News from November, 2007

More photos of Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Saturday, November 24th, 2007

Here are some photos from my Picasa web album.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Rally report by Ken Johansen

Saturday, November 10th, 2007

The Balloon Rally in Albuquerque was a HUGE success. We managed to get 21 Airstream trailers and motorhomes from Camping World outside of town to the Fiesta park – and didn’t loose anyone! It was an incredible sight to see all these trailers parade down Interstate 40 onto Interstate 25 and into the park – a long band of silver I would say. We had lead and caboose rigs and my wife in a vehicle (without anything attached) keep track of where everyone was and made sure we kept together – not to mention a lot of radio contact. It was really cool.

Once into the Fiesta grounds we all settled in quickly – we had a GREAT location and the balloons literally were landing all around us – some of us jumped in the help the balloonists get their balloons settled down. This is a great event and the only event in the world that I’m aware of where you have about 750+ balloons going up at once and you can walk right up to them as they are taking off – there were a number of “special shapes” balloons too – Bees, monsters, turtles, all kinds of bottles, cans, a big milk cow and even Smokey bear.

Balloon crowd

Click picture for larger view