The mornings were definitely cold but according to the people reporting from the launch field, the conditions were perfect for launching the balloons. Tuesday was the best day for us because the balloons passed right over us.
They are huge and loud. Buck (Jeri and Terry’s bulldog) hated them. I felt really bad for him because he just shook and hid if he saw any of them. Our pups could have cared less.
These are the balloons that offer the balloon rides to the public. We didn’t price the rides because none of us were interested, but I think the cost is between $300 and $400.
1975 was the first year that people were allowed on the field with the balloons.
Yoda kind of snuck in on this picture.
In 1986 they held the first glow. There wasn’t a glow the three nights we were there.
In 1978 they had the first “key grab”. A set of keys was hooked to a really high pole and the balloonists would try to grab the keys as their balloon floated by. It sounds easy but remember, the pilots have very little control of their balloon. The wind is in charge. It wasn’t until 1981 that they finally had a winner. The prize was a brand new car.
Attending this balloon festival should be on everybody’s bucket list. For us though, it was a one time thing. I know that being able to volunteer down on the launch field is a lot of fun, but neither Jim nor I are physically able to help anybody. So we did not go down to the launch field.
So from 9:00 a.m. to sunset, there is almost nothing to do at the venue. The balloon museum is open but Jim and I had already explored it with our kids. In fact, we have explored most of Albuquerque with Steve and Jen over the years.
It is definitely a must see but we won’t do it again.
It is definitely on my bucket list of things to do.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but I have no desire to see a balloon fiesta. I LOVED it when I was in Cottonwood and Sedona and they flew over us and sometimes landed very close by. I got hear to dragon breath sound of them flying overhead, saw them land, the people exit the baskets, the crew fold up the balloon material, load it into the trucks and drive away. I was able to talk to the balloon riders and the crews. It was a blast and I really ejoyed it, but to travel to a balloon festival, pay to get in, and deal with the traffic and crowds - well it's not on my bucket list. I'm glad you got to see some great balloons, though. Maybe seeing it all on blog posts makes me feel like I've been there, done that. LOL Thanks for the great pictures! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing, the balloons are beautiful and fun to see. We have seen a small ballon festival at Callaway Gardens in Georgia, and they do the glow around the lake on the weekend. Again, it is a small (in number) balloon festival.
ReplyDeleteWe have done the balloon festival in Yuma and Lake Havasu, both the perfect size. I think the Albuquerque festival would be too crowded for me also. Becki
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the over crowding not my thing either.
ReplyDeleteYou've done a super job at posting all the pictures and wrap-up of the festival. I guess I'm getting lazier and lazier at blogging. I've always wanted to do the festival but it was so dang cold in the morning. I loved the experience but you are so right. There was so much sitting around time. I think the festival lost of lot of potential revenue. Maybe we've just been to so many other places where non stop events captured everyone's attention. Loved the company we were with. Buck wasn't thrill with any part of it.
ReplyDeleteYou did such a great job showing all the goings on with the festival, I now don't have to go there to see it in person... :cD
ReplyDeleteYes, everyone should see it at least once. If we would go back, it would be to volunteer again. They keep their volunteers very busy...even in the day. Glad y'all were able to see such an awesome sight!
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