags on both days in Albuquerque. The event achieved successful liftoffs during its first two days. That feat had not happened over the last two years.
Visitors traveled from across the country to attend the event. Leyton Birchell made the trip from Alaska to reunite with family.
“I used to live here when I was a kid, so I was a local once upon a time in Corrales. I have memories of the hot air balloons coming right over our house.”
Birchell said he remembered shapes like the Darth Vader helmet from childhood. He said waking up early was rough, but the balloon shapes made it worthwhile.
Other attendees experienced the event for the first time. Frank Spiteri visited from California because the trip was on his wife’s bucket list.
“She came about 40 years ago and she wanted to come back. Never seen so many hot air balloons in my life, it was beautiful this morning.”
Spiteri said his visit included breakfast burritos and souvenir shopping. He and his wife will stay for the week to sightsee around the Albuquerque area.
John Shanahan also traveled from California for his first visit. He plans to attend the mass ascension on Monday morning.
“Excited about seeing the balloon festival for the first time. Looking forward to the drone show and fireworks tonight, it’s going to be cool.”
Local residents also joined the weekend festivities. Jim Farley and his family have attended morning sessions for the last eight years.
“This is the first time we’ve done it. We’ve been in Albuquerque for a little while but we’ve only done mornings. So we’re trying out the glow tonight.”
The Sunday balloon glow started slightly late due to wind. The crowd cheered as the balloons inflated and lit up.
Pilot John Wilson flies the balloon named JAWS. He said the evening events let pilots talk with crowds without flight operation pressure.
“It’s a good opportunity for everyone to come up and ask lots of questions and meet a lot of folks and share why we love ballooning. I love the sport.”
A drone light show and fireworks followed the balloon glow. Winds forced the cancellation of the skydiving show.
Wilson said he has attended the event every year since birth. He is 33 years old.
Outdoor aviation events depend heavily on local wind and weather conditions. Officials wave colored flags to signal whether flight conditions are safe for launch. Pilots monitor wind speeds closely before inflating their envelopes.
The event runs every morning and evening in Albuquerque through Sunday, Oct. 11.
