Balloon Fiesta 2007

The 2007 Albuquerque Fiesta brought 640 registered balloons to New Mexico for the world's largest hot air balloon event. It ran for 10 days starting October 5.

This was our third consecutive year at the Fiesta, again staying in the RV parking area on the grounds. It is our favorite spot because the normal wind pattern brings the balloons right over our heads, often landing on an open field on the other side of the row of RVs. We were joined by three other RV families; friends from California and Massachusetts.

Spectators are welcome on the launch field, making the festival an up-close experience.

We love the "special shape" balloons. There were mass ascensions on Thursday and Friday.

Following the Special Shapes mass ascension on Friday there was a competition event called the "key grab". The regular balloons launched from a field to the north and came across the main launch area where the pilots attempted to grab envelopes atop several tall poles. The envelopes contained prizes, the best of which was a new Honda Ridgeline pickup truck. It was yet another awesome sight.

Two type of gas balloons compete in the America's Challange Balloon Race that starts at the Fiesta every year. The egg-shaped ones are filled with helium; the round ones with hydrogen. It costs about $6,000 to fill a helium balloon but about 1/3 as much for hydrogen, but hydrogen is flammable and therefore more dangerous. Flights are expected to last for 48 to 60 hours at altitudes of 12,000 to 18,000 feet. The goal is to be the one that reaches the greatest distance before landing. This year's winner landed over 1,000 miles away in Canada.

On Saturday morning the winds were calm over the launch area so the balloons rose up and remained over the field. As more of the went up they created a sort of traffic jam in the sky.

Did you ever wonder what happens to the balloons after they fly away from the Fiesta area? They must come down somewhere of course. That is usually in a parking lot, open field or anywhere else they can find enough room. They are followed by their chase crews who help pack them up and load them onto trucks. This one is looking for a landing spot on the bank of a drainage channel adjacent to the Rio Grande River.

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