Albuquerque Hosts the Most Photographed…

Albuquerque Hosts the Most Photographed Ballooning Event on Earth

From October 6th through the 15th, the New Mexico skies will be filled with every shade of color as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park. Few events rival the power of mass ascension on crisp early mornings as 700 or so of these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean desert sky.

For ballooning fans worldwide, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a pilgrimage. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the largest and most photographed ballooning event on earth. The Balloon Fiesta Park is the size of 54 football fields combined and becomes an incredible place where people gather for an amazing spectacle and nine days of fun.

At first, there is the thrilling roar of hundreds of burners simultaneously igniting, turning the park into a huge lighted Christmas tree of colorful balloons. Then, hundreds of thousands of smiling, upturned faces are awestruck by the spectacular beauty of hot air balloons filling the big blue New Mexico sky.

From its modest beginnings in 1972 when 13 balloons launched from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to multiple events launching year-round at the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park.

Each year balloons come from around the world to participate in the event and news coverage originates from more than 50 countries. Those who attend the event can either ride in a balloon (about $295 a person), become a Gondola Club member (about $100 a person) to enjoy the Balloon Fiesta from a select vantage point, or do their own thing.

Rainbow Ryders is the official hot air ballooning company that offers rides during the event. This firm also offers adults and children with balloon rides year-round (weather permitting) that sweep over the Rio Grande River. Costs are about $100 for children and $185 for adults. Rainbow Ryders also specializes in hot air balloon rides for large groups such as conventions, corporate gatherings, weddings and reunions.

For more information, visit www.balloonfiesta.com or call 1-888-422-7277