Even
an Imax video probably wouldn't do justice to the visual impact of seeing
hundreds of hot-air balloons lift off the launch field in early morning with
the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background. The vast expanse of the vivid colors and unique figures spread
over miles as the winds carry them in formation. Albuquerque has a unique natural setting for balloons
because of the "box effect" of the winds that is fairly predictable
both in intensity and direction.
Sometimes the winds are too strong, and events have to be
cancelled for safety reasons, but visitors can count on there being enough wind
so they are rarely disappointed. 
The
who, what, where, when is easily available on the official web site: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/ , so I
will focus on my personal impressions of a visit in October, 2010. First, the festival draws a huge crowd
so make hotel and airline reservations well in advance so that you won't be
disappointed. You can buy your
tickets to each event at the gate, but parking is an issue. You have several options: riding a
shuttle bus from a remote lot, paying for reserved parking, or buying the
Gondola Club option that includes VIP parking. We bought the Gondola Club for one event but not for
others. It's worth it for the first
time to get a lavish buffet onsite as well as a view overlooking the launch
site so that you can see the panorama at a higher level, but you also need to
get down on the field and walk among the balloons as they launch to feel the
excitement.
Officials recommend that your arrive early (4:30 - 5:30 am) so that you don't get caught in the traffic and miss the 7:00 am launch. Since the launch goes on for two hours, we didn't find it necessary to try to "beat the crowd", and traffic control is excellent. Wherever you park, your visit will involve a lot of walking, so good shoes and warm clothing are mandatory.
I
was amazed at the clutter of people, equipment, and balloons crowded very
closely together, and yet none collided as they filled their balloons and
lifted off. Launch directors, also
known as zebras because of their black-and-white-striped uniforms, carefully
choreographed the lift-offs all over the field in seemingly a random pattern,
but actually they scattered the launches rather than follow in uniform rows so
the congestion was hectic but manageable.
Concessionaire and corporate booths surround the launch site so there
are opportunities for a break as well as live entertainment during the day.
Obviously
enthusiasts may want to stay the entire 10 days. Admission for each event (morning and evening) is separate
but very reasonable in price so it's possible to go to every event and still
not break the bank. The events
vary from day-to-day with a mass ascension on weekends and races during the week. In the evening, the balloons are
lighted but usually don't lift off, but the "balloon glow" is always
followed by a spectacular fireworks show.
The festival includes both hot-air and gas balloons, and draws
balloonists from all over the world.
Be sure to include a visit to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque
International Balloon Museum that is immediately adjacent to the festival site
in the northeast portion of the city adjacent to I-25.
Most
folks take a break from the festival if they're stay for several days and visit
the historic Old Town area or make side trips to Santa Fe and Taos. A commuter train runs from Albuquerque
to Santa Fe so it is possible to make the trip without a car. Visit these web sites for more details
about city attractions http://www.itsatrip.org
and for statewide attractions see http://www.newmexico.org
There are many other hot-air balloon festivals all across the United States and in many other countries, but this is the most spectacular of all of them. Don't miss it!