HOME ARTICLES ABOUT LINKS CONTACT
We
do not collect, store, or sell personally identifiable information.
Third party advertiser pixels may be present.
Continued
navigation of the site will assume consent. Accept Privacy
Policy Opt-Out
DESTINATION
IDEAS
California
Nevada
Other
West
Bargain
Travel West guide to unique destinations, sight-seeing, history and
culture, budget travel vacation ideas in U.S., Canada and Caribbean.
Travel
destination in New Mexico
HOT AIR BALLOONS OVER ALBUQUERQUE
World’s Largest Balloon Festival in October
39th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 2010
For nine days in October
hot air balloon enthusiasts from around the world gather in the New
Mexico hills and desert for the annual ritual
of launching the colorful gas envelopes into the skies for the annual
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. From October 2nd to the 10th,
thousands of spectators will experience the amazement and wonder of the
event themed “Earth, Wind and Flyers” for 2010, experiencing
the launch of more than 500 balloons each morning.
More than 650 pilots will represent 17 countries and 39 states during the event that marks an annual pilgrimage for balloonists from around the globe. New Mexico itself is home to the largest number of balloon pilots and nearly 200 balloons. Pilots from all corners of the Earth are drawn to Albuquerque’s unique fall weather, taking advantage of the “box”. A special air current unique to the Rio Grande Valley, a combination of upper and lower level winds enhanced by the Sandia Mountains, the box enables balloonists to sometimes backtrack along their flight path and return to land close to their original launch site.
Ninety-one special
shaped balloons are registered for the 2010 Albuquerque Fiesta including
some of the newest balloons – The Stork, the Zebra,
Crazy Crab, Waddles and the Three Monkeys. Special shapes are often the
highlight of the week, from stage coaches to whacky characters especially
for kids who can collect trading cards for their favorite balloons. Residents
of states outside of New Mexico are sometimes surprised to see a balloon
float past their home during the first week of October, as the America’s
Challenge Gas Balloon Race sends 18 pilots and nine gas balloons on a
distance challenge. The event launches from Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque
on Tuesday, October 5th with the challenge of flying the greatest distance,
which often involves at least two days aloft and covers more than 1,000
miles across the country.
In addition to a spectacular colorful feast for the eyes, Balloon Fiesta spectators are also treated to tempting tastes of foods from vendors from around the Southwest. After the ballooning action is over, the city of Albuquerque will be bustling with activity and events as it rolls out the red carpet for its premier international event. Be sure to check out all that Albuquerque has to offer. © Bargain Travel West
Find best hotel and vacation deals in Albuquerque on TripAdvisor
Web Info
Balloon
Fiesta
Albuquerque
Festival
These articles are copyrighted and the sole property of Bargain Travel West and WLEV, LLC. and may not be copied or reprinted without permission. Photos by Raymond Watt and Ron Behrmann.
See these other articles on Bargain Travel West:
SKI
VALLEY TAOS
Bavaria Alpine Skiing in the Southwest
DURANGO
AND SILVERTON RAILROAD
Scenic Ride on Colorado’s famed Steam Train
Discover the west with budget travel
ideas at Bargain Travel West or visit Bargain Travel Europe for Travel
To Europe Ideas
©
2006-2019 Winged Lion Entertainment Ventures, LLC
