Where is the best Hot Air Balloon Festival? Hence, do you wish to be part of Albuquerque International balloon fiesta. The balloon festival is an annual event. Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is the place to visit in early October. As a matter of fact, it is the best hot air balloon festival in the world. You will see the biggest awe-inspiring gathering of balloons on the planet.
The Albuquerque balloon fiesta is a mixture of beauty and color. In fact, there are hundreds of hot air balloons from all over the world. The Albuquerque International balloon fiesta is a week-long event. It attracts balloonists from across the globe. The balloonists are not only from the US. It also attracts participants from France, England, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Belgium, Japan and several other countries.
Hot Air Balloon Festival History
The modern hot air ballooning began in the late 1950’s. A US government research program built a hot air balloon. Propane was used to inflate the balloon. Prior to this, several attempts were made with coal gas. Ballooning in Albuquerque began in the summer of 1971. A gentleman by the name of Sid Cutter purchased a hot air balloon. He wanted to do something unique for his mother’s birthday. It was inflated and tethered as the center piece of her celebration. The balloon was accidentally released. As a result, Sid and his brother made their first flight over Albuquerque. This first balloon flying experience was the motivation to form a balloon club.
Sid Cutter of Albuquerque was sponsored by the local KOB Radio that same year. This was part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. At that time, Sid Cutter was working towards hosting the first hot air balloon festival in New Mexico. He wanted the event to be the biggest hot air balloon festival ever assembled. The largest previous gathering of hot air balloons was 19 in England. The joint venture was successful in registering 21 balloonists. Participants came from Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota Texas and Nevada. Amazingly a crowd of approximately 10,000 turned out to see the launching. The venue was a dirt parking lot. It was west of the Coronado shopping center in Albuquerque. Don Kersten, an official of the Balloon Federation of America was an attendee at that festival.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The event was impressive. As a result, he suggested that Sid Cutter should apply to The Federation of Aeronautique Internationale. The idea was to host the first world hot air ballooning championship. Thus, the second Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta took place. It was in conjunction with the first World Hot Air Balloon Championship. Thirteen countries participated and they registered 133 balloons. Thereafter, the Albuquerque international balloon Fiesta was born.
The hot air balloon festival started from this humble beginning. The Albuquerque International Balloon fiesta has grown in leaps and bounds. It has become the best hot air balloon festival in the world. The first ever Balloon Glow was in Albuquerque. It began on Christmas Eve of 1979. A local balloonist started the glow. It was a thank you to the local community. In 1987 it was included in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for the first time. Since, it has become a fan favorite. The balloon is held to the ground and inflated. The flame makes the balloon inflate. In addition, it also causes the balloon to glow in the night like a giant lamp. Several Balloons glowing at the same. Accordingly, it creates a kaleidoscope of colors.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Special Shape.
In 1989, the Albuquerque balloon fiesta had another major development. The special shape balloons was the exclusive event for that year.
Since, it has grown to be one of the more popular events of the hot air balloon festival. Because of its appeal, it has gained special prominence in the festival.
New balloons stand out every year. In addition, there are classics like Bubble Bees, Wells Fargo Wagon and Darth Vader. The special shapes feature in several events every year. In addition to the daytime events like the Special Shapes Rodeo. There is the night glowdeo. Both events take place on Thursday and Friday of the Albuquerque International balloon festa. The glowdeo is a nightly glow for special shapes. It is the same concept of the balloon glow but only special shape balloons participate.
Activities
Each year, Albuquerque balloon fiesta program of activities includes several events. For instance, there is the Dawn Patrol, Mass Ascensions, and America’s Challenge. Without question, I consider the Albuquerque International balloon fiesta as the best hot air balloon festival in the world. As a result, many travel companies provide packages to Albuquerque. You can view and experience the festival. It’s the most stupendous array of colors. What’s more, it is an unorthodox of balloons on display during Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta.
Please contact Tropical Destination Vacations for information about visiting the world’s premier hot air balloon festival. Call toll free: 888-282-8721 or email: [email protected]