Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: A vacation that’s more than hot air

If you’re tired of the same ol’ same ol’ when it comes to vacations, how about elevating your next trip to new heights? That’s entirely possible at the 40th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

More than 500 colorful balloons fill the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta each October. Photo by Ron Behrmann

Every October, air traffic control over Albuquerque gets a little weird. That tends to happen when you have more than 500 hot air balloons crowding the skies over New Mexico‘s most-popular fiesta, the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, that is.

If you’ve ever wondered what rush hour traffic with hot air balloons looks like, then perhaps it’s time you made the trek to this central New Mexico city to see what’s up…literally.

Your chance to take flight

Who knows, maybe you’ve always wanted to fly in a hot air balloon? Well, now is your chance! You could win a trip to Albuquerque this October for the 40^th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta celebration.

The 2011 theme for the event, “The Greatest Show Off Earth,” captures the spectacle of one of the most photographed events in the world. What began as a radio promotion in 1972, with 13 balloons in attendance, has grown to more than 500 balloons each year for nine days and takes place October 1-9, 2011.

This year marks the 40^th time that pilots, volunteers and visitors from around the world have gathered to watch as the skies over this high-desert landscape  fill with spectacularly colored and playful-shaped hot air and gas balloons.

Plan now for 40th anniversary event

It’s the ideal way to close out what has been a brutally hot summer. But it gets crowded quickly, so now is the time to plan a fun fall getaway to the Land of Enchantment. Better yet, enter to win a trip for two October 5-8, 2011. This unique getaway is valued at more than $2,650 including:

• Three nights at Albuquerque Sheraton Uptown

• Hot air balloon rides with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Company on October 6, 2011

• Three days admission to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with VIP access to the Gondola Club Hospitality Suite

• Admission to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

• Two official Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta jackets

• $200 Visa Card to be used for airfare, gas or shopping

This Balloon Fiesta package is only available October 5 – 8, 2011.

Visit www.ItsATrip.org/ballooncontest to enter the sweepstakes by August 31st.

Tons of things to see, do

Besides enjoying the spectacle of Mass Ascensions, Balloon Glows, Special Shapes, and exciting hot air and gas balloon competitions, hundreds of booths offer a taste of local cuisine, arts and crafts from across the country.

The event is action-packed and so is the city. Festivities and special events take place throughout Albuquerque, so plan extra time to take in arts and crafts festivals, music performances, a picturesque river float, a corn maze and much more.

Truly awe-inspiring experience

“I have attended very few events where I can truly say they are magical,” said Fiesta veteran Deb Conard of Richardson, Texas.  ”My seven Fiestas have been as a crew member, which means I was a part of this spectacular event, one of thousands of crew needed to get the balloons off the ground and be there for the pilot to help with a safe landing. To be able to participate in an international event that draws hundreds of balloons from around the world, and hundreds of thousands of observers, is unforgettable.  And of course, Albuquerque is a beautiful place for sightseeing, shopping and hiking.”

Tips for attendees

If you attend, here are some tips to help make your visit more pleasurable:

• DRESS IN LAYERS – The high desert is downright cold in the morning, but once the sun rises over the Sandia Mountains, the air heats up quickly, so it’s best to dress in layers with gloves and a hat, and bring a backpack to hold the clothes you shuck.  A lot of people go in sweats and pajamas, so don’t worry about being stylish.

• BRING WARM DRINKS – A hot thermos of any beverage is a real plus. Refills are available.

• DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA – The Balloon Fiesta is a photographic orgy. The ballonists let you get up close and personal and may ask you to help with their balloons. How cool is that?

• PROTECT YOUR EYES – Once the sun rises, you’ll want sunglasses and probably a hat with a visor. You’re at higher elevation in Albuquerque, and that high-desert sun is bright.

• WEAR SUNSCREEN – Thin air, bright sunshine. Sunscreen’s a must.

• BRING A SIT-UPON – Whether it’s a foldable lawn chair, umbrella chair, or even simply a blanket, something to sit on is highly recommended. Trust me, once the balloons go up, you’re craning your neck to watch them. Do that for very long, and you’ll be looking for the chiropractic tent. Having a chair or the ability to lie down on the blanket make the experience more fun and less taxing on you.

Be ready to rise and shine

One more thing to bring is an alarm clock. If you plan to be there in time to see the Dawn Patrol morning flight, where the lighted balloons make for a truly special sight, you’ll need to be on the road to the park by no later than 4:30 am. Yeah, that’s what I said, 4:30 am. There’s only one way into the park, and the traffic backs up in a hurry. So get an early start.

And if you don’t make the Dawn Patrol, you’ll still be able to enjoy the Mass Ascension, where the balloons lift off after sunrise. At night, there’s the Evening Glow, where balloons inflate and light up all over the field.

Be sure to hang around for the grand finale — the fireworks show.

So what’s it like to see all those balloons rise and fill the sky?

“Everything about being there on a perfect, crisp Albuquerque morning, seeing the activity on the field as the balloons are laid out and prepared for flight, to watching the waves of ascensions, overwhelms the senses,” Conard said.  ”Your inner child returns and you find yourself oohing and awwing at every rainbow of color and special shape. But there is magic in the evenings also. The Special Shape Glodeo transports you through an enchanting fairy tale. You find yourself walking amongst huge castles, flowers, animals, cute, friendly monsters and even Darth Vader.  Each year I look for my favorites.”

Of course, if you’re game for taking a ride in someone’s beautiful balloon, feel free to wander the park and lend a helping hand to the balloonists. Your reward could be the most uplifting experience you’ve ever had on vacation.

Event dedicated to founder Sid Cutter

This year’s 40th event is special in many ways and will be dedicated to Sid Cutter – the “Father of Balloon Fiesta” who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. Cutter helped establish the Balloon Fiesta in 1972 and had been a key supporter and partner.

In addition to the majestic mass ascensions and more than 90 special shape balloons, pilots will have a chance to win $100,000 in the Sandia Resort & Casino $100,000 Challenge, a new event for the 40th Balloon Fiesta.

To learn more about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, click here.

So set your sights on Albuquerque this fall. It’s one balloon payment you won’t regret.