2021 Official Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Program

ALBUQUERQUE INTER NATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA® 2021 OFFICIAL PROGR A M

albuquerque International

alall bu querque oon fiesta b all oon b The World’s Premier Balloon Event ®

OFFICIAL RIDE

OPERATOR A ATOR

ADVENTURE 505.823.1111

RAINBOWRYDERS.COM

Loved by Locals FOR NEARLY FOUR DECADES

@Sacred_Sage_Photography

The World’s Premier Balloon Event

CONTENTS WELCOME 4

Matt W. Guthrie, President, AIBF

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Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico

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Timothy M. Keller, Mayor of Albuquerque

OF INTEREST 10

Your Guide to Balloon Fiesta Events

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Schedule of Events

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Survival Guide Map

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2021 AIBF Officers, Board of Directors

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2021 Staff

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2021 Officials

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Balloon Fiesta Sponsors

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Photography Tips

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Spectator Safety Tips

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America’s Challenge Officials & Winners

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In Remembrance

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2021 Balloon Fiesta Navigators

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2020 and 2021 Heritage Award

DIRECTORIES 27

2021 AIBF Balloon Directory

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Other Participating Pilots

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Special Shape Directory

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International Pilots

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America’s Challenge Entrants

FEATURES 52

Top Ten Tips for Guests

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AIBF Merchandise, Then and Now

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Balloon Fiesta Park’s Silver Anniversary

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Taking a Siesta

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Ode to the Balloon Fiesta

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The Real Aeronauts

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

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Welcome from the President, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , Inc. ®

O

n behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and hundreds of Navigators (volunteers) I welcome you to the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. If you are a first-time visitor, you are in for a beautiful experience and if you are a returning guest, thank you for standing with us over the difficult and uncertain past year and welcome back!

As a native of Albuquerque, I have been amazed by balloons since my first exposure in 1972 at Coronado Center. To this day, I still get that same excitement whether watching or flying balloons.

Over the years Balloon Fiesta has had an amazing group of dedicated individuals working

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behind the scenes to ensure a spectacular event year after year, and 2021 will continue that tradition.

I would like to thank the thousands of Navigators who volunteer selflessly throughout the year to make sure your experience as a guest is everything you hoped it would be. I would also like to thank all the corporate sponsors for their financial support and belief in Balloon Fiesta as an integral part of the local and state economy. Lastly, a huge thank you to the pilots and crews who make Albuquerque their home for 10 days in October to put on a spectacular show of color and splendor that makes the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta a truly unique event.

Balloon Fiesta offers a multitude of entertainment for

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

all to enjoy with Balloon Glows and fireworks in the evening sessions, hot air balloon competitions throughout the week, the 32nd Special Shape Rodeo, and the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of each event, as they all offer a unique experience for your Balloon Fiesta adventure.

Whether you are a first time visitor or returning guest, it is our hope you enjoy the City of Albuquerque, the State of New Mexico and the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. TIME FLIES!

Matt W. Guthrie President, Albuquerque International

Welcome from the Governor, State of New Mexico

W

elcome to the Land of Enchantment!

The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a centerpiece event of our one-of-a-kind culture. There’s nothing quite like the buzz of the early morning atmosphere, the view of hundreds of balloons against the Sandias and a striking blue sky. When you’ve been here, when you’ve seen it, you never forget it.

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And that’s true of any number of places and experiences across New Mexico! From the glistening dunes of the White Sands National Monument in Alamogordo to the powerful sense of place and history at Chaco Canyon, from the dizzying spires of Tent Rocks to the deep woods of the Gila, from the world-famous caverns in Carlsbad to the smell of roasting green chile in the fall: When you know, you know. New Mexico is adventure

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

steeped in culture. Get out and see it! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your time at Balloon Fiesta and I hope you come again to see us soon.

Michelle Lujan Grisham Governor

3 NEW MEXIC O LOC ATIONS

O O O

3709 Ellison Rd NW 2270 Wyoming Blvd NE 2670 Coors Blvd NW

Welcome from the Mayor, City of Albuquerque

D

ear Balloon Fiesta Participants, Guests, and Sponsors; After the kind of year we have had due to the pandemic, it is my pleasure to once again welcome guests to our city for this one of a kind festival.

The return of this beloved tradition is a true symbol of Albuquerque’s resilience. From a small celebration by a local radio station, featuring only 13 balloons in 1972, to now the largest Hot Air Festival in the world, the Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is truly a sight to see.

From the imaginative special shapes balloons to the spectacular evening Glowdeo, there is no question why it has become the most photographed event in the world. These are not visuals

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you can find anywhere else.

Enabled by our renowned Albuquerque box wind patterns, balloonists come from all over the globe to participate in the festival and so should you.

Beginning before the sun rises with the Dawn Patrol balloonists, followed by a mass ascension of more balloons than you can count, the fiesta is a showcase of Albuquerque’s unique culture and personality. Enjoying the fiesta includes different activities for everyone, whether it is enjoying the sights from afar, like from the top of our Sandia Peak Tramway, or right in the thick of the action at the Balloon Fiesta Park.

While in Albuquerque, make sure to take some time to enjoy the culture that is so unique and celebrated here.

We are ecstatic to welcome guests to special places like

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Old Town and the Hispanic and Indian Cultural Centers where they are free to experience the rich history and heritage of our town. The fiesta is a great opportunity to take in all that Albuquerque has to offer; cuisine, local art, unique museums of all kinds, flame roasted green chile, the great landscapes of New Mexico, and more.

I hope all have a great experience during the 49th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!

Sincerely,

Timothy M. Keller Mayor

EXPLORE ALBUQUERQUE. FIND YOURSELF.

©VisitABQ.org

@VisitABQ

From the excitement of the morning mass ascensions to the twinkle of the evening balloon glows, the Balloon Fiesta is an extravaganza of color. But the magic on the balloon field isn’t the only thing in Albuquerque that you will remember for the rest of your life. Here, vibrant flavors and cultures blend the past with the present. Everywhere you look, you’ll see our rich cultural heritage reflected in our art, celebrations, architecture and cuisine.

Stop by our Visitor Information table on Balloon Fiesta Main Street or visit our website to learn how to experience all the city has to offer, from shopping and museums to live performances and outdoor recreation. Explore it all, and you’ll discover a side of yourself you haven’t met yet. Because some things in Albuquerque never change. But they’ll change you.

VisitABQ.org/ABQ365

Your Guide to

BALLOON FIESTA EVENTS ®

MORNING EVENTS:

Albuquerque Aloft™

Flight of the Nations

Friday, October 1, approximately 7:00 AM: On the Friday before Balloon Fiesta begins, balloons fly from select elementary schools throughout Albuquerque and from all of Rio Rancho’s elementary schools. Some school PTAs sell food and hot beverages, making the Balloon Fiesta’s visit to their school a true community event.

Wednesday, October 6: The Flight of the Nations at Wednesday’s Mass Ascension honors pilots from all the nations participating in Balloon Fiesta, many of whom launch flying their national flag.

Dawn Patrol/Dawn Patrol Show presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort

Daily, approximately 6 AM: This “balloon glow in the sky” features as many as a dozen balloons. On Mass Ascension days, pilots perform the Dawn Patrol Show, a choreographed inflation and launch set to music.

Mass Ascensions and Krispy Kreme Morning Glow

Weekends and Wednesday: The spectacular Mass Ascensions of hundreds of hot-air balloons are the Balloon Fiesta’s signature events and are preceded by the Krispy Kreme Morning Glow, a “mini” balloon glow.

Special Shape Mass Ascensions on Thursday and Friday October 7 and 8 feature “special shape” balloons.

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Special Shape Rodeo™

Competitions

Weekdays, approximately 8 AM: In ballooning competitions, pilots use winds at different altitudes to reach a target and drop a marker so it lands as close to the center of the target as possible. The competitions also feature the Ring Toss, where pilots fly to poles at Balloon Fiesta Park to win fabulous prizes! Overall winners are determined by individual pilots’ cumulative scores during Balloon Fiesta week.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Thursday/Friday, October 7 - 8: These special mass ascensions showcase the incredible craftsmanship, creativity, and artistry that makes monsters, critters, and just about anything else you can imagine take flight.

NEW! Remote Control Balloon Exhibitions

all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time, is perhaps the most spectacular single moment in all of Balloon Fiesta. Special shape balloons have their own balloon glows on Thursday and Friday of Balloon Fiesta week (see below).

favorite shapes, from bees to birds to bears. Come early, because this is one of the Balloon Fiesta’s most popular events!

AfterGlowTM Fireworks Show America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race

Sunday October 3, Wednesday October 6, and Friday October 8: 7:30 AM – 11 AM: Remote-controlled hot air balloons (kind of like the “real” ones, but much smaller) are becoming more and more popular with hobbyists and pilots, some of whom build miniature replicas of their own big balloons. Check out this new Balloon Fiesta event and this growing sport – you might just discover a new hobby for yourself!

EVENING EVENTS: Balloon Glows

Launch window opens Saturday, October 2, approximately 6 PM: It’s one of the toughest tests of skill and endurance in the world for balloon pilots, as championship teams fly across America, trying to achieve the greatest distance. Once the balloons leave Albuquerque, keep track of the teams’ progress online and via the YB Tracking app! Weather sometimes affects the launch; event rules permit delaying the start of the race up through Wednesday evening.

Special Shape Glowdeo

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• Twilight Twinkle Balloon Glow presented by Albuquerque Journal: Saturday October 2, • Balloon Glow presented by ExxonMobil: Sunday October 3 • Night Magic Glow, Saturday, October 9 The static displays of illuminated balloons known as “Balloon Glows” are among the Balloon Fiesta’s most popular events. The “All Burn,” when

Saturday October 2, Sunday October 3, Thursday October 7, Friday October 8, and Saturday October 9, immediately after the Glows; Note that AfterGlow times and availability of vehicle access to the Park may change due to field and weather conditions: The fireworks shows at the Balloon Fiesta are some of the best performed anywhere! Plan to stay after the balloon glows to enjoy the spectacle!

Other Events While at Balloon Fiesta Park, be sure to enjoy the Team Fastrax Skydiving Exhibitions, Chainsaw Carving Exhibitions, Fiesta of Wheels Car Show, pin trading, our many Main Street Stage performances, and more!

Check online at BalloonFiesta.com or on our social media pages for details and times. Also, don’t forget to shop and eat your way through Main Street!

Thursday October 7 and Friday October 8: The fantastic special shape balloons are even more fantastic in the glow of early evening! The Special Shape Glowdeo features everyone’s

Time Flies!

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ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA®

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 7:00 am .................................. Albuquerque Aloft

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 6:00 am .................................. Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort 6:30 am................................... Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 6:45 am ................................... Opening Ceremonies 7:00 am .................................. Mass Ascension 2:00 pm .................................. America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Inflation 4:45 pm, 7:45 pm .............. Team Fastrax – Skydivers 6:00 pm .................................. America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race Launch 6:00 pm .................................. Twilight Twinkle Glow™, presented by Albuquerque Journal 8:00 pm* ................................ AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 6:00 am .................................. Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort 6:30 am................................... Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 7:00 am .................................. Mass Ascension 7:30 - 11am ............................ Remote Control Balloons Exhibition 9:00 am .................................. Fiesta of Wheels Car Show (located on north end of Launch Field) 11:00 am.................................. Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Tour Tent north end of Main Street) 4:45 pm, 7:45 pm .............. Team Fastrax – Skydivers 6:00 pm ....................................Balloon Glow, presented by ExxonMobil 8:00 pm* ................................ AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4 6:00 am .................................. Dawn Patrol 7:00 am ................................. Balloon Launch from Park 8:00 am .................................. Fly In Competition

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 - COCA-COLA DAY 6:00 am .................................. Dawn Patrol 7:00 am ................................. Balloon Launch from Park 8:00 am .................................. Fly In Competition

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6 6:00 am .................................. Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort 6:30 am................................... Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 7:00 am .................................. Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension 7:30 - 11am ............................ Remote Control Balloons Exhibition

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7 KIDS’ DAY presented by KOBTV 4:30 am................................... Kids’ Day Goodie Bag Distribution begins (South of Main Street Stage) 6:00 am .................................. Dawn Patrol 7:00 am ................................. Special Shape Rodeo™ 8:00 am .................................. Fly In Competition 4:45 pm, 7:45 pm .............. Team Fastrax – Skydivers 6:00 pm ................................. Special Shape Glowdeo™ 8:00 pm* ................................ AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 6:00 am .................................. Dawn Patrol 7:00 am ................................. Special Shape Rodeo™ 7:30 - 11am ............................ Remote Control Balloons Exhibition 8:00 am .................................. Fly In Competition 4:45 pm, 7:45 pm .............. Team Fastrax – Skydivers 6:00 pm ................................. Special Shape Glowdeo™ 8:00 pm* ................................ AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9 6:00 am .................................. Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort 6:30 am................................... Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 7:00 am .................................. Mass Ascension, presented by ExxonMobil 11:00 am.................................. Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Tour Tent north end of Main Street) 4:45 pm, 7:45 pm Team Fastrax – Skydivers 6:00 pm .................................. Night Magic™ Glow 8:00 pm* ................................ AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 6:00 am .................................. Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort 6:30 am................................... Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 7:00 am .................................. Farewell Mass Ascension

*AfterGlow™ fireworks shows will begin as soon as the launch field is clear of balloons, thus the starting times are approximate and subject to change without notice. Additionally, local police will modify traffic flows to utilize all traffic lanes for outbound traffic only at the conclusion of each Glow event. So if you want to watch the AfterGlow™ fireworks shows from the Park, plan to arrive at the Park in time for that evening’s glow event.

GATES GATES

TICKET BOOTHS BOOTHS TICKET

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1) MAIN STREET STAGE 1) MAIN STREET STAGE 2) CHAINSAW CARVERS 2) CHAINSAW CARVERS 3) ARTISANS ARTISANS TENT 3)

OFFICIAL PARK PARK LOCATIONS LOCATIONS OFFICIAL A) GONDOLA GONDOLA CLUB CLUB A) B) SPONSOR SPONSOR HOSPITALITY HOSPITALITY B) C) CORPORATE CORPORATE VILLAGE VILLAGE C) D) SID SID CUTTER CUTTER PILOTS’ PILOTS’PAVILION PAVILION D) E) CHASERS’ CHASERS’ CLUB CLUB E) F) GROUP GROUP TOURS TOURS HOSPITALITY HOSPITALITY F)

OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE MERCHANDISE M) OFFICIAL TENTS TENTS

SPECIAL AREAS AREAS SPECIAL A) VISIT VISIT ALBUQUERQUE ALBUQUERQUE MEDIA MEDIATENT TENT A) B) BALLOON BALLOON MANUFACTURERS MANUFACTURERS B) C) VISIT VISIT ALBUQUERQUE ALBUQUERQUE && NEW NEWMEXICO MEXICOTRUE TRUE C) VISITOR INFORMATION INFORMATION VISITOR D) BALLOON BALLOON RIDES RIDES TENT TENT D)

INFORMATION INFORMATION

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Time Flies!

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

2021 OFFICERS Matt Guthrie

Al Tetreault

Richard W. “Dick” Rice

Judith K. Nakamura

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

SECRETARY

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS J.R. Allison

Raymond Bair

Gary Bennett

Jay Czar

John C. Davis IV

Barbara Fricke

Jim Garcia

Steven A. Komadina, M.D.

Jeff Lawrence

Cheryl Lete

Rodney A. May

Tom McConnell, M.D.

Frank A. Mezzancello

Neil Jackson

Harry Season

Doug Schwebach

John Sena

Mark Sullivan

Bill Walker

Ty Young

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Celebrate Balloon Fiesta ... All Year Long Available Now – The Best Day Ever

A delightful children’s ballooning story, written and illustrated by Ross Van Dusen and published by Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. This 40-page journey by five sleepy-eyed friends, three boys and two girls, starts with a ride to Balloon Fiesta Park, quickly followed by standing in awe, watching colorful balloons spring to life. Join Carlos, Rocky, Danny, Sky and a hesitant Skeeter in the basket for their first balloon ride. After a happy cruise up the Rio Grande Valley, their gentle landing marks the end of an incredible flight – their best day ever.

Available at the Balloon Fiesta gift shop at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, or online at www.balloonfiestastuff.com, in merchandise tents during the Fiesta, and at select stores near you. Hardcover $19.95.

Coming Soon – 50 Years of Balloon Magic

A very special commemorative book celebrating the 50th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The magic of Albuquerque’s aeronautical legacy springs from 224 pages – a testament to a city in love with balloons.

And floating off the pages are 305 spectacular photos – a kaleidoscope of color, an armada of vibrant nylon, punctuated by a sprinkling of uplifting prose. Published by Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. Available at the Balloon Fiesta gift shop in early 2022. Hardcover $49.95, Softcover $34.95.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

2021 STAFF Amanda Brady

Taylor Caldwell

Damian Duran-Arias

Jennifer Garcia

Tom Garrity

TRANSPORTATION MANAGER

RECEPTIONIST

FIELD MANAGER

ASSOCIATE EVENT DIRECTOR

MEDIA PRESIDENT

Shamaine Giannini

Martha Gonzales

Erica Hahn

Tracey Hawkins

VIP HOSPITALITY MANAGER

CONTROLLER

CONCESSIONS & ARTISANS MANAGER

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Mike McKnight

Sam Parks

Stephanie Prendergast

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

SPONSORSHIP SALES MANAGER

Amanda Molina

Lisa Mulder

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE

MERCHANDISE MANAGER

Angela Sanchez

Jennifer Schurman

BOOKKEEPER

NAVIGATOR & RV MANAGER

Laurie Riedle DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP SALES

Paul R. Smith

Jayne Thurman

Ken Tuley

Sean Wallace

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MERCHANDISE ASSISTANT

VIDEO PRODUCER

PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR

2021 PHOTOGRAPHERS

2021 BALLOON FIESTA LIVE! HOSTS AND PA ANNOUNCERS

Victor Banta Cynthia Brittain Scott Hughes Andrew Latshaw

Art Lloyd, Jr. Glen Moyer

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IS MANAGER

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

2021 OFFICIALS Balloonmeister Henry Rosenbaum Assistant Balloonmeister Maury Sullivan Safety Officials Tom Bueno, Chief Safety Official Peg Billson Melissa Bond Roger Clark Neida Courtney Bueno Doug Gallagher Mike Garcia J.D. Huss Alex Jonard II Mike Liberti Chuck Raskob Thomas Schroeder Paul Suttle Lynn Sullivan, Safety Administrative Assistant Weather Officials Brad Temeyer, Chief Weather Official John Elrick Katherine Kelly William Kelly Randy Lefevre Robert Wise Landowner Relations Nancy Wertz, Chief Landowner Relations Official Jim Holley Nancy Holley Larry Merry Janette Stone Orbin Stone Balloon Refueling Area Mike Chandler, Balloon Refueling Official

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Scoring Officials Tammy Luna, Chief Scoring Official Rita Brennan, Assistant Chief Scoring Official Jay Luna, Chief of Targets John Abel Carlette Ahrens Ryan Ahrens Amy Asper Melissa Brennan Mike Gilligan Penny Griego Taylor Herson Harold Jackson Phyllis Jackson Blake Jordan Carl Kinnard Susan Kinnard Jon Kirkwood Lyn Kirkwood Bob Lucero Patti Norris Harley Richardson Luther Richardson Jürgen Rimac Patricia Ann Rudy-Baese Virginia Sanchez Launch Directors Michelle Healy, Chief Launch Official Chris Padilla, Assistant Chief Launch Director Cliff Holman, North/South Section Lead Lynn Tillery, North/South Section Lead Jay Pape, Assistant South Section Lead Anna Brody, Assistant North Section Lead Joseph Ballengee Bill Brennan Elisa Bustamante Angelique Calderon Nicholas Chavez Tom Christopher Mindy Connolly Manny Crespin David Crossland Jeff Dill Sheri Essen Claudio Fernandes Karen Fleetwood Kevin French Larry Gensinger Debbie Gonzales Theodore Gransbury Amy Harris

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Patricia Humphreys Kalynn Jaramillo Kim Kelbe Tiffany Kenworthy Diane Leblanc Shawn Leonard Danny McCoy Lora McKown Christina Meadows Pam Micker Jeanie Moughan Cathy Myrick Caitlin Odom Sarah Pearson Kat Perea Emily Pine Jeff Renegar Char-Lynn Richardson

Debbie Sanchez Samantha Sanchez Karl Schaefer Jerry Shreve Nicole Tagart Deborah Taylor Mike Taylor Laura Virgin Dylan Wambold Lawrence Wambold Caryn Welz Kimberly Whiteman Rachel Wills Janice Wrhel Glenn Young Michael Zink

Official bank of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BANKTWEWEST

BNP PARIBAS

© 2021 Bank of the West. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.�

BALLOON FIESTA

....t\LBUQ1JERQ!J.E jNTERNATlONAL

The World's Premier Balloon Event

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

2021 SPONSORS OFFICIAL SPONSORS 96.3 News Radio KKOB-FM Voice of Balloon Fiesta Albertsons Market Supermarket Albuquerque Journal Twilight Twinkle Glow™ Akima Photo Contest, Event Photographers Bank of the West Bank Captain Morgan Rum Coca Cola Soft Drink Creamland Dairies Dairy Cuervo Tequila Dos Equis Import Beer Dunkin’ Coffee

SPONSORS ExxonMobil Sponsor Hospitality, Balloon Fiesta Live!, Main Street Video Board Isleta Resort & Casino Launch Field Pylons

505 Southwestern LLC A Virtual Receptionist ABBA Technologies, Inc. Albuquerque Youth Symphony

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Krispy Kreme Morning Glow

Alta Data Technologies, LLC

Lovelace Health System Healthcare Provider

ANM

Occidental USA, Inc. Basket Banners

Aviation Insurance Resources

AMERIND Benefits LLC

Arizona Tile

Phillips 66 Company Gasoline

Baca’s Trees

RV Life RV Parks

Banterra Bank

Sysco USA I, Inc., New Mexico Division Gondola Club

Bubba’s 33

Bank of Albuquerque

Big Sky

Sandia Resort and Casino AfterGlow™ Fireworks

Call811.com

University of New Mexico Sports Properties Balloon Trading Cards

Cavender’s

Visit Albuquerque Visitors

Citizen Church

Cameron Balloons

Chalmers Ford, Inc.

Civil Air Patrol Indiana Civil Air Patrol New Mexico Comcast Cable Coronado Center Cosmic Crisp Cottonwood Mall Curves by Haalo, Ltd. Document Solutions, Inc. Donate Life-New Mexico Donor Services Dreamstyle Remodeling Farmers Insurance, Rod Baca Agency

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau

National Portable Storage

Sore No More

Federal Bureau of Investigation

New Mexico Gas Company

Statewide Products Company, Inc.

FlyTec

New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology

Steel Bender Brewyard

Fortis Construction Frost Mortgage Banking Group General Mills, Inc. Golden Corral Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Greystar Overture Holly Frontier Refining & Marketing, Inc. Hueman People Solutions IMTS Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Jennifer Riordan Foundation Jubilee Los Lunas KOB TV KRQE/KASA Fox New Mexico Kubicek Balloons La Mesa RV Center, Inc La Vida Llena LIFT Academy Lighthouse Business Information Solutions, LLC

New Mexico State University Niagara Bottling, LLC NM Mutual Group Off Your Rock’r Palo Alto Networks, Inc. Pinnacle Propane PlainsCapital Bank/Hilltop Securities Plano Pin Company Presbyterian Healthcare Services Preventive Pest Control LLC R & S Powersports Group Rainbow Ryders, Inc. RAKS Building Materials Re/MAX Exclusive RE/MAX Marketing Fund, LLC Realty One New Mexico RESPEC Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network Rio Rancho Convention & Visitors Bureau

Lindstrand Balloons

Ronald McDonald House Charities

M Marketing

Route 66 Casino Hotel & RV Resort

Meow Wolf

RPS

Molson/Coors - Blue Moon

Select Dealer Group

Morgan Stanley

Shopify, Inc.

National Distributing Company, Inc.

Sky Rider - Park Van Tassel and the Rise of Ballooning in the West

National Park Service

Sullair, LLC Team Texas The Garrity Group Public Relations LLC The Maez Group The Neighborhood in Rio Rancho TLC Plumbing & Utilities TransPerfect Global, Inc. UltraMagic S.A. Unite Private Networks United Rentals University of Kansas Jayhawks UNM Health Sciences Center US Bank USI Southwest Waste Management of New Mexico Waterstone Mortgage Westwind Computer Products, Inc. WillScot Wonder Bread X-Ray Associates of New Mexico Zia Diagnostic Imaging

Time Flies!

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PHOTO TIPS – Have Fun and Be Unique.

Here are some tips for getting amazing images of this spectacular event! to bring a point-and-shoot.

Neck straps and wrist straps are your best friend. With your camera properly secured to your person, you can feel more confident shooting extreme angles.

DAWN PATROL Rising into the dark skies each morning is the Dawn Patrol. At about 6:00 am every day, Dawn Patrol pilots launch into the sky with only their burners to light the way.

PRO TIPS: Try using a tripod and remote. If you use your tripod and have an IS lens, make sure you turn off the IS function while you shoot. Since the balloons lift off while it’s still dark outside, a wide-angle lens is ideal.

BALLOON GLOW™ This sets the mood for a magical evening. Don’t miss the random twinkling lights of balloons just before the order for ”All Glow”, when a warm light illuminates the entire field.

Pro Tips: Adjust your angle.

Set-up your gear with the main field in front of you and the mountainside behind you, for the best shots. Use a tripod and a wireless remote or cable release to reduce motion blur.

MASS ASCENSION Wherever you look you’ll see 600 brightly colored orbs and shape balloons. Pilots will fire up their burners, shooting flames into the balloons to inflate them.

Pro Tips: Use a wide-angle lens to get photos of the ground activity. Use a telephoto-zoom lens to get detailed shots or portraits of reactions in the crowd. Shooting with the sun rising behind the balloons will provide some beautiful silhouettes and add ambiance to the scene.

SPECIAL SHAPE BALLOONS The Special Shape Rodeo™ and Special Shape Glowdeo™ are big hits with kids of all ages!

Pro Tips: Frame other balloons with the ones in the foreground.

Use special shape balloons as fun backdrops for family photos and selfies.

BALLOONS IN FLIGHT

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FIREWORKS By this point in the morning, the horizon will be awash with vibrant colors as balloons inflate and take to the skies to fly across the valley.

Pro Tips: Once the sun is on the rise, try to shoot with the sun to your side or back. At this position you can use it to better show the curve of the balloons and illuminate their colors.

NOW THAT YOU SEE WHAT A PILOT SEES Going on a balloon ride? Get your camera in either Auto or P (Program) Mode so you can focus on your aerial experience instead of the camera settings.

Pro Tips: Now would be a great time

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Getting your camera set correctly can make or break a fantastic light display.

Pro Tips: Fireworks need long exposure times, so use a tripod for this event. A remote or cable release prevents accidental camera shake so you get clear, sharp images. Use a longer shutter speed to increase the trails of the fireworks.

BE CREATIVE: Whether you’re going for a day or the entire Balloon Fiesta®, there are plenty of chances to grab amazing shots. While we’ve suggested some camera settings here, the ultimate goal is for you to have fun! Find your own style and see what you like best.

SPECTATOR SAFETY TIPS Lovelace Health System is proud to be the official health care provider for the 2021 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Below is a list of helpful safety tips to help you enjoy your visit in good health: 1.

Limit alcohol consumption.

Remember, you’re at a mile-high altitude, which could increase alcohol’s impact.

2.

Dress in layers. It’s sometimes very cool in the morning, but after sunrise it will warm up noticeably.

3.

Bring water. Stay hydrated throughout the day.

4.

Bring sunscreen. At a higher altitude you’re at an increased risk for sunburn.

5.

Bring appropriate eye protection. Sun and wind could be your enemies on a sunny or windy day.

6.

Don’t smoke anywhere near the balloons. A lit cigarette could

possibly ignite a balloon’s propane fuel tank.

7.

Choose a place to meet in case someone gets separated or lost. Make sure young children have some form of identification on them.

8.

Don’t “drive and watch” at the same time. The balloons are a magnificent but distracting sight.

Move completely off to the side of the road to watch.

9.

Watch where you’re going. Beware of vehicles moving around the field, especially emergency vehicles trying to get through the crowd.

10. Bring a flashlight for evening events. Also, take note of where you parked your car—it’s more difficult to find in the dark.

Lovelace Health System’s emergency medical professionals provide on-site emergency medical care for problems ranging from minor scrapes to heart attacks. Lovelace’s medical volunteers will be located at the Lovelace First Aid Center.

* © 2021 Lovelace Health System All rights reserved. These materials may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without crediting Lovelace for use.

Time Flies!

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LET’S CATCH SOME AIR.

Did you know that it’s now possible to pull CO2 right out of the atmosphere?

Oxy’s 1PointFive is making large-scale commercial Direct Air Capture a reality by teaming up with Carbon Engineering. In fact, our first facility is under development in the Permian Basin, part of our commitment to apply transformative technology and advance a lower-carbon world. So as you look up at the skies during this year’s Fiesta, know that our fight against climate change is also taking flight. Learn more about Oxy’s plans to accelerate carbon capture, utilization and storage at oxy.com.

2021 ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

Time Flies!

27

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

Abell, Jim KIPHAVEN Alameda, CA United States

Adam, Steven MISS SHENANIGANS Albuquerque, NM United States

Adelsberger, Kurt TRANSITION Chino Hills, CA United States

Adie, Martin HOPSCOTCH Edgewood, NM United States

Adler, Bill BILL’S TURN Longview, TX United States

Akin, JB 8-BIT Edmond, OK United States

Aley, Dave AFTERNOON DELIGHT Albuquerque, NM United States

Allsup, Scott PHOENIXSON Phoenix AZ, United States

Amlong, Chris BLACK SAILS Rio Rancho, NM United States

Anderson, Allen PIXIDELIC Minden, NV United States

Anderson, Denny J.A.B Ankeny, IA United States

Anger, Frank AMERICA Tupelo, MS United States

Anthony, Johnny RISING STAR Sandia Park, NM United States

Appelman, Scott DOS EQUIS Albuquerque, NM United States

Arkwell, Kathy CLYDESCOPE Peoria, IL United States

Armstrong, Bill BAND OF GOLD Goodyear, AZ United States

Armstrong, Marion PIXEL ME THIS Dalworthington Gardens, TX United States

Ashworth, Jeffrey SLÁINTE! Corrales, NM United States

Askren, Sean XFINITY Middletown, OH United States

Baca, Rod CRUISE CONTROL Los Lunas, NM United States

Bacon, Frank SUN FLYER Los Ranchos, NM United States

Bair, Dave BAIRLY AWAKE Colorado Springs, CO United States

Bair, Ray KALEIDOSCOPE Albuquerque, NM United States

Baird, Andy MARVELOUS Dexter, MI United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Baker, Bill ADVENTURE TWO Tyler, TX United States

Ballengee, Kelli AIRRAGEOUS Placitas, NM United States

Barnes, Kent BELLESTAR Murray, UT United States

Bartra, Alex AIRMOSA Rio Rancho, NM United States

Bauwens, Mike BETTY’S BABY GRANDE Park City, UT United States

Beebe, Ken TORTUGA DEL FUEGO Rio Rancho, NM United States

Belgarde, Sonja WILDFIRE Sun Prairie, WI United States

Bennett, Brian DEJA VU Agency, IA United States

Bennett, Jeff BABY BEAR Tulsa, OK United States

Bergeon, Tom MICKEYS RAINBOW Mason, MI United States

Bertetto, Mike NERFER Albuquerque, NM United States

Biernacki, Buzz MORNING MAGIC Albuquerque, NM United States

Blair, Charles IRENE’S DREAM Newark, DE United States

Bonney, Linda HIGH HOPES Albuquerque, NM United States

Boring, Gordon BOYNTON CRITTERS Commerce Twp., MI United States

Boucher, Andre SUNRISE PASSION Chester, NH United States

Boulger, John DAKOTA STAR Fargo, ND United States

Bowie, Manning RISING STARS Martinez, GA United States

Bowman, James CHIMPLY Oklahoma City, OK United States

Boyd, Gary GRATEFUL RED Albuquerque, NM United States

Braden, Kris RAINBOW RYDERS Rio Rancho, NM United States

Braden, Morgan HIGHBISCUS Lake Havasu City, AZ United States

Bradley, Savannah LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN Albuquerque, NM United States

Bradley, Troy RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

Breffeilh, Margaret DIAMONDS Driggs, ID United States

Bristol, David ORANGE CRUSH Sautee, GA United States

Broker, Bill EXCELLENCE Frisco, TX United States

Brown, Toby CRYSTAL BLUE Denver, CO United States

Brown, Tom TOMFOOLERY Plainwell, MI United States

Browning, Derek THIS END UP Louisville, KY United States

Buckner, Hopper HALE-LUCINATIONS Albuquerque, NM United States

Burgess, Zach RAINBOW RYDERS Monroe, OH United States

Burns, Jason BURNS BRIGHT Rio Rancho, NM United States

Busque, JF RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

Bussey, Bill YEN YANG Longview, TX United States

Butler, Bill MONKEY BUSINESS Alamogordo, NM United States

Buzzard, Earl BUZZARDS ROOST 2 Albuquerque, NM United States

Byberg, Bruce CHASING THE DUCK Fords, NJ United States

Byer, Randy DOUBLE TROUBLE Corrales, NM United States

Caldwell, Trent WILD CHILD Albuquerque, NM United States

Candelaria, Joe MO-JOE BLUE Albuquerque, NM United States

Carlson, Brian DREAMS FULFILLED Wakarusa, KS United States

Carlton-Vish, Donna SUNNY SIDE UP Danville, IL United States

Carpenter, Michael SWEET CAROLINE II Rio Rancho, NM United States

Carreathers, Lonnie SPECTRUM Rio Rancho, NM United States

Carroll, Sean TWISTED DRIFTER Marietta, GA United States

Carter, Buddy FLYING RAINBOW Pleasant Garden, NC United States

Cass, Gary RED HOT Yuma, AZ United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Cathey, Phil SKITTLES Roswell, NM United States

Caton, Tom TIME TRAVELER Byrnes Mill, MO United States

Chando, Morghan KISS A HOY Albuquerque, NM United States

Chando, Pat PATTURNS IN CZECH Albuquerque, NM United States

Chavez, Laurie JESSE’S GIRL TOO Albuquerque, NM United States

Christensen, Dave MOONSHADOW Sioux Falls, SD United States

Christian, Bret RESURREXION Indianola, IA United States

Cirankewitsch, Bruce SUNKISSED Calgary, ALBERTA Canada

Clapp, Royce GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE McCook, NE United States

Cline, Don DAYBREAK II Greensboro, NC United States

Clinger, Phil PHANTASM Battle Creek, MI United States

Cliver, Bubba PTREE Lewisville, TX United States

Cliver, Chris HAPPY HOUR Houston, TX United States

Cloyd, Patrick PRAIRIE SUNSET Wichita, KS United States

Cloyd, Tim GLORIOUS DRIFTER Runnells, IA United States

Coan, Larry SUPERFLUOUS New Hudson, MI United States

Cochran, Tony COLORADO Broomfield, CO United States

Coffing, Steve TWIST OF FATE Albuquerque. NM United States

Cook, Kelli HIGH MAINTENANCE Greenwood Village, CO United States

Cooper, Hal UPTUIT Port Hope, ONTARIO Canada

Copas, Jerry EZ-BALLOON Sellersburg, IN United States

Corominas, Hector HIS VICTORY Livingston, TX United States

Cowen, Dave TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL Corrales, NM United States

Cox, Jordan PATCHES Indianapolis, IN United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

Crabtree, Chad INDEPENDENCE Delton, MI United States

Crouch, Clayton FINISH LINE Denver, CO United States

Cuneo, Peter SANDIA SUNRISE II Albuquerque, NM United States

Curry, Ron 770 KKOB Corrales, NM United States

Cusick, Jim BOLT Marysville, OH United States

Davie, Ryan TWILIGHT ZONE Rio Rancho, NM United States

Derebey, Steven GOT THE HOTZ Rio Rancho, NM United States

Despres, Denise BOOBOULINA Cedar Crest, NM United States

Dickey, Frank 2ND WIND Albuquerque, NM United States

Dieringer, Nathan TEXAS BLUEBONNET Menasha. WI United States

Dinkler, Fred CARRIED AWAY Livingston, TX United States

Dobbs, Bill EL TIGRE Kamas, UT United States

Doll, Penny RACING WITH THE WIND Roeland Park, KS United States

Donner, Nick SMILEY Louisville, KY United States

Dougherty, Don DARK SUNRISE Colorado Springs, CO United States

Draughn, Ken XTREMELY CONTAGIOUS Burlington, NC United States

Drennan, Ben SEASONS CHANGE Cordele, GA United States

Dube, Kelly JUST DUCKY Bloomfield, NJ United States

Duff, Jeff SINCERELY Albuquerque, NM United States

Dumke Jr. Don FLO Florence, WI United States

Eakin, Sean SHOTGUN RIDER Cameron, NC United States

Edmiston, Fred STARS Maxwell, TX United States

Eichhorn, Dave MARAUDER’S MARK Corrales, NM United States

Eldridge, Stacy TEARDROP COWBOY Rio Rancho, NM United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

Ellis-Ostgulen, Debi PLUM FIRED-UP Albuquerque, NM United States

Emry, Gordon FRESH AIRE III Norfolk, NE United States

Enloe, Stuart HIGHNLOE Woodstock, GA United States

Evans, Tim CREW BALLOON Cedar Crest, NM United States

Fall, Darrin TURQUOISE NOISE Jackson, MI United States

Favero, Marcus LIFTIN’ SPIRITS Suffolk, VA United States

Fenske, David CRIMSON STAR Albuquerque, NM United States

Ferguson, Fergie ITSA TOUCHIE SUBJECT Albuquerque, NM United States

Ferrall, Rick STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN Lawrenceville, GA United States

Fisher, Tom BREEZY RIDER Albuquerque, NM United States

Fitch, Matt PLUM FANCY Albuquerque, NM United States

Fitzgerald, William VOYAGER Lubbock, TX United States

Fleury, Mike FLEUR DE TUCSON Red Rock, AZ United States

Fogue, Patrick IMTS Columbia, MO United States

Ford, Mike WHITAKER’S GIFT Albuquerque, NM United States

Freedman, Neil RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

Freeman, Cameron ADVENTURE THREE Vail, CO United States

Gabriel, Jason SPIRIT OF ‘76 Alexandria, VA United States

Gallant, Mike AURORA’S FLAME Columbus, IN United States

Garcia, Gregory ELLA-VATION Albuquerque, NM United States

Garcia, Jerry TENTAI THE SEQUEL Albuquerque, NM United States

Gardner, Tom AJUUA DREAMER Albuquerque, NM United States

Gauthier, Guy ORANGE CRUSH Henderson, TX United States

Gauthier, Marty AIR BENDER Waterford, MI United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Gauthier, Ted DAY DREAMER Pontiac, MI United States

Gauthier, Travis CANDY CORN Waterford, MI United States

Gebhart, Aaron STEP-N-UP Milford, IA United States

Gebhart, Jim DOUBLE TROUBLE Indianola, IA United States

Gianetti, Michael FIESTA SUNRISE Boulder, CO United States

Gilles, Jeff TCBALLOONTOURS Traverse City, MI United States

Gindlesparger, Mark PHENOM Murphysboro, IL United States

Glas, Richard HEAD WEST AGAIN Phoenix, AZ United States

Gleed, David PEGASUS Coldstream, BRITISH COLUMBIA Canada

Glen, Bill HEAVENS QUILT Maricopa, AZ United States

Godlevsk, Curt SUNWALKER Littleton, CO United States

Gonzales, Bob LOOK TWICE Waco, TX United States

Gonzales, Michael THE JOURNEY Rio Rancho, NM United States

Goodman, Bill BUTTER FLY Alturas, CA United States

Goosey, Rick TJ’S TOY Pleasant Hill, MO United States

Gorenflo, Mike AIR FLO Albuquerque, NM United States

Goss, Dick LAST MANGO Leander, TX United States

Grace, Tam ARIANA Longmont, CO United States

Graf, Sandy AMERICAN RACER Henderson, TX United States

Graff, Gerry LOFTY Albuquerque, NM United States

Graham, Sandy DAYBREAK Alta Loma, CA United States

Graham, Tim STILL AMAZED Fulton, MO United States

Grassbaugh, Derek PLOT TWIST Albuquerque, NM United States

Grauberger, Sheldon RAINBOW RYDERS Gardnerville, NV United States

Time Flies!

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

36

Green, John INTREPID Albuquerque, NM United States

Greenwood, Eric ENCHANTED Albuquerque, NM United States

Griego, Jeff AMERICAN BEAUTY Albuquerque, NM United States

Griggs, Katie WINDROSE Dayton, NV United States

Grogan, Patrick PAT-O-LANTERN Cleveland, NC United States

Grote, Matthew JESTER UNWINDZ Rio Rancho, NM United States

Gullo, Michael MAIN SQUEEZE Bossier City, LA United States

Gunter, Ryan SKY CHARIOT Albuquerque, NM United States

Haarhuis, Sanne SURPRISE! Breda Netherlands

Hackett, Myia RIK RAK Walla Walla, WA United States

Hahn, Allan HEAVEN BOUND, TOO Aurora, CO United States

Hance, Mike MIKE’S 2 IRRESISTIBLE McKinney, TX United States

Harbold, Clarke IT’S A ZOO Charlotte, NC United States

Hargrave, Ashley SOMETHING BORROWED Mesa, AZ United States

Harris, Mark FULL CIRCLE Denver, CO United States

Hartshorn, Sharon SEEKING NIRVANA Amarillo, TX United States

Harwell, Pat MAVERICK Keithville, LA United States

Haynes, Anthony ALMOST THERE Houston, TX United States

Haynes, Kevin LA CUMBIA Parkland, FL United States

Hays, Craig BEAUTIFUL NOISE Coppell, TX United States

Head, Tarp HIGH OVER HEAD Helen, GA United States

Healy, Bob AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ Albuquerque, NM United States

Heartsill, Joe TEXAS RACER San Angelo, TX United States

Heartsill, Lucas TEXAS RACER 2 San Angelo, TX United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Heartsill, Rhett TEXAS STAR Fort Worth, TX United States

Heavin, Gary ALMOST HEAVEN Gatesville, TX United States

Hebrlee, Bud DIAMOND GIRL Las Cruces, NM United States

Heffron, Mike BRIGHT IDEA Albuquerque, NM United States

Heideman, Mark DESERT FLYING VIKING Albuquerque, NM United States

Heiken, Paul SPHERICAL TURTLE Stockton, CA United States

Heinrich, Sally PATIENCE Phoenix, AZ United States

Held, Adrian CUPID’S HEART Lachen Switzerland

Hernandez, Mike POLLY-ESTHER Fort Edward, NY United States

Hickey, Mike MAKIN’ MEMORIES League City, TX United States

High, Mark PEPPERMINT DREAM TOO Albuquerque, NM United States

Hill, Bryan BASKET CASE Page, AZ United States

Hoch, Darcy HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS Milo, IA United States

Hodge, Justin OPULENCE Los Ranchos, NM United States

Hodges, Eric KKISSES OF FIRE Rio Rancho, NM United States

Hoefler, Greg CAPRICE DU CIEL Chaillon, LORRAINE France

Hofer, John JYN’S TONIC Tijeras, NM United States

Hofheins, Mark THE VIKING DRAGON Rio Rancho, NM United States

Hoge, Peyton PHEISTY Louisville, KY United States

Hoidahl, Jim SQUIRREL La Luz, NM United States

Holmes, David JOSEPH’S COAT Rocheport, MO United States

Holmes, Jerry LIBERTY Fort Worth, TX United States

Holt, Judy DESERT DRIFTER Phoenix, AZ United States

Hooft, Frans MIA Schijndel Netherlands

Time Flies!

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

38

Hoover, Mike SHOWTIME Amarillo, TX United States

Hora, Tomas G-DADDY Praha Czech Republic

Howell, Dustin HIGH CIRRUS Minden, LA United States

Howes, Skip WILDFIRE Colorado Springs, CO United States

Hueschen, Rick TOOTS Cedar Crest, NM United States

Humiston, Charles FLAMEBUOYANT 2 Albuquerque, NM United States

Humphreys, Ben RODEO Columbia, MO United States

Hungerford, Brenda HOT CHEX Dayton, NV United States

Hunter, Seth ZILTOID! Avon, IN United States

Hurst, Matt THE CAPTAIN St. Peters, MO United States

Ibbotson, Mark MARIAH Grand Prairie, TX United States

Ibbotson-Sullivan, Amanda STARDUST Fort Worth, TX United States

Irwin, Pat PATRIOT Lovelock, NV United States

Jackson, Neil FLYING CIRCUS Albuquerque, NM United States

James, Gay WANDERER Orland, CA United States

James, Rick SUNDANCE TOO Judson, TX United States

Jennings, Rex GOLDEN CORRAL Vernal, UT United States

Johnson, Colleen MARY ALICE IN WONDERLAND Mitchell, NE United States

Johnson, Jeff KISMET Arroyo Grande, CA United States

Johnson, Mike SKYTREK Mitchell, NE United States

Johnson, Randy AIR SHE GOES Bosque Farms, NM United States

Jones, Chris SERENITY Amarillo, TX United States

Jones, Jason RAINBOW RYDERS Overland Park, KS United States

Jones, Joel BLUE SPIRIT Seale, AL United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Jones, Rick POLAR DAWN Concord, NH United States

Jones, Steve TEXAS MAGIC Belton, TX United States

Karlsson, Diane AFTER MIDNIGHT Chandler, TX United States

Kaufman, Blair STARS AND STRIPES Tulsa, OK United States

Keefe, Chris NIFTY GADGET Cross Plains, WI United States

Keller, Kelli FUNNER Box Elder, SD United States

Keller, Tom TOMMY LIFT Box Elder, SD United States

Kelly, Mike PRIMARY DREAM Albuquerque, NM United States

Kenworthy, Chris ON THE ROCKS Rio Rancho, NM United States

Keown, Brian ADVENTURE 6 Marina del Rey, CA United States

Kerber, Junior SUNSHINE Saint Cloud, FL United States

Kerber, Rick RAINBOW RYDERS Wayland, MI United States

Keyser, Ralph EOS Albuquerque, NM United States

Kious, Thomas DREAM ON Albuquerque, NM United States

Kirson, Damian RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

Knuth, Paul SOMETHING CAME UP Crestwood, KY United States

Koenig, David BLULOON Menasha, WI United States

Komadina, Mark NEVER FORGET Rio Rancho, NM United States

Kubicek, Petr KUBICEK DEMO Brno Czech Republic

Kuller, Tim TECHNI-KULLER Mesa, AZ United States

Lang, Dale JELLY BEAN Taber, ALBERTA Canada

Lard, Anthony RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

LaRotonda, Carol AEROTONDA Albuquerque, NM United States

Lavoie, Michael SCHMEDLEY West Ossipee, NH United States

Time Flies!

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

40

Lavorgna, Bruce AERODACTYL Austin, TX United States

Laxton, Kyle RAINBOW RYDERS Phoenix, AZ United States

Leal, Carles ULTRAMAGIC TRAMUNTANA Igualada, BARCELONA Spain

Lee, Bill TRUE-LEE NEW MEXICO Gallup, NM United States

Lescarbeau, Alan RAINBOW RYDERS Phoenix, AZ United States

Lete, Cheryl AIRLOOM Rio Rancho, NM United States

Libel, Steve AIRHAWK Marco Island, FL United States

Liberti, Chris POLE DANCER Castle Rock, CO United States

Liberti, Daniel MORNING WOOD Box Elder, SD United States

Lindsey, Greg FLOATING AWAYSIS Safford, AZ United States

Little, Jacob RAINBOW RYDERS Glendale, AZ United states

Little, Lee PHENIX Stillwater, OK United States

Loflin, Jack EMERALD Albany, OR United States

Lombardi, Steve WINNERS CIRCLE Edgewood, TX United States

Long, Jordan RAINBOW RYDERS Mesa, AZ United States

Lorentz, Mike WASTING TIME Canton, OH United States

Lowenstein, Al SUNSET RISE Albuquerque, NM United States

Lowenstein, Ryan SUNSET MINI Philadelphia, PA United States

Lynch, Bill SIZZLER Neosho, MO United States

Lynch, Jim WHIRLAWAY Destin, FL United States

Mackechnie, Roger SILVER SPIRIT Tucson, AZ United States

MacLean, Tristan HOT MINUTE Albuquerque, NM United States

MacSkimming, Mark MOVIN’ MAGIC Harrisburg, PA United States

Maes, Ted VAL’S MUSCONETCONG Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Makowski, Jim NEW HORIZONS Burton, OH United States

Mancini, J.J. MR. SPRINKLES Albuquerque, NM United States

Manus, William MEH Bosque Farms, NM United States

Mares, John Paul BURNING DESIRE Albuquerque, NM United States

Marshall, Jimmy MORNING GLORY Sonoma, CA United States

Martens, Eric HOTSHOT Indianola, IA United States

Martin, Ronald FREEDOM Tampa, FL United States

Martin, Tim MAHNA MAHNA Albuquerque, NM United States

Martindell, Donald DAWN SONG Albuquerque, NM United States

Martinez, Frankie RAKS BUILDING SUPPLY Los Lunas, NM United States

Marx, Michael FIRED UP TOO Prosper, TX United States

Mason, Jaybird REALTY ONE OF NEW MEXICO Albuquerque, NM United States

Mass, Robert PITA’S KISS Albuquerque, NM United States

Mast, William RAVEN Albuquerque, NM United States

McClinton, Scott U.S. BANK Prospect, KY United States

McConnell, Tom ZIA Albuquerque, NM United States

McGuire, Dan WILD THING TOO! College Station, TX United States

Melton, Dave PURPLE HAZE New Harmony, UT United States

Merino, Javier F.I.G. Leon, GUANAJUATO México

Meyer, Mark ON THE FLY Vass, NC United States

Mezzancello, Steven RE/MAX Albuquerque, NM United States

Michalek, Gary OSLIVE VZDUCHO Lafayette, CA United States

Miklousic, Igor THE CELEBRATION OF FLOWERS Zagreb Croatia

Miller, Dick THUNDERSTRUCK Miami, FL United States

Time Flies!

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

Mitchell, Steve OLD CAT Chagrin Falls, OH United States

Moore, Gary DARKSIDE 2020 Lake Havasu City, AZ United States

Morgan, Gary GARY’S BALLOON Sedona, AZ United States

Mougha, Gavin REBEL ANGEL Albuquerque, NM United States

Mullinax, Tom 5 O CLOCK HIGH Greenville, SC United States

Mumm, Karalyn CITRUS IN THE SKY Reno, NV United States

Nakamura, Judy BOUNCE Placitas, NM United States

Naylor, Jesse BLUE BALL Albuquerque, NM United States

Nelson, Jayme PALMETTO PAWS Anderson, SC United States

Nepute, Joe JAMBO! Boise, ID United States

Neubauer, Rick BREAKING WIND Port Orange, FL United States

Newcomer, Jesse RAINBOW RYDERS Phoenix, AZ United States

Noe, Bill UP TWO NOE GOOD Gallup, NM United States

Nutting, Rob YELLOW BRICK ROAD St. Petersburg, FL United States

O’Brien, Bob SEEDQUEL Waupaca, WI United States

O’Byrne, Clarke FUEGO ENCANTADO Albuquerque, NM United States

Oldenburg, Sue SKY CANDY Albuquerque, NM United States

Olguin, Paul SILVER LINING Chandler, AZ United States

Olivier, Orvin SERENITY V Sioux Falls, SD United States

Olstad, Richard BILLY BOB Hot Springs, SD United States

Osborne, Dwayne SKYSCRAPER Phoenix, AZ United States

Ouellette Freve, Johann-Francois PLAY ME Longueuil, QUÉBEC Canada

Owen, Brooke RAINBOW RYDERS Saratoga Springs, NY United States

42

Orchard, Tim BUGS BUNNY Aylesbury, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE United Kingdom

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Pata, John PATA GOLD Rio Rancho, NM United States

Pattyn, Dale HYGGELIG Kennesaw, GA United States

Paulin, Jerry TREE TOP FLYER Yuma, AZ United States

Paulin, Mathew UNWIND Yuma, AZ United States

Peete, Lichele SILVER LINING Albuquerque, NM United States

Pendleton, Craig SPIRIT TOO! Albuquerque, NM United States

Person, Bud SCREWED UP GATOR Gainesville, FL United States

Peterson, Deborah BLUE AWAY Mabank, TX United States

Peterson, Thayne SUNDOG Lindon, UT United States

Petrehn, Andrew ADVENTURE ONE Eagle, ID United States

Petrehn, John KODACHROME Missouri City, TX United States

Petrehn, Maury FARTHER ON Olathe, KS United States

Petrehn, Paul TWISTED SISTER Howell, MI United States

Pfeifer, Grant WITH A TWIST Des Moines, IA United States

Philpott, Martin AUSPICIOUS Bixby, OK United States

Pivic, Bruce MISS WYOMING Rock Springs, WY United States

Polito, Tony RIO GRANDE DOWN SYNDROME Scottsdale, AZ United States

Ponticelli, Jack CAROLINA KALEIDOSCOPE East Bend, NC United States

Price, Jessica INTEGRITY Rio Rancho, NM United States

Price, Kelly PRIMARY COLORS Rio Rancho, NM United States

Pulaski, Bob SKI LIFT Pineville, LA United States

Randall, Thomas ENCHANTED ENDEAVOR Placitas, NM United States

Raper, Robert FALLEN ANGELS North Bend, OR United States

Raskob, Chris HIGH RYES Columbus, IN United States Time Flies!

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

Raya, Shawn

Highland, MI United States

Ret, Richard LIBERTY Dallas, TX United States

Reusch, Al KNOT OVER Macomb, IL United States

Rice, Brad PHILLIPS 66 Rio Rancho, NM United States

Rice, Debbie FOXTROT Houston, TX United States

Richardson, Shane WILDTHANG! Henderson, NV United States

Riley, Theron CHERRY BOMB Columbia, MO United States

Robey, Sam CROSSWIND Longview, TX United States

Robinson, Cody GRAND BANANA Kansas City, MO United States

Robison, Matt STRAIGHT UP Fort Worth, TX United States

Rodden, John SONRISE Owasso, OK United States

Roholt, Jesse RAINBOW RYDERS Glendale, AZ United States

Ross, John SHOOTIN THE BREEZE Appleton, WI United States

Rucker, John LATE NIGHT DISCUSSIONS Genoa City, WI United States

Rudy, Walt HOUR BIG BUNDLE OF JOY Wadsworth, OH United States

Russo, Tom SPIRIT Monroe Twp, NJ United States

Ruth, Dale DAWN’S DELIGHT Albuquerque, NM United States

Sabia, Chris WONDER Overland Park, KS United States

Sabin, Richard SEA BREEZE Henderson, TX United States

Sachenbacher, Rudi NEVER TOO OLD Lowell, MA United States

Saiz, Josh CRYSTAL BLUE HORIZON Albuquerque, NM United States

Salazar, Alfred INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER Bernalillo, NM United States

Salazar, Katelyn SKY MAGICK Los Lunas, NM United States

Sanchez, Elijah RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

SULLAIR A HITACHI GROUP COMPANY

44

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Sanchez, Ron WEGO Albuquerque, NM United States

Sandlin, Tony RAINBOW RYDERS Fishers United States

Schick, Chuck TOO GOOD LOOKIN Bosque Farms, NM United States

Schmitz, Jon 5280 FLYER Littleton, CO United States

Schuler, Nolan BELLA COLORADO Manitou Springs, CO United States

Schwemmer, Kasey GAME ON! Wichita, KS United States

Scott, Michael SPIRIT’S RAINBOW Oklahoma City, OK United States

See, Glenn ITSZEE Cortez, CO United States

Seeger, Anthony CAROLINA TWIST Travelers Rest, SC United States

Seghers, Jos SKY STAR Breendonk, ANTWERP Belgium

Seymour, Joe JOYOUS PLEASURES Indianola, IA United States

Shelton, Jon STRAYLIGHT 2 West Des Moines, IA United States

Sherman, Carol THE FINAL FRONTIER Kansas City, MO United States

Sherrill, Dan BLACKIE Manchaca, TX United States

Short, Dennis CHAMPAGNE COWBOY Broken Arrow, OK United States

Shouse, Michael THISTLE DOWN III Cypress, TX United States

Simonye, Curtis OMPHALOOMPHA Fishers, IN United States

Skach, Bruce JULIETTE Wichita, KS United States

Sklute, Ken FRACTALS Florence, AZ United States

Smart, Chris RAINBOW RYDERS Huntington, IN United States

Smatana, Bernard EMINENCE El Paso, TX United States

Smith, Kathy LEVITY Albuquerque, NM United States

Smith, Neal HOT STUFF Albuquerque, NM United States

Smith, Patrick MARYLAND ONE New Market, MD United States

Time Flies!

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

Sneed, Josh HELIOS Hutto, TX United States

Soffera, Janet VACATION Albuquerque, NM United States

Solis, Ro RACER Newport Beach, CA United States

Spanier, Mark OH-ZONE Peachtree, City GA, United States

Spear, Jeff RAINBOW RYDERS Sonoma, CA United States

Squires, Rick HIGHER DESIRE Albuquerque, NM United States

Standefer, Wayne AIR TOY Italy, TX United States

Steidley, David IT’S ABOUT TIME! Albuquerque, NM United States

Steinbock, Tom SUNSET GLOW Crestwood, KY United States

Stevens, Patrick RAINBOW RYDERS Phoenix, AZ United States

Strickland, Dave SIMPLY IRRESSISTIBLE Columbus, OH United States

Stukas, D.J. GUSTY Central, SC United States

Stukas, Dan LUCKY STRIKE Anderson, SC United States

Stutsman, Gene MIDNIGHT RAINBOW Goshen, IN United States

Sullivan, Dave CHECKRIDE Fayetteville, GA United States

Sullivan, Mark CODE RED Albuquerque, NM United States

Sutter, Denis LUCKY CHARM Hallsville, MO United States

Tadolini, Ken OUTLAW Denver, CO United States

Tagtow, Cory CORONA BOREALIS Colorado Springs, CO United States

Takach, Keith TAKACH ANOTHER BREEZE Albuquerque, NM United States

Tatum, Daryl YELLOW BRICK ROAD Canton, GA United States

Taylor, Brian BLUE RIBBON Columbia, MO United States

Taylor, Tim DEE III BALLOON TEAM Salt Lake City, UT United States

Tennis, David CAVU Tijeras, NM United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Thacher, Elaine I’M BANANAS II Albuquerque, NM United States

Thomas, George TIGER PAW EXPRESS Hallsville, MO United States

Thompson, Jon RAINBOW RYDERS Kissimmee, FL United States

Thompson, Phil CALYPSO Galena, IL United States

Thornton, Floyd THUNDERCLOUD Saint Louis, MO United States

Thornton, Ron PEANUTS 4EVER Littleton, MA United States

Toxvard II, Lu PEPSIWON Pueblo, CO United States

Trillanes, Elisa MASS INFLUENCE Albuquerque, NM United States

Trzebiatowski, Jeffrey MIDNIGHT RAINBOW Appleton, WI United States

Turner, Geoff RISEN Ashville, NY United States

Vaillancourt, Jacob CLOUDSURFER Trois-Riviã¨Res Canada

Vaillancourt, Richard CLOUDSURFER Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QUÉBEC Canada

van Dyck, Chris ZEPHYR Albuquerque, NM United States

Van Sant, Lori BLACK MAGIC WOMAN Albuquerque, NM United States

VandeHoef, Ed COLORADO 2 Broomfield, CO United States

VanWye, Sandra VOLCANIC MOTION Albuquerque, NM United States

Vencel, Travis RAINBOW RYDERS Bloomington, IN United States

Vesely, Scott LIGHTHOUSE BUSINESS INFORMATION SOLUTIONS, LLC Wylie, TX • United States

Voorhees, Mike CRYPTONAUT Albuquerque, NM United States

Wade-Callihan, Clare COLOR ME HIGH Houston, TX United States

Wadley, Mike TEXAS SUN Weldon Spring, MO United States

Walker, Bill HONEY DO Albuquerque, NM United States

Walker, Elizabeth LOOKING GLASS Rio Rancho, NM United States

Wall, Cam GRANDMA’S LEGACY Albuquerque, NM United States

Time Flies!

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

BALLOON DIRECTORY

Wallace, Marilyn RAINBOW THRU HEAVEN Santa Monica, CA United States

Walsh, Dan DISTRACTIONX Redlands, CA United States

Walter, Ken KAY’S WINDDANCER II Waukesha, WI United States

Waner, Bubba HUBBABUBBA El Paso, TX United States

Watson, Barney COOL BEANS!!

Placitas, NM United States

Watson-Meinke, Peggy STARLITE Santa Paula, CA United States

Welz, Zerek GUILTY Albuquerque, NM United States

West, Kay RED, WHITE & POOH Sioux Falls, SD United States

West, Mark DEJA POOH Sioux Falls, SD United States

White, Cheri TOUCHSTONE RACER Austin, TX United States

Whitling, Ian ROY-G-BIV Albuquerque, NM United States

Wiley, Sam WILEY COYOTE San Marcos, TX United States

Wilkinson, Steve LIMONCELLO Palm Desert, CA United States

Williams, Andy HIGH LIFE Galena, IL United States

Williams, Jim PIX Katy, TX United States

Williams, Steve MISCHIEF Corrales, NM United States

Williams, Sr., Lewin SPLIT-TAIL Las Vegas, NV United States

Wilson, John JAW’S Albuquerque, NM United States

Wilson, Petra ZIPPITY DOOHA Hot Springs, SD United States

Wilson, Steve EMPTY NEST Rio Rancho, NM United States

Wolfe, Dennis ZULU Tampa, FL United States

Wolfe. Jonathan INFINITUDE Albuquerque, NM United States

Wolters, Layne BLUE THUNDER Holts Summit, MO United States

Wong, Dale URSA MINOR Rancho Cucamonga, CA United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Wood, Bruce EXHANNAH Carbondale, CO United States

Woodruff, Adele AIRE-N GO BRAGH Albuquerque, NM United States

Young, Debby ROADTRIP Albuquerque, NM United States

Zamora, Loretta SAKI BOMBER Albuquerque, NM United States

Wooge, Scott PNC St. Louis, MO United States

Word, Glen TOUCH OF MAGIC Anthony, NM United States

Zielinski, Alan FEATHERLIGHT II Niles, IL United States

Wright, Jonathan UNCHAINED BALLOON TEAM Sun City, AZ United States

Zimmer, Rachel KANDY LAND Rio Rancho, NM United States

Wright, Thomee CHAIN GANG Albuquerque, NM United States

Zvada, Joe FUTURE NOSTALGIA McAllen, TX United States

Time Flies!

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

OTHER PARTICIPATING PILOTS Appenzeller, Allan DOUBLE TROUBLE Indianola, IA United States Ashida-Schwisow, Jamie 2ND WIND Albuquerque, NM United States Bacon, Robert SUNFLYER Albuquerque, NM United States Bair, Erin BAIRLY AWAKE Pittsburgh, PA United States Bergeon, Matthew MICKEY’S RAINBOW Mason, MI United States Billson, Peg PLAY ME Albuquerque NM, United States Blizzard, William SEEKING NIRVANA Albuquerque, NM United States Bolton, Kenneth STEP-N-UP Carlisle, IA United States Book, Wally SKY CHARIOT Albuquerque, NM United States Bowling, David MAURADER’S MARK Parker, CO United States Bradshaw, Samuel LEVITY Albuquerque, NM United States Brennand, Mike DREAM ON Tijeras, NM United States Brindley, Andy PATCHES Carmel, IN United States Browning, Jody FUEGO FRIVOLO Rio Rancho, NM United States Byrd-Dickey, Niki 2ND WIND Albuquerque, NM United States Caldwell, Clint HALELUCINATIONS Albuquerque, NM United States

50

Caton, Roy TIME TRAVELER Cedar Hill, MO United States Clark, Roger PUMPKIN Greer, SC United States DeSantis, Rebecca 1 DOWN 82GO Albuquerque, NM United States Dickey, Bill 2ND WIND Corrales, NM United States Dickey, Carol 2ND WIND Corrales, NM United States Dieringer, Aaron HOT CHEX Reno, NV United States Duncan, Brian COLOR ME HIGH Spring, TX United States Edgerton, Scott RESURREXION Indianola, IA United States Foxenberg, Rob BLULOON Black Creek, WI United States Fricke, Barbara SANDIA SUNRISE II Albuquerque, NM United States Fuller, David LASKA Saint Augustine, FL United States Gallegos, Frank SKY MAGICK Los Lunas, NM United States Gingerich, Joseph RED WHITE & POOH Plain City, OH United States Goade, Michael LADY JESTER Albuquerque, NM United States Goldbloom, Jenn SANDIA SUNRISE II Norristown, PA United States Gonzales, Autumn THE JOURNEY Rio Rancho, NM United States

Green, Michael THE FINAL FRONTIER Des Moines, IA United States Griffin, Daniel DIAMONDS Fort Collins, CO United States Guzzo, Marla NO WORRIES Niwot, CO United States Heinrich, Philip PATIENCE Phoenix, AZ United States Hernandez, Duncan MAVERICK Albuquerque, NM United States Hiben, Eric WANDERER Columbus, GA United States Hodge, Justin REBEL ANGEL Los Ranchos, NM United States Hooper, Lee SLANJE Oswestry, Shropshire United Kingdom Hurdt, Joseph HYGGELIG Shelby, NC United States Hyde, Daniel PLUM FANCY Albuquerque, NM United States James, Russ WANDERER Orland, CA United States Johnson, Rick HAMLET Bel Air, MD United States Johnson, Meridian WASTING TIME Los Alamos, NM United States Karlovec, Frank PATIENCE Scottsdale, AZ United States Kehoe, Gloria AFTER MIDNIGHT Albuquerque, NM United States Klein, Ray STRAIGHT UP Scottsdale, AZ United States

Knuth, Dee SOMETHING CAME UP Crestwood, KY United States Lang, Neil DOUBLE TROUBLE West Des Moines, IA United States Larson, Martin DEJA POOH Rapid City, SD United States Lindsey, Susan FLOATING AWAYSIS Safford, AZ United States Loeffler, Steven DAWN’S DELIGHT Albuquerque, NM United States Lupton, Sally LADY JESTER Albuquerque, NM United States Martin, Karen SILVER SPIRIT Tucson, AZ United States May, Rod PEPPERMINT DREAM TOO Albuquerque, NM United States McAllaster, Phred SILVER LINING Albuquerque, NM United States McClinton, Robert US BANK Charlotte, NC United States Moerles, Max RED WHITE & POOH Davenport, FL United States Moncrief, Robert VACATION Albuquerque, NM United States Morgan, James 8-BIT Amarillo, TX United States Myklebust, Randal EMPTY NEST Rio Rancho, NM United States Naccarato, Francisco BABYMONSTER Ribeirão Prêto, São Paulo Brazil Newlin, Patricia LIGHTEN UP Riverton, WY United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Osborne Kevin, SKYSCRAPER Peoria, AZ United States Parsons, Ian PANTHER Bristol, North Somerset United Kingdom Pendleton Mae Bell PITA’S KISS Albuquerque, NM United States Phillips, Richard FOX Andover, Hampshire United Kingdom Rafn, Jesse UNKNOWN Lake Oswego, OR United States Reineke, Kathy SUNSATIONAL Mahomet, IL United States Richardson, Robert DOUBLE TROUBLE Rio Rancho, NM United States Riley, Matt CHERRY BOMB Kansas City, MO United States Rogers, Randolph FARMERS INSURANCE Albuquerque, NM United States Rose, Kirke AMERICAN BEAUTY Bigfork, MT United States Rummel, Don HELIOS Batesville, AR United States Runge, David SPIRIT’S RAINBOW Grand Prairie, TX United States Sabia, Amanda WONDER BREAD Overland Park, KS United States Sasser, Kelly BLUE SPIRIT Phenix City, AL United States Schneider, Scott PRAIRIE SUNSET Wichita, KS United States Schraufnagel, Andrew SEEDQUEL Sun Prairie Wi, WI United States

Schroeder, Thomas STARS & STRIPES Albuquerque, NM United States Secrist, McKenna TBA Bothell, WA United States Shamo, Shelena DEE IV Elk Ridge, UT United States Sherrill, Nathan BEST Fulshear, TX United States Shipman, Shane PLOT TWIST Rio Rancho, NM United States Skelton, Megan SUPRISE! Castle Rock, CO United States Smart, Rex RAVEN Albuquerque, NM United States Smith, Allen MARVELOUS Grass Lake, MI United States Snyder, Robert BAIRLY AWAKE Austin, TX United States Stone, Michael JAMBO Boise, ID United States Strauss, John FRED B RABBIT Somerset, NJ United States Susko, Anne MOONSHADOW Milford, IA United States Suttle, Penny SUNNY SIDE UP Strasburg, OH United States Tollefson, Thomas DAKOTA STAR Detroit Lakes, MN United States Van Sant, Kurt BURNING DESIRE Albuquerque, NM United States Vavra, William CITRUS IN THE SKY Reno, NV United States

Vesely, Kimberley TOO GRATEFUL Rio Rancho, NM United States Warren, Suzanne AIRLOOM Rio Rancho, NM United States Watts, Rodney BILLY BOB Hot Springs, SD United States Wehner, Chuck J.A.B.3 Rio Rancho, NM United States Weiner, Kenneth SEASONS CHANGE Jamestown, RI United States Wilson, Dale CYNTHIA SEAL Augusta, MI United States Woodard, Mark HOUR BIG BUNDLE OF JOY Hookstown, PA United States Word, Truman TOUCH OF MAGIC (T.O.M.) El Paso, TX United States Worth, Bill TOUCH OF MAGIC Anthony, NM United States Yob, David TOMFOOLERY Colorado Springs, CO United States

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BY TOM MCCONNELL MD, FOR THE BALLOON FIESTA HERITAGE COMMITTEE

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

W

hen the first hot-air balloons were being developed and then flown in France in 1783, the first spectators ranged from wealthy and influential nobles and visitors-to-court to farmers, tradespeople, millers, laborers and their families. No one knew what to expect and there were no guides or “tips” to help them understand the process. There were no cameras, so artists drew or painted what they thought they saw. The events became carnival-like.”

As hot-air and gas ballooning became more and more popular in later centuries, pilots, crews, and spectators brought with them higher expectations regarding safety, comfort from the weather, and amenities such as food and toiletry.

After the modern hot-air balloon was created in the 1960s, and more balloons were being purchased and flown, those expectations blossomed further.

In April 1972, 20,000 well-behaved and awestruck spectators descended on a vacant lot in northeast Albuquerque, overwhelming the people in charge of traffic and crowd control. Most of these folks had never seen a balloon and had no idea how to behave around one. So, for the 1973 World Hot-Air Balloon Championships the next February, Sid

Cutter wrote “25 Tips for Spectators” for the program, filled with practical safety tips and helpful suggestions.

Check out Sid’s original 25 tips on page 54, delivered in a typical-of-Sid combination of tongue-in-cheek and real necessity.

Many things have not changed in Albuquerque since 1973, but with up to 80,000 people on the launch field at one time for mass ascensions, here are the ten most important spectator tips for 2021: 1. HAVE FUN. Plan to bring your kids so they can have fun too.

2. GET UP EARLY. The traffic is intense, especially on weekends and on Sunday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Not as bad on weekdays.

3. WEAR LAYERS of clothing for cold early mornings and warmer times later on.

4. WEAR STURDY SHOES. Flipflops won’t cut it. Hiking boots are better.

5. DON’T GET LOST. Tag your kids.

Or take advantage of the State Police “Tag Your Tots” program.

Remember where you parked, or got off the bus, or left your bike.

6. KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER. Sometimes the radio or TV weather forecasters predict tomorrow’s weather correctly, and sometimes they don’t. They often take a stab at whether the balloons will fly or not a day or half-day ahead of time. In reality, AIBF can predict what the show will be only a few minutes in advance. All ballooning is weatherdependent.

7. BRING YOUR CAMERA. Use a camera that has at least 10 megapixels (whatever a megapixel is). Take lots of photos.

8. WALK AMONG THE BALLOONS and say hello to everyone. Talk to the pilots and crews. Smile. Find out what other events or activities are happening. See number 1.

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9. BRING MONEY to buy breakfast burritos, funnel cakes, programs, pins, shirts, hats and other overpriced stuff.

10. CALL OR TEXT YOUR FRIENDS, tell them what a great time you’re having, and that they must come to Albuquerque next year for the 50th.

And, after taking advantage of all these time-tested tips, you can help

by GIVING US FEEDBACK about what was great and what we could do better next year.

To expand on the above, let’s start with HAVE FUN. After producing

54

three very successful Balloon Fiestas (1972, 1973 and 1974) [but very unsuccessful financially], Sid Cutter asked his good friend Bob Ruppenthal for help in 1975 and to be Balloonmeister for the 1976 Fiesta. After having competitive events with small numbers of prizes, some small and some expensive, Sid and Bob thought it was time to de-emphasize the prizes and create events that were fun for pilots, crews and spectators. In 1976, the theme became “The Person Who Has the Most Fun Wins.” It is not clear who invented the phrase, but both claimed it.

GET UP EARLY. On weekends, leave your hotel, B and B, motel, house, tent, no later than 5 a.m, preferably earlier. For evening events, probably best to be on the field by 5:30 p.m. The pilots’ evening briefing is usually at 5:30 p.m., for inflations at dusk, about 6:30. Main Street ‘vendors are open during all the sessions, morning or evening.

First-timers generally do not realize

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

that the Balloon Fiesta is staged on a 365-acre piece of land in northeast Albuquerque that, from the standpoint of streets and roads and intersections and parking lots, was never intended to gather 80,000 people (15,000 vehicles) at one time in the dark. You must come early and be patient. Or, better yet, use our Park & Ride: in addition to round-trip transportation, you get to ride on an expedited route and bypass the worst traffic, and get admission to Balloon Fiesta. And pack your car full of people (no dogs) so we can better manage fewer cars. Many balloon pilots are on the roads toward Balloon Fiesta Park by 4:30 in the morning on weekends, or by 5 a.m. weekdays.

Although it can be downright chilly in the early October morning, it almost always warms up by 9 or 10 o’clock. Some folks go from too cold to too warm.

DRESS ACCORDINGLY. Flipflops or high heels simply are not appropriate for the launch field, and if you are somewhere on the mesa looking on, or you actually chase the balloon of your choice, you will find sturdy SHOES or hiking boots work better. When you walk back to your vehicle in an unpaved parking lot, or to the bus, you may find a cactus or two in your way. Like our Roadrunners, cacti are native to New Mexico.

After driving to Balloon Fiesta Park in the dark, and after you disembark from your vehicle, “Where did I leave my car?” is an oft-heard question.

Usually that happens as the sun comes up or even later, long after you have forgotten where you parked. Memorize where you left your vehicle. And be sure to pin a note on your kids with their names, your names and your cell-phone number in case they get lost. We have a great lost-and-found, but

sometimes the kids don’t know who they are. Not your kids, of course...

Have a plan to meet somewhere to reconnect if someone in your party does get lost. AIBF Security, Officials, Navigators, cops, sponsors, vendors -everyone will help.

WEATHER. We attempt ballooning activities for ten days. On Friday morning before the official first-Saturday-in-October opening,

balloons launch from schools around Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Rio Rancho, and then there are 14 sessions over nine days at Balloon Fiesta Park. All are weatherdependent. If the surface winds at Balloon Fiesta Park are more than about 12 mph, or the winds at 300 or 400 feet above ground level are judged to be too strong, or if it’s raining or snowing or foggy, we go “ON HOLD” in hopes the weather will improve. If it doesn’t, we may have to cancel the launch or go to “tether only” where the balloons can inflate, but must stay on the ground. Like so many places in the USA, New Mexico subscribes to the notion “if you don’t like the weather here, wait 10

minutes and it’ll change.”

For the most photographed event in the world, you must bring a good CAMERA, and maybe some extra batteries and memory cards. In the old days, we used to say “bring plenty of film.” Some of today’s smart phones have excellent cameras.

WALK AROUND. Rainbow Ryders, the Balloon Fiesta’s official ride concessionaire, is the only company authorized to sell rides at Balloon Fiesta. They generally have larger baskets, and are usually located just north of mid-field. Walk over there and watch their operation.

See our Gondola Club and Chaser’s Club and ask how you can enjoy a VIP experience at Balloon Fiesta.

Check out the Chainsaw Carving Contest, the Artisan Tent, and performances on our Main Stage.

Gawk at the airplane flyovers, the parachutists, fireworks after dark, balloon manufacturer booths, model balloons, kites (on windy days), our excellent portapotties. Ask when the gas balloons will inflate and fly

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-- this is the prestigious America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race, usually launching during the first weekend.

See the Mass Ascensions (weekends and Wednesday), Dawn Patrol (very early mornings), Balloon Glows (Saturday, Sunday, Thursday, Friday, last Saturday), Special Shape Rodeos (Thursday and Friday mornings and evenings), International Pilot Day

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(Wednesday), and occasional balloon tethers.

BRING MONEY. Cash or debit or credit cards (probably not bitcoin or checks) will do. Buy coffee, breakfast burritos and funnel cakes for starters, then turn your attention to programs, souvenirs, jackets, shirts, hats, pins, patches or anything else that strikes your fancy. Our great concessionaires have a wide variety of stuff to sell. Will you find bargains? Good luck. This is, after all, the “Carnival in the Sky” you have heard and read so much about. This is the way AIBF (at least partly) makes the money to put on the show next year.

COMMUNICATE to your friends and relatives or your boss or your coworkers what a marvelous experience Balloon Fiesta is, how varied, how friendly, the color

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

and sounds and smells, the great time you are having or have had. Send them a photo - even a selfie next to a balloon. Send them a program. Visit an Indian Pueblo. Encourage them to come to Albuquerque in October.

GIVE US FEEDBACK. Officials at AIBF know how bad the traffic can get. So do the NM State Police, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department, the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho Police Departments and all the folks who have enjoyed Balloon Fiesta in years past. We have been working on this problem for years, and we still do not have all the problems overcome. We have made gains over the years. We need your feedback on this or any other issue you may encounter. Let us know your problems, possible solutions, and even compliments. We are listening.

The people who come back year after year have many other helpful hints to share. Experience counts.

Listen to the old-timers, and you too will become an old-timer.

AIBF Merchandise,

THEN AND NOW

BY TOM MCCONNELL AND LISA MULDER, FOR THE AIBF HERITAGE COMMITTEE

M

ost everyone knows the Balloon Fiesta is held the first full week in October, but those aren’t the only red-letter days Balloon Fiesta fans circle on their calendars. Every year, collectors eagerly await the days that year’s Balloon Fiesta collectibles go on sale. Over the years, the Balloon Fiesta has licensed an eclectic and creative series of products, some of which are now worth serious money.

From 1972 to 1975, Sid Cutter made almost all Sid Cutter of the decisions affecting Balloon Fiesta, including the promotional and pilot invitations, balloon crew issues, merchandise items that would help coordination with the local Federal defray the expense of conducting the Aviation Agency, airport, police, first four Balloon Fiestas. (This was garbage collection, launch site issues, in addition to all the other decisions and basically everything else.) about running the actual balloon Sid also made up the rules for event, sponsorships, food, other the show (which he called, first, The vendors, spectators, volunteers, International Balloon Festival & Rally, traffic, safety and security, balloon

58

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

then The Albuquerque International CoyoteRoadrunner Balloon Fiesta, and finally the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta or AIBF), how prizes would be awarded, who would serve as launch, scoring and safety officials, competition rules, all the details.

In 1976, the decisionmaking transferred from Sid to, first, a Mayor’s Committee, and then a not-for-profit corporation (AIBF, Inc.).

Since then, this mostly volunteer, private (i.e. non-governmental) corporation has made all the decisions, some of which have worked out well, and some not so well. The good decisions have been expanded and modernized, while the not-so-good ones have disappeared into the dust bin of history.

Early on, the volunteer Board of Directors, plus a very small number of paid employees, produced the calendar, programs, pins and patches, shirts, caps, and other promotional

items. Most of these were for sale to the public, in order to pay for the next year’s event.

For example, until about 1980 Charles Hines, then President of AIBF, produced the annual calendar, using photos taken by amateur photographers. Then, another Board member assumed responsibility for the calendar. With the help of his wife and a close professional illustrator/photographer friend, and often with the aid of adult beverages,

he carried on the process of choosing photos for the calendar and designing the layout until it was taken over by yet another Board member (a professional photographer and his wife), and later by the newly created merchandise department.

Currently our AIBF Merchandise Manager, Lisa Mulder, and her assistant Jayne Thurman, spearhead all official AIBF items that are sold retail in on-field tents during Balloon Fiesta, and year-round in the office

gift shop and the on-line store.

Contractors such as Costco, the Balloon Museum, and smaller local and regional gift shops also sell some items. Lisa and Jayne handle the calendars, pins, patches, posters, uniforms, jackets, shirts, caps, coffee cups, etc., basically all things merchandise.

The reader may wonder what goes into designing and ordering the merchandise. The design and procuring of the annual calendar consists of a five-person subcommittee that chooses photos, design and format for each calendar - these are the Merchandise Manager, Assistant Merchandise Manager, Director of Operations, one Board member, and our Video Producer.

The photos come from our annual photo contest, our official AIBF photographers, or anyone else who would like to submit a dynamite photo taken at a previous Balloon Fiesta. Each photo must be 10 megabytes or larger (so it can be professionally enlarged).

The retail merchandise is planned, based on what has sold well in the past and what is new and upcoming each year. Data and sales reports are analyzed and a budget is set up. Most of the retail choices come

Time Flies!

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directly from the merchandise team.

Art designs often come directly from the vendors themselves. For example, Plano Pin Company works directly with Lisa to create the pins and patches every year; Diane Karlsson (boss of Plano Pin) is a long-time pilot and is very active in the ballooning community, and so she and her staff give Balloon Fiesta an inside track on what art will fit well with the largest balloon event in the world.

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Lisa and Jayne are also in charge of ordering any merchandise that may be needed for our internal (non-retail) needs, such as for Pilots, Sponsors, Navigators, Public Safety, Board and Staff, and Officials. These are items generally not for sale to the public. Each of these item groups provide uniforms and/or gifts for their volunteers, subcontractors and important constituents. One major example of merchandise given out are the jackets produced for each of

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

the groups. Those jackets represent the event theme and are utilized based on the service level of the individuals in each group, or as in the case of the Public Safety, Officials, Staff and Board, as a uniform.

If anyone wants a piece of Balloon Fiesta history, make sure to check our website at www.balloonfiestastuff.com or visit us in person at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 or in our big official merchandise tents on Main Street.

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Balloon Fiesta Park’s

SILVER ANNIVERSARY

BY DICK BROWN, AIBF HERITAGE COMMITTEE

T

his year’s Balloon Fiesta theme is “Time Flies!” – that’s certainly true for Balloon Fiesta Park. This year marks the 25th anniversary of holding our ballooning extravaganza on this grassy field.”

As a multi-use, year-round city park, it serves as a driving range for golfers and a venue for many other sports, except for 60 days each fall when it is leased by Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. The park spans about 365 acres including the 78-acre launch field, equivalent to about 60 football fields. It is not only home to the annual Balloon Fiesta but to the stunning Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum and the 12,000 square foot Sid Cutter Pilots’ Pavilion.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Pavilion took place on September 22, 2015, just in

time for that year’s Balloon Fiesta.

That wasn’t the only attraction on that September day. The larger-than-life statue of Sid Cutter was officially unveiled. Months earlier, the one-ton bronze balloon basket landed at the Pavilion. This 11-foot-high work of art – a signature piece created by native New Mexican and renowned sculptor Reynaldo Rivera – would have had Sid grinning with pride.

Attending the emotional unveiling were Jewel Cutter, Sid’s wife of 31 years, AIBF Executive Director Paul Smith, and Mayor Richard Berry who explained that the taxpayerfunded Pavilion replaced the giant rental tent of Fiestaspast, known to pilots as “The Landing”. The Mayor said the City wanted to honor Sid by putting his name on the building. No doubt Sid would have viewed the building,

with its big bay doors, as an airplane hangar. Its undulating roofline seems to follow the path of a balloon in flight.

Many visitors may wonder just who is this man, Sid Cutter. He was born Sidney Dillon Cutter in Albuquerque on May 9, 1934. He is the younger son of civil aviation pioneers William P. Cutter and Virginia Dillon Cutter, who founded Cutter Flying Service in 1928 to serve the flourishing aviation community. Sid’s middle name descends from his grandfather, Richard C. Dillon, Governor of New Mexico (1927-1931). The company trained naval aviators and military glider pilots at the West Mesa Airport, designated a Naval Air Training School during the Second World War. In 1947, as Americans returned to peacetime life, the company relocated to the Albuquerque Sunport where it continues to operate today.

At the southeast corner of the launch field stands the Pilots’ Pavilion. Photo by David Dickinson, 2017.

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Sid, and his older brother Bill, learned to fly airplanes while sitting on their father’s lap. Both soloed as teenagers. At age 21, Sid joined the U.S. Air Force. Second Lieutenant Cutter flew single-engine jets and four-engine cargo planes until 1960 when he left the service and rejoined the family business. He

served as the company’s president for more than a decade as it continued to enrich aviation in the American Southwest.

With his never-ending enthusiasm for things that fly, Sid entered the magical world of ballooning in June 1971 by “accidentally” going aloft on the morning after a party in their

He found ballooning to be like floating through the air on a magic carpet and devoted the rest of his life to the sport.

Sunport hangar (a story for another time). He found ballooning to be like floating through the air on a magic carpet and devoted the rest of his life to the sport. As founder of World Balloon Corporation and as the chief instigator for the non-profit corporation, AIBF, he put Albuquerque on the map. His infectious outlook on life won him a worldwide circle of friends. As the years rolled on, Albuquerque enjoyed annual Balloon Fiestas, each better than the previous. By the 2010 Balloon Fiesta, Sid found himself in a serious battle with cancer. On a beautiful Easter Sunday

Onboard with Sid are his two chase dogs, Sombra and Coco. (Photo by Bennie Bos, 2016)

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afternoon in 2011, Sid and Jewel hosted a grand garden party, a last farewell with about 400 friends from all over the country, a last hurrah to celebrate the life of a ballooning legend. Sid passed away peacefully in his sleep early in the morning on May 21, 2011.

That same morning, Tom Rutherford, Sid’s faithful deputy at World Balloon, penned the following message (derived from Pilot Officer John Magee’s 1941 sonnet High Flight) to his longtime friend and the ballooning community:

“My friend, now, finally, slip the surly bonds of earth and dance the sky on laughter-silvered wings. Climb sunward and join the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, do a hundred things we have not dreamed of. And while with silent lifting mind you tread the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out your hand and touch the face of God.” Sid held some of the highest aviation awards, including the 1975 Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Diplome Montgolfier in service to sport ballooning and the 2009 FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in flight safety. He staged Albuquerque’s first balloon rally in 1972 – the Albuquerque International CoyoteRoadrunner Balloon Race – founded the world’s largest balloon club – the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association – and organized the first two World Hot Air Balloon Championships, and in so doing established Albuquerque as the Balloon Capital of the World. He won the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships in 1978 and 1986. He was inducted into the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Hall of Fame in 1983, the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame in 1996, the New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame in 1999, the Balloon Federation of America Hall of Fame

Sid Cutter, President of Cutter Flying Service, in the 1960s. (Photo courtesy of Cutter Aviation) in 2005, and the FAI Ballooning Commission Hall of Fame (now part of the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum) in 2010.

Sid marveled at how the Balloon Fiesta continued to outgrow its launch fields, which moved five times before taking up residence at a permanent location. It all started with that “First Fiesta” in a vacant lot at Coronado Center in 1972, then moved inside the State Fairgrounds racetrack in 1973 and 1974 before beginning its long march north.

It occupied a former alfalfa field (Simms Field 1975-1980), a former gravel pit (Cutter Field 1981-1985), a landfill site (the first Balloon Fiesta Park 1986-1995) and finally presentday Balloon Fiesta Park, also once a former gravel pit.

The rest of the Balloon Fiesta Park story involves a mechanical engineer and a state senator.

The engineer, Bob Ruppenthal, AIBF President (1989-90), was instrumental in acquiring a permanent launch field for AIBF. Bob met several times with Manny Aragon, then President Pro-Tem of the New Mexico State Senate, to find a way to fund the purchase of the land we now know as Balloon Fiesta Park. The original plan called for managing the property as a semiindependent organization under the control of a board with taxing authority. The final plan called for the land purchase to be funded half by the state and half by the city.

The Governor was not interested in another state park, so it was agreed that the land would become a city park, administered by Albuquerque’s Parks and Recreation Department.

For the two months Balloon Fiesta Park is in use by AIBF, a legion of volunteers magically transforms the field into a giant grid,

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Sid was most proud of how Albuquerque took to ballooning like he did and how the City committed to an annual Balloon Fiesta anchored to a permanent balloonport.

albeit a myriad of over 200 launch sites. At the south end is Corporate Village, the Hospitality Center for sponsors, and the Gondola Club for private guests. All along the eastern edge of the field, from the Sid Cutter Pilots’ Pavilion north to the Balloon Discovery Center, is Main Street with its long line of white vendor tents.

In the year 2000, with the battle cry “1000 in 2000”, we pushed the park to its limit. It was Sid’s idea, and his alone, to fill the air with a thousand balloons. At the time, many thought he was nuts, but we

successfully launched 1,003 balloons in three waves that year!

Sid was most proud of how Albuquerque took to ballooning like he did and how the City committed to an annual Balloon Fiesta anchored to a permanent balloonport. It was his dream, and it is his legacy. Today, he faces the launch field, always waving to his fellow aeronauts and the hundreds of thousands of balloon-lovers who stream by his perpetual bronzed likeness. Sidney Dillon Cutter was a legend; he filled our skies with colorful balloons and filled our

Sid and Jewel Cutter at Balloon Fiesta Park. (Photo by Paul deBerjeois)

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ExxonMobil is proud to be part of the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® as we reach new heights in New Mexico.

As one of the nation’s leading producers of oil and natural gas and a major operator in the Permian Basin, we are committed to providing the energy that powers modern life in a responsible manner. Environmental stewardship and community wellbeing are at the heart of what we do every day. Through technology and innovation, we help meet the world’s growing energy needs while supporting a lower-carbon future.

TAKING A SIESTA Keeping Balloon Fiesta Alive... Virtually

BY KEN TULEY

A TOUGH DECISION March 17, 2020. 200 days before the start of the 2020 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and in the face of strict state public health orders Balloon Fiesta officials close their offices and gift shop due to COVID concerns. It is an uncertain time for everyone. How do we work from home? How do we continue to plan for the world’s premier balloon event and nearly one million guests?

Like nearly every business in the world, plans were put into place to work remotely and to meet via video conferencing.

As the days and weeks went by, conversations start to shift from how to continue working, to what if these mass gathering restrictions linger for months and into October. What do we do about holding Balloon Fiesta?

Two months go by. Every week brings more shutdowns, cancellations, rising infections, hospitalizations and deaths. The situation is getting worse, not better.

Everyone wants to know what’s ahead. Complicating the situation, tickets have been on sale for months, pilots have been selected to participate, and sponsor sales and other preparations are well underway.

Director of Operations Sam Parks announces that staff have developed four internal plans.

• Plan A is an All-in Balloon Fiesta.

COVID will fade and we will be able to hold the type of Balloon Fiesta like we always do.

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• Plan B is Balloon Fiesta Lite. A smaller version of the massive event, Less balloons, less spectators. Certain activities curtailed.

• Plan C is a Cyber Balloon Fiesta.

We will hold a Balloon Fiesta without spectators, vendors etc.

Everyone will have to watch it online.

• Plan D is a Delay of the entire event.

Months, weeks, and possibly even a year.

Another month goes by. Although some business sectors around the state have started to reopen on a limited basis from the total shutdown, COVID numbers continue to rise.

On June 22, Balloon Fiesta Officials announce the difficult decision to implement plan D, delay or postpone the entire event, and reschedule the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for 2021. The reason?

There is just too much uncertainty.

The right and safe decision is to not move forward.

Three days later, the governor puts the reopening of the entire state of New Mexico on hold. It was the correct decision to postpone. For the next month, every day brought news of another big event in the state or nation canceling or postponing, as more organizations came to the same conclusion as Balloon Fiesta.

Meanwhile, the decision sets in motion a lot of scrambling to contact everyone who purchased tickets, made reservations, or purchased sponsorships, not to mention all the pilots and navigators. The plan is to roll over as much as possible to 2021.

With the physical gift shop closed, the merchandise team has already beefed up the online gift shop. All current and available merchandise is put online, offering shipping and curbside pickup. Some merchandise for 2020 has already arrived. Other merchandise plans are canceled or put on hold.

Now that the event is officially

postponed, how will it be referred to, internally and officially? A lot of names are tossed around, but one sticks. Balloon Fiesta Siesta.

Merchandise picks up on the concept producing T-shirts, hoodies and even limited collectors’ pins featuring the Fiesta Balloon with a mask on it and other balloons laid out on the field, as if taking a nap.

BALLOON FIESTA LIVE! Some months before, the creator and executive producer of Balloon Fiesta Live!, Art Lloyd Jr, had

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started thinking about how the event could maintain a virtual presence, regardless of what plan came into play for the event itself. Lloyd believes that Balloon Fiesta Live!, as the event’s official live-streamed video channel, can play an important role.

After many conversations, it is decided to move forward with Balloon Fiesta Live!, even without a live event. Lloyd contacts Windfire Productions, the production company that provides all the equipment and technical personnel to put on the live stream each year.

By coincidence, they have just taken over the management of the Public Access channels in Albuquerque.

Plans are made to stream the show live from the newly renovated studio, with highlights of previous Balloon Fiestas. Art will be in the studio; Glen Moyer will co-host via Zoom from his home in Louisiana. The event would be both live-streamed and carried on

Lifting Spirits around the World encourages Balloonists everywhere to make plans to fly their balloons during Balloon Fiesta week; no matter where they are. Balloon Fiesta Live! public access TV. Live guests will either be on set or via Zoom. It is decided to stream 14 shows matching the schedule of a regular live Balloon Fiesta. Mass ascensions on Mass Ascension mornings, Special shapes on shape days and Glows on glow nights. And to help merchandise sales, plans are made to feature Balloon Fiesta Siesta merchandise during the live show.

Along the way, another grass roots effort takes hold. Lifting Spirits around the World encourages balloonists everywhere to make plans to fly their balloons during Balloon Fiesta week; no matter where they

are. Balloon Fiesta Live! taps into that effort by providing a method for balloonists to send pictures and video of their flights. They will be used as a pre-show highlight reel before each show.

On the COVID front, August sees case numbers declining.

Some still question the decision to put Balloon Fiesta on Siesta. But in mid-September case numbers start spiking again. The Governor announces on October 1 that the numbers are going in the wrong direction. Any hope of anything re-opening soon is dashed. Balloon Fiesta officials have made the correct decision to postpone.

SHOWTIME! Finally, it’s October 3rd. What would have been opening day for Balloon Fiesta.

At 7am, MDT Balloon Fiesta Live!, Siesta Edition is live on the air.

Thousands are watching. There is confusion among viewers over how the show can be live if the event is postponed. Glen and Art spend a lot of time trying to explain that the show is indeed live, and Balloon Fiesta Live! is the name of the show.

The videos you see of balloons flying and people really close together without masks are from previous years.

Other than this viewer confusion, the show goes off without a hitch.

Three studio cameras, two zoom feeds, one for Glen, one for other guests and live video from the field. Streamed to BalloonFiesta. com, YouTube and Facebook, and broadcast live on Community Access During Lifting Spirits, balloon pilots throughout the nation and world carried aloft banners thanking first responders.

(This photo provided by Jenn Goldbloom was taken in Gilbertsville PA.)

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in Albuquerque, thousands of people tune in. The hosts and staff monitor and respond to the social media comment streams, either online or on air.

As the week progresses, more and more balloonists provide live feeds of their flights in support of Lifting Spirits and Balloon Fiesta in general.

These live feeds are incorporated into the show. Along the way, Balloon Fiesta Live! features regular segments on Balloon Fiesta merchandise.

Thanks to the Balloon Fiesta’s online store, the hundreds of thousands of people who normally would have been there in person are still able to buy their souvenirs. Merchandise is a major source of revenue for Balloon Fiesta. The Balloon Fiesta Siesta merchandise sells briskly, bringing in much-needed funds.

The concept of Balloon Fiesta Live! Siesta Edition also attracts the attention of the local news media.

Radio interviews, live TV news stories and newspaper articles all dominate the local media with how Balloon Fiesta is “doing” Balloon Fiesta.

The nine days and 14 sessions fly by, and all too soon, it’s over. In all, a quarter million people tune in to watch and interact with Balloon Fiesta Live! Siesta Edition.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Restrictions due to the public health orders around the world and in New Mexico continue and the level of uncertainty around the 2021 event remains high. Finally, on July 1, 2021, New Mexico lifts all restrictions and requirements and Balloon Fiesta staff can move confidently toward producing the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

And Balloon Fiesta Live!? The team will celebrate its fifth year on the air, streaming all 14 sessions of the nine-day event. It’s a great way to experience Balloon Fiesta, even if you’re here in person!

Welcome back from Balloon Fiesta Siesta. Happy 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!

On the air! Balloon Fiesta Live! Anchors Art Lloyd, Jr. and Glen Moyer. (Photo courtesy Bobbie Tuley)

Merchandise on display in the studio. Photo courtesy Bobbie Tuley.

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ODE TO THE BALLOON FIESTA A poem found among balloon fiesta themes.

A stunning fiesta comes to life on the first week of every October in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s where the world revels in hot-air ballooning.

A sphere of international flavor guarantees it will be forever called the balloon capital of our planet. Pilots take passengers into rainbow skies at each enchanted morning sunrise. All who have come know it is a desert kaleidoscope called the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Before sunrise, skies accept dawn patrol balloons, a check to feel if the spirit of the winds will allow a mass ascension to get up. Picture perfect inflations occur as balloons are launched by zebra striped directors, a union of earth, wind and flyers. Nighttime balloon glows bring a colorful array of sights, a moving show of light. Each day pilots celebrate a mastery of gliding skills in bag drops, and descent and grab contests. Distant gas and hot-air balloon races bring forth the true spirit of internationalism.

This fiesta moves balloonists to come touch the sky, to fly high in radiant hues and shapes. Called to mix with a magic in the air, then glide out of the blue to land and be retrieved by their mobile chase crew. No child seeing this mass happening can resist shouts of joy, cries of glee, a want to say, “Carry Me Away!” Visitors see a time when balloons paint the sky with countless flying colors and inflate their imagination to sense freedom is in the air. Some say it’s a great motion picture show, others know it will always be where the balloons of the world unite.

As fiesta ends, balloonists know they have blazed a trail, and as always, “Time Flies!”

John J. Candelaria

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

ExxonMobil is proud to be part of the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® as we reach new heights in New Mexico.

As one of the nation’s leading producers of oil and natural gas and a major operator in the Permian Basin, we are committed to providing the energy that powers modern life in a responsible manner. Environmental stewardship and community wellbeing are at the heart of what we do every day. Through technology and innovation, we help meet the world’s growing energy needs while supporting a lower-carbon future.

2021 ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA®

SPECIAL SHAPE DIRECTORY

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SPECIAL SHAPE DIRECTORY

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Adler, David MS. AUTUMN Yuma, AZ United States

Anderson, Denny PUDDY CAT Ankeny, IA United States

Ashton, Gerg MONTIE THE BLACK SHEEP Meridian, ID United States

Assis, Luiz CORK THE PUPPY São Paulo Brazil

August, Joe ROCKET THE FLYING SQUIRREL Newport Beach CA United States

Ballinger, Barry IN THE BUFF Lubbock, TX United States

Bonimcontro, Marcos BULLWINKLE São Paulo Brazil

Boulet, Mark PIRATE JACK Newport Beach, CA United States

Boyer, Don ITSY BITSY Belen, NM United States

Brossett, Gary RED DEVIL Columbus, GA United States

Brown, Toby ALLYCORN Denver, CO United States

Buzzard, Earl SPEED BIRD Albuquerque, NM United States

Campanale, Frank CAROUSEL Orchard Lake, MI United States

Carlton, Dean WAGZ Danville, IL United States

Cassell, James BEAGLE MAXIMUS Albuquerque, NM United States

Cavin, John YELLOW BIRD Indialantic, FL United States

Celentano, Michael SHERIFF AIRMADILLO Allen, TX United States

Cesnik, Luke FREEDOM FLIGHT V Saint Cloud, MN United States

Clinger, Phil FLYING BARN Battle Creek, MI United States

Cox, Jordan J.R. THE FARMER PIG Indianapolis, IN United States

Cox, Justin IVO Carmel, IN United States

Davison, Neil BALLOONAFUL SUNRISE Phoenix, AZ United States

de Almeida, Ricardo ROBOT WOOZI São Paulo Brazil

de Toledo, Paulo BABY MONSTER Guarujá Brazil

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

DeGraff, Trudy CUTIE DINK Corrales, NM United States

Fogue, Vicki BUZZY Columbia, MO United States

Dillard, Terry FLIP FLOP FANTASIES Debary, FL United States

Dillbeck, Ricky TOM CAT Hernando United States

Froehlich, Georg BABY DINO TROPSY Niefern-Oeschelbronn BADEN-WUERTTEMBERG • Germany

Drennan, Ben SUNNY BOY Cordele, GA United States

Gabaldon, Henry JUPITER MAN Albuquerque, NM United States

Edwards, Don SNOBIRD Soldotna, AK United States

Gantt, Doug HAM-LET Rio Rancho, NM United States

Ferland, Jean-Francois KERMIE Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu Canada

Garcia, Mike 1 DOWN 8-2 GO Albuquerque, NM United States

Glen, Chris JOEY Spokane, WA United States

Glen, Michael JOELLY Mesa, AZ United States

Graham, Colin BUD E. BEAVER Belgrade, MT United States

Griggs, Katie SUSHI Dayton, NV United States

Gruenberg, John TERRY MOUSE Aurora, CO United States

Haliczer, Jeff OFF THE WALL Reno, NV United States

Hlebechuk, Kris PUDDLES Wasilla, AK United States

Hodge, Jonathan DUMA Madison Heights, MI United States

Holly, Andrew TALL STEVE Breadstone, BERKELEY United Kingdom

Jaques, Tyler PIGASUS Battle Creek, MI United States

Jones, Derrick TIC TOC Hudsonville, MI United States

Kalousdian, Rubens MISTER FISH São Paulo Brazil

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

SPECIAL SHAPE DIRECTORY

Kolba, Jon CHIC-I-BOOM Crooks, SD United States

Komadina, Mark STORK Rio Rancho, NM United States

Lawhorn, Rich HUMPTY DUMPTY Louisville, KY United States

Lawton, Jeffrey FREDDIE THE FOX Godalming, SURREY United Kingdom

Little, Rollie SARAH THE WITCH Glendale, AZ United States

Lupton, Robert LADY JESTER Albuquerque, NM United States

Macedo, Warley LOTTIE DOTTIE CHICKEN São Paulo, BOITUVA Brazil

Meyer, Mark CARNIVAL Vass, NC United States

Mitchell, Max EL FONZ Champaign, IL United States

Monahan, Todd SIMBA Lake George, NY United States

Moore, Ashley WES THE WOLF Gloucestershire, GLOUCESTERSHIRE United Kingdom

Moore, Gary OWLBERT EYENSTEIN Lake Havasu City, AZ United States

Mumm, Karalyn HIGH TOP FLIER Reno, NV United States

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Nilz, Paddy SAHUARO GRANDE Marana, AZ United States

Lambert, Benoit MASTER YODA BALLOON Court-Saint-Etienne Belgium

O’Brien, Bob RUBBER DUCKY Waupaca, WI United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Langford, Neal SPLASH Bath, NC United States

Procopio, Peter KOSHARE GALLUP Gallup, NM United States

Randall, Thomas SYDNEY Placitas, NM United States

Lapointe, Wil WILLY Owasso, OK United States

Regan, Jim GUS T. GUPPY Kensington, CT United States

Reineke, Dave PEG LEG PETE Mahomet, IL United States

Richards, Ursula SQUAWKURS Albuquerque, NM United States

Ritchie, Dale AIRABELLE, THE CREAMLAND COW Golden, BRITISH COLUMBIA Canada

Rolfe, Pat CYNTHIA SEAL Battle Creek, MI United States

Romaneschi, Bob LILLY LITTLE BEE Peoria, AZ United States

Schuler, Jay PENCIL BOY Reno, NV United States

Semler, Jack OGGY THE FRIENDLY DRAGON Westfield, IN United States

Sevrin, Sidney BELZEBUTH Villers-La-Ville Belgium

Shrum, Mike LA RISTRA Box Elder, SD United States

Shrum, Tamie TE AMO Box Elder, SD United States

Simoyne, Curtis FINLEY Fishers, IN United States

Sines, Gary COCO THE CLOWN Ashland, MO United States

Sines, Janice BUZZY THE BEE Ashland, MO United States

Sproul, Keith FRED B RABBIT North Brunswick, NJ United States

Stokoe, Steven BILLY THE KID Lutz, FL United States

Taveira, Valdemir LITTLE DOG Osasco, SÃO PAULO Brazil

Thomas, Steve ROGER THE PANTHER Bath United Kingdom

Tremblay, Sylvain PIKO Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QUÉBEC • Canada

Trillanes, Mark DARTH VADER Albuquerque, NM United States

Urbanski, Frank UNCLE SAM Dakota Dunes, SD United States

van der Horst, Scott OFF YOUR ROCK’R Sebastopol, CA United States

Van Overwalle, Peter PRINCESS NELLY Nazareth, OOST VLAANDEREN Belgium

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

SPECIAL SHAPE DIRECTORY

Waltman, Debbi PONDEMONIUM Windsor, CO United States

Warren, Tom LASKA THE UNICORN Land O Lakes, FL United States

Wooge, Scott LINDY St. Louis, MO United States

Whitby, Gary STRIKER Columbia, MO United States

Wright, Thom MISTER Z Albuquerque, NM United States

Wilkinson, Justin COSMIC CRISP APPLE Bermuda Dunes, CA United States

Williams, Rodney PAR-TEE Branson, MO United States

Wright-Smith, Beth SMOKEY BEAR Albuquerque, NM United States

2021 LOBO FOOTBALL HOUSTON BAPTIST

NM STATE

AIR FORCE

COLORADO STATE

UNLV

UTAH STATE

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

INTERNATIONAL PILOTS Assis, Luiz CORK THE PUPPY São Paulo Brazil

Held, Adrian CUPID’S HEART Lachen Switzerland

Lawton, Jeffrey FREDDIE THE FOX Godalming, SURREY United Kingdom

Ritchie, Dale AIRABELLE, THE CREAMLAND COW Golden, BRITISH COLUMBIA Canada

Bonimcontro, Marcos BULLWINKLE São Paulo Brazil

Hoefler, Greg CAPRICE DU CIEL Chaillon, LORRAINE France

Leal, Carles ULTRAMAGIC TRAMUNTANA Igualada, BARCELONA Spain

Seghers, Jos SKY STAR Breendonk, ANTWERP Belgium

Cirankewitsch, Bruce SUNKISSED Calgary, ALBERTA Canada

Holly, Andrew TALL STEVE Breadstone, BERKELEY United Kingdom

Macedo, Warley LOTTIE DOTTIE CHICKEN São Paulo, BOITUVA Brazil

Sevrin, Sidney BELZEBUTH Villers-La-Ville Belgium

Cooper, Hal UPTUIT Port Hope, ONTARIO Canada

Hooft, Frans MIA Schijndel Netherlands

Merino, Javier F.I.G. Leon, GUANAJUATO México

Taveira, Valdemir LITTLE DOG Osasco, SÃO PAULO Brazil

de Almeida, Ricardo ROBOT WOOZI São Paulo Brazil

Hora, Tomas G-DADDY Praha Czech Republic

Miklousic, Igor THE CELEBRATION OF FLOWERS Zagreb Croatia

Thomas, Steve ROGER THE PANTHER Bath United Kingdom

de Toledo, Paulo BABY MONSTER Guarujá Brazil

Kalousdian, Rubens MISTER FISH São Paulo Brazil

Moore, Ashley WES THE WOLF Gloucestershire, GLOUCESTERSHIRE United Kingdom

Tremblay, Sylvain PIKO Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QUÉBEC Canada

Froehlich, Georg BABY DINO TROPSY Niefern-Oeschelbronn, BADEN-WUERTTEMBERG Germany

Kubicek, Petr KUBICEK DEMO Brno Czech Republic

Orchard, Tim BUGS BUNNY Aylesbury, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE United Kingdom

Vaillancourt, Jacob OONS KEARLKE Trois-Riviã¨Res Canada

Gleed, David PEGASUS Coldstream, BRITISH COLUMBIA Canada

Lambert, Benoit MASTER YODA BALLOON Court-Saint-Etienne Belgium

Ouellette Freve, Johann-Francois

PLAY ME Longueuil, QUÉBEC Canada

Vaillancourt, Richard CLOUDSURFER Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu QUÉBEC, Canada

Haarhuis, Sanne STARS AND STRIPES Breda Netherlands

Lang, Dale JELLY BEAN Taber, ALBERTA Canada

Ribeiro, Fabricio JUPITER MAN Barueri, SÃO PAULO Brazil

Van Overwalle, Peter PRINCESS NELLY Nazareth, OOST VLAANDEREN Belgium

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AMERICA’S CHALLENGE ENTRANTS

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WARSTEINER

FOXTROT CHARLIE

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

INTREPID

Mark Sullivan United States

Barbara Fricke United States

Noah Forden United States

Brenda Cowlishaw United States

Cheri White United States

Peter Cuneo United States

Bert Padelt United States

Brian Duncan United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

MARIE MARVINGT

WHO DONE IT

LEO #1

Benoît Pelard France

Andy Cayton United States

Wilhelm Eimers Germany

Benoît Péterlé France

Krzysztof Zapart Poland

Sebastian Eimers Germany

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ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA®

GAS COMMITTEE/AMERICA’S CHALLENGE OFFICIALS Chair, AIBF Gas Balloon Committee........ Mark Sullivan America’s Challenge Event Director ....... Sam Parks Deputy Event Director .................................... John Petrehn Safety Officers .................................................... Wally Book, Chuck Raskob Launchmaster ...................................................... Tomas Hora Meteorologists .......................................................... Randy Lefevre, Brad Temeyer Scoring Officer.................................................... Jim Byrd Jury President ..................................................... Andy Baird Jury Members ...................................................... Tarp Head, Ken Draughn

COMMAND CENTER Director ............................................................................Ruth Lind Scoring and Internet/YB Tracking Liaison ......Ben Anello Database Manager .....................................................Carolyn Lilley Controllers .....................................................................Jon Ashworth, ....................................................................C. J. Carter, ....................................................................Jeff Davis, ....................................................................Guy Feltman, ....................................................................Richard Iverson, ....................................................................Chris LaFleur, ....................................................................Cliff Tvede Onboard Tracking Equipment Coordinators........Harris “Goody” Goodwin, .......Chuck Raskob Media Liaison ................................................................Kim Vesely Website and Digital Media ....................................Ken Tuley Field Preparation ........................................................Damian Duran-Arias Event Registration .....................................................Jennifer Garcia Hospitality ......................................................................Dodie Bernal

AMERICA’S CHALLENGE WINNERS YEAR

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

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PILOT

CO-PILOT

Richard Abruzzo David Melton David Levin Alan Levin Richard Abruzzo Jacob Traub Troy Bradley Tami Stevenson-Bradley Race not held David Levin Alan Levin Peter Cuneo Barbara Fricke Richard Abruzzo Gary Johnson Richard Abruzzo Carol Rymer Davis Richard Abruzzo Gary Johnson Janet Folkes Bill Arras Andy Cayton Kevin Knapp Andy Cayton Stuart Enloe Mark Sullivan Cheri White Race cancelled due to high winds Barbara Fricke Peter Cuneo David Hempleman-Adams Jonathan Mason Mark Sullivan Cheri White Peter Cuneo Barbara Fricke Anulfo González Angel Aguirre Race cancelled due to weather conditions Peter Cuneo Barbara Fricke Nicolas Tièche Laurent Sciboz No event Andy Cayton Krzysztof Zapart Event postponed to 2021

COUNTRY

DISTANCE KM

DISTANCE MILES

DURATION HOURS

USA USA USA USA

2241.9 706.6 1465.3 2234.9

1393 439.1 910.5 1388.8

60.2 38.1 45.7 58.8

USA USA USA USA USA UK / USA USA USA USA

3215.5 2095.6 2797.08 1787.72 984.23 2407.28 2380.99 1698.21 1419.76

1998.1 1302.2 1738.11 1110.89 611.6 1495.81 1479.48 1052.89 880.25

64.1 58.4 43.13 63.23 35.97 46.14 60.45 61.5 68.58

USA UK USA USA Spain

2175.86 1538.66 2623.33 2299.79 1914.3

1349.03 953.97 1626.46 1425.87 1186.87

58.16 71.51 62.3 60.4 53.33

AMERICA’S CHALLENGE RECORDS DISTANCE: Nicolas Tièche and Laurent Sciboz, Switzerland, 3670.76 km /2275.87 miles (2017)

DURATION: David Hempelman-Adams and Jonathan Mason, UK, 71 hours, 31 minutes (2011)

MULTIPLE WINNERS:

USA Switzerland

1394.96 3670.76

864.88 2275.87

54.65 59.32

USA/Poland

2598.61

1611.14

58.20

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Richard Abruzzo: five wins: 1995 with David Melton, 1997 with Jacob Traub, 2002 and 2004 with Gary Johnson, 2003 with Carol Rymer Davis Peter Cuneo and Barbara Fricke: four wins (2001, 2010, 2013, 2016) Andy Cayton: three wins: (2006, 2007, 2019) David Levin and Alan Levin: two wins (1996 and 2000) Mark Sullivan and Cheri White: two wins (2008 and 2012)

The Women of the America’s Challenge, and Other Aeronautical High Adventures

THE REAL AERONAUTS

BY KIM VESELY, FOR THE AIBF HERITAGE COMMITTEE

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

A

s the 2019 movie The Aeronauts tells it, in September of 1862, a pioneering British meteorologist, James Glaisher, and a comely and daring pilot, Amelia Wren, embarked on a stratospheric voyage of discovery.

They ascended aboard Mammoth, a specially-built coal gas balloon loaded with scientific instruments to gather atmospheric data. In the course of the flight, they encountered storms, icing, and the effects of hypoxia (oxygen starvation) in reaching the then unheard-of altitude of 32,000 feet. (It might have been higher, but Glaiser passed out and was unable to read his instruments.) By any standard, it was an epic scientific and aeronautic achievement.

Except . . . that’s not quite how it happened. Glaiser’s observations and exploits actually spanned a number of ascensions aboard the Mammoth.

His pilot was a renowned British balloonist, Henry Coxwell.

Yup, a guy, not a gal.

The movie’s creators never claimed that the film was historically accurate; rather, it was “inspired by true events.” Some critics felt it was rather audacious to turn Henry into Amelia and not give Coxwell his historical due. But the fictional Amelia’s story also was rooted in “true events.”

The great female aeronauts of the 19th century were every bit as skilled and daring as their male counterparts and faced the same dangers and hazards.

Today’s female aeronauts – the women of the Balloon Fiesta and the America’s Challenge – stand squarely on their shoulders.

The Pioneers The first manned hot air and gas balloon free flights took place within days of each other, in November of 1783. The pilots were men: JeanFrançois Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis François Laurent d’Arlandes flew the Montgolfier brothers’ hot air craft, and physicist Jacques Charles and Nicolas-Louis Robert, two of the inventors of the hydrogen gas balloon, piloted the first gas flight.

But women were not far behind.

Less than a year later, a 19-year-old Frenchwoman, Elisabeth Thible, became the first woman to make a free balloon flight. The pilot, a painter and amateur balloonist named Fleurant, credited Mme. Thible with the flight’s success, recounting how bravely she had fed the firebox through the entire trip.

By the early 1800s, women aeronauts had become a sensation.

Perhaps the two best-known were Jeanne-Genevieve Labrosse Garnerin, the first woman to fly

solo, and Marie Madeleine-Sophie Armant, better known by her married name, Blanchard. Both women’s husbands were also balloonists; then as now ballooning couples were commonplace.

Although Labrosse enjoyed a lengthy career as a balloon soloist, Blanchard’s flamboyant career soon eclipsed Labrosse’s. Sophie’s husband, Jean-Pierre Blanchard, died in 1808, having long since made history as the first person to cross the English Channel by balloon and

Illustration of Mme. Sophie Blanchard in her silver gondola. This flight took place in Italy in 1811. (Public domain) The first tethered manned ascension in a hot air balloon invented by the Montgolfier brothers, in Paris, October 1783. (Public domain)

This illustration from a French fashion magazine shows an 1802 ascension by Mme. Jeanne-Geneviève Garnerin, the first woman to fly without a male pilot. (Public domain)

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the pilot of the first balloon flight in America. After Jean-Pierre’s death, Sophie became arguably even more famous than he had been.

Like the fictional Amelia Wren, Sophie said she was “only comfortable in the air.” But not every flight was “comfortable” – Sophie survived storms, cold, and high altitudes, including a flight over the Alps. She flew a balloon with a small silver boat-like gondola with essentially no sides (she hung onto the rigging), and was famed for performing aerial pyrotechnic shows with sophisticated fireworks rigs. It is perhaps not surprising that she perished when her balloon exploded during a flight in 1819.

Through the great age of ballooning barnstormers, women continued to play a role, performing feats of stratospheric skill well into the 20th century. One of them, Clara (Jenny) Van Tassel, was the second wife of Professor Park Van Tassel, who made the first balloon flight in Albuquerque in 1883. The first documented female aeronaut in America was a mysterious “Madame Johnson,” who made several flights in the 1820’s. Much later, Madame Carlotta Meyers (better known as Mary Meyers) was the first American woman to solo in a balloon, established altitude records, and is estimated to have carried as many as 100,000 passengers aloft during her daring career.

of these scientist-aeronauts is Dr. Jeanette Ridlon Piccard, the wife of Jean Piccard and mother of Don Piccard, one of the 13 pilots who flew in the first Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Orville Wright, the co-inventor of the airplane, observed one of her early flights, and soon after she received the first balloon pilot license awarded to a woman in the United States. Jeanette became the first woman to reach the stratosphere on October 23, 1934, when she and Jean Piccard flew a hydrogen balloon to 57,579 feet (10.9 miles or 17.5 km). Her absolute women’s altitude record stood for nearly three decades, eclipsed only when Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. Later, Jeanette became the first ordained woman Episcopal priest in the U.S. Vera Winzen Simons – born Vera Habrecht – was a key developer of the polyethylene balloon envelope and in the use of balloons to create kinetic art. Her remarkable career included scientific balloon research at Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo and the DaVinci Transamerica transcontinental flight, a 2,003-mile (3,223 km) attempt to fly non-stop across the United States during which

In Search of Science, Exploration, and Adventure As the airplane took hold, the age of balloon exhibitions came to an end, as did the use of balloons in warfare. A new era in ballooning dawned: an era when balloons, in the tradition of James Glaiser and other scientist-aeronauts, became tools of exploration and discovery.

Perhaps the most renowned Vera Simons, pilot-in-command, with an al-male flight crew from the DaVinci II. (NASA photo, Public domain)

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Jeanette Piccard waves to the recovery crew after an ascent to 57,579 ft with her husband Dr. Jean Piccard.

(Photo courtesy NASA and the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum: S-66-18686, AAAIBM PB2021.002.496 Don Piccard Collection) she set a female distance record.

Her final ballooning and arts project, Project Aeolus, used three interlinked balloons lit from within and attached by strings of lights, forming a kinetic sculpture. This flight, in 1984, launched from the Expo New Mexico grounds in Albuquerque, with the balloons being flown by three legendary pilots: Joe Kittinger, Ben Abruzzo (with Vera as co-pilot), and Larry Newman.

Other women focused on the sheer joy and exuberance of flight, while themselves setting records and finding adventure. Constance (Connie) Wolf was a co-founder of both the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association (APOA) and the Balloon Club of America (BCA); she set a female ballooning endurance record of more than 40 hours. Another co-founder of the BCA, Eleanor Vadala, was the third licensed female balloonist in the U.S. With the development of the modern propane-fired hot air balloon in the 1960s and the growing popularity of ballooning in the 1970s, a new generation of aeronauts took flight. These included women who realized that ballooning was a rare elite sport where they could participate on an equal footing with men. Flying a balloon does not require

extraordinary physical strength, and the wind and weather don’t know or care about a pilot’s gender.

Soon, some of these female aeronauts were winning competitions and setting records. To list just a few: St. Louis’ Nikki Caplan began flying in 1971, participated and competed in national competitions and events (including the Balloon Fiesta), and was the first person to legally fly a balloon though St. Louis’ Gateway Arch.

With co-pilot Jane Buckles, she led the first all-female team to compete in the fabled Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the world’s oldest balloon race. Susie Kittinger flew as husband Joe Kittinger’s co-pilot in several Friends of Gordon Bennett gas balloon races; they won two of them.

Carol Rymer Davis, from Albuquerque and Denver, set distance, duration, and altitude hot air balloon records (197981) and in 2004 became the first and still the only woman credited with a Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett win by the International Aeronautical Federation (FAI). In the 1990s, Jetta Schantz, from Florida, broke Davis’ records. Continuing the tradition, a hard-charging young group of women hot air balloonists – Kim Magee, Meg Skelton, Miya Danley, Elisa Trillanes, and many others – are making their mark in national and international competition.

American showcase for gas ballooning and a high-caliber international competition on American soil. It also turned out to be a huge showcase for female aeronautical talent, both in the air and behind the scenes.

Women first made their mark in the America’s Challenge in the very first race, in 1995. The all-female team of Lesley Pritchard-Davies and Carol Rymer Davis flew from Albuquerque to Ohio. While they didn’t place first, they set a world duration record. Just three years later, Tami StevensonBradley – flying with her husband, Troy Bradley -- became the first female

co-pilot on a winning America’s Challenge team. Dr. Janet Folkes of Great Britain – another multiple worldrecord holder-- in 2005 became the first woman listed as primary pilot on an America’s Challenge team to win the race.

In a major milestone for women in aerostation, in 2010 women captured the top three positions in the America’s Challenge. The victors – Albuquerque’s Barbara Fricke, Canada’s Danielle Francoeur (whose teammate was an American woman, Linda Ellis), and Texas’ Cheri White – made sure the male members of

Going the Distance in the America’s Challenge If there is one ballooning event in the world where female aeronauts have enjoyed both consistent success and high visibility, it is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s America’s Challenge. This event is one of the two great gas balloon distance races in the world, the other being the Coupe Gordon Bennett. Mark Sullivan (see page 97) spearheaded the founding of the America’s Challenge to provide an Carol Rymer Davis, who set multiple world records and won both the Gordon Bennett and America’s Challenge gas balloon distance races, prepares for a 2007 America’s Challenge flight. (Author’s photo)

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their teams wore pink scarves as they collected their trophies. This may be the only time women have swept the podium in any international ballooning competition open to pilots of all genders.

Another major barrier was broken in 2005, when the Coupe Gordon Bennett and the America’s Challenge launced simultaneously from Albuquerque during the Balloon Fiesta. The Event Director for both races, Pat Brake, was the first woman in history to serve as Event Director for the Gordon Bennett. Another prominent woman aeronaut – America’s Challenge veteran Ruth Lind – heads the race’s Command Center, which coordinates aeronautical, tracking, air traffic, logistics, and -when necessary -- search and rescue support to the America’s Challenge teams.

Two women have won the America’s Challenge more than once.

Cheri White, with flying partner Mark Sullivan, has two wins to her credit (2008 and 2012). Barbara Fricke, with

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flying partner Peter Cuneo, has scored an astonishing four wins. Both Fricke and White have also placed in the top three in the Gordon Bennett.

Why do they do it? It sure doesn’t make for a relaxing trip – cooped up in a space smaller than a closet for two to three days with one other person (who you’d better like), searingly hot during the day, freezing cold at night, sparse meals, a bucket for a bathroom, no stops at the 7-11, and no escape (it’s a long way down). It’s certainly not for financial gain: gas ballooning is an expensive sport and the America’s Challenge winners don’t receive prize money – just trophies and atta-girls.

But then there are the rewards – breathtaking views, high adventure, and the satisfaction of being among the best in the world at what they do.

And there is something even more intangible. As Barbara Fricke puts it, in the tradition of Sophie Blanchard, “I love being up in the sky.” The race It is always difficult and can even be dangerous. But the rewards – priceless.

Female America’s Challenge Competitors: Brenda Cowlishaw Linda Ellis Dr. Janet Folkes Danielle Francoeur Barbara Fricke Astrid Gerhardt Anja Kümmerlein Marsha Lambertson Neal Dr. Marion Lausch Ruth Ludwig Lind Wendy Monteith Martin Lesley Pritchard Davies Dr. Carol Rymer Davis Tami Stevenson Bradley Silvia Wagner Cheri White

Dr. Janet Folkes

Pat Brake

Cheri White

Barbara Fricke

Danielle Francoeur

Brenda Cowlishaw

Tami Stevenson-Bradley

Dr. Marion Lausch

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

REMEMBERING Art Swenka, Allen Tetreault & Marlon Long

REMEMBERING ART SWENKA Four decades ago, Albuquerque businessman and philanthropist Art Swenka embraced ballooning, becoming a pilot and a respected member of the ballooning community. Characteristically, he soon applied his enormous energy and drive to supporting the sport he loved. Art served two separate stints on the Balloon Fiesta Board of Directors, becoming Vice-President in 1982 and President in 2002-2003.

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As President of the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association through much of the 1980’s, he spearheaded a reorganization that still guides the organization today.

Art was a self-made man who pulled himself up out of childhood poverty to become a successful corporate executive, President of Nobel-Sysco, the Albuquerque branch of the food distribution giant and a legendary donor to a wide variety of causes. At Sysco, he later became executive in charge of 14 companies in the Western U.S. and Canada.

A person who combined selfdeprecating humility with a powerful sense of fun, Art never stopped giving back. He retired from ballooning in the early 2000’s and moved to the Estancia Valley, where he devoted the last years of his life to preserving the valley’s water rights and promoting a sense of community. He played a key role in founding a public radio station to serve Torrance County.

Sadly Art’s passion for life did not survive the pandemic. He succumbed to COVID-19 earlier this year, leaving behind his wife, Dixie (who he met at Balloon Fiesta), a son and a stepson, a large extended

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

family, and legions of friends who will never forget his warmth and kindness.

REMEMBERING ALLEN TETREAULT Earlier this year, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta lost a key member of its team with the passing of Allen Tetreault, the event’s Director of Public Safety. In his role, Allen – better known to many as “Tet” – presided over a network of local,

state, and national security agencies working together, in ways seen and unseen, to make Balloon Fiesta Park a safe place for balloon teams, concessionaires, and guests.

A graduate of Manzano High School, Allen served his country in the New Mexico Air National Guard for 30 years, with tours to Iraq

in Operation Iraqi freedom, also working in Quality Assurance and as an Emergency Manager. He was also a Facilities Manager in the 150th Civil Engineering Flight. At the end of his career, he achieved his lifelong goal of obtaining the Chief Master Sergeant ranking. After serving as part of the Balloon Fiesta’s security

team for many years, he became Director in 2019.

Sadly, at the too-young age of 49, Allen succumbed in March to pancreatic cancer, leaving behind his wife Laura and children, Kellen and Brooke. Allen was the son of Shirley and Al Tetreault, the Vice-President of the Balloon Fiesta Board.

REMEMBERING MARLON LONG Photography could be defined as a way of seeing, and through photography, longtime Balloon Fiesta photographer Marlon Long shared his own unique vision with a generation of aeronautical aficionados.

Marlon, who was one of the Balloon Fiesta’s official photographers, succumbed to a long illness in 2019.

We could think of no more fitting tribute than to share this photo, featured in the award-winning 2011 book on Balloon Fiesta The World Comes to Albuquerque: The Dream Takes Flight.

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

2021 NAVIGATORS Alan, Aalerud Douglas (Scott), Abel John, Abel Sheri, Abrams Nancy, Abruzzo David, Adams Melanie Patrice, Adams Eric, Addis James, Aguilar Amina, Ahaddadd Carlette, Ahrens Ryan, Ahrens James, Allen Jean, Allen Anthony, Ambriz Sally, Ambriz Sandi, Amirrudin Jeff, Anderson Linda, Andrews Benjamin, Anello Sheryl, Anello Manuel, Aragon Richard, Aranda Vanessa, Arballo Joel, Arbuckle Terri, Arbuckle Christina, Arias John, Arias Santiago, Arias Maria, Armijo Steve, Arndt Judy, Arquette Amy, Asper Teresa, Attridge Shemack Lorrie, Auble Pamela, Aursland Ana, Baca Evalyn, Back Jordan, Bacoccini Kyle, Bacoccini James W, Bagley Carol, Bair Denise, Baker Andrea, Balestri Joe, Balestri Lanena, Balestri Lucian, Balestri Joseph, Balistreri Harris, Balkin Patrick, Ball Joseph, Ballengee Linda, Ballenthin William, Ballenthin Angela, Balzarini Ted, Barela Bryan, Barlow David, Barnes Jodi, Barone Eric, Barry Eva, Barry Gregory, Barry Jacob, Barry Laurel, Barry

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Luke, Barry Maggie, Barry William, Barry Sara, Bartholomew Robert, Batt Sherri, Batt Leon, Baudot Terry, Baudot Mary, Bauer Marj, Baxter Samantha, Baxter Shannon, Baxter Debbie, Beck John, Beck Patrick, Beck Dawn, Bell Amber, Benavidez Laura, Berger Dodie, Bernal Peggy, Billson Gayle, Blackaby Sondra, Blackaby Deborah, Blake Rol, Blauwkamp Ina, Blea Dusty, Blech Gay, Blech Ruth, Bleich William, Blum Diane, Bockwoldt Karl, Bockwoldt David, Bodette Susan, Bodette Charles, Boehmer Vicky, Boehmer Edward, Bogdan Joan, Bogdan Christine, Boisvert Melissa , Bond John, Boner Charles, Book Robert, Borruel Frank, Bouchier Nance, Bouchier Edmund, Bousquin Linda, Bousquin Renee, Boyd Susie, Bracamonte Fred, Bradley Margaret, Bradley Barbara LaVerne, Bramson

Mark, Bramson Chris, Brayton Tom, Brayton Adam Sparks, Brechtel Bill, Brennan Jane, Brennan Melissa, Brennan Rita, Brennan Mary Ann, Brewer Cynthia, Brittain Mary, Broemel Dick, Brown

Karen, Brown Mike, Brown Sue, Brown Belinda, Bryant Shannon, Buehler Neida Courtney, Bueno Tom, Bueno Jeanette, Bundy Robert, Bundy Connie, Burd John, Burd Sarah, Burney Jennifer, Bush Elisa, Bustamante Cynthia, Butler Alan, Butts Judy, Butts Stanley, Buxton Carol, Byrd Angelique, Calderon Kimberly, Caldwell Wanda, Caldwell Wess, Caldwell Janna, Callison Joie, Cameron-Brown Sean, Campbell Susan, Capaldi Alice, Cardenas Gina, Cardiel Pat, Carl Caroll, Carter Ayla, Caruso Dorreen, Caruso Louie, Caruso Sharon, Casper Steven, Castillo Doyle, Caton Jennifer, Catron Noah, Cavenee Denise, Cavner Jenny, Chacon Christina (Tina), Chaffee Tony, Chaffee Joann, Chambers Mike , Chandler Mary, Chando Glenna, Chapman Jack, Chapman Ruth Ann, Chapman Chris, Chavez Maria, Chavez Nicholas , Chavez Ralph, Chavez Gary, Cherniak Ginger, Chouinard Tom, Christopher Mary Lou, Christophersen Becky, Ciaramitaro Michael, Ciccarelli Roger , Clark Sarah , Clay Cameron, Clements Katherine, Clements

Pradelia, Clemons Jaxson, Cofer Steve, Coffing Stephen, Coleman Mark, Collins Rachel, Conine Barry, Conley Kristi, Conley Tamara, Conley Kristin, Conner Mindy , Connolly Linda, Connor Keith, Connors Sherry, Connors Pamela, Cook Kirby, Coon Matt, Cooper Sarah, Cooper Trish, Corbett Rex, Corbin Gilda, Cornejo Joyce, Cornell Rosie, Cortez Barbara, Cote Bobbie, Cothron Gretchen, Cothron Linda, Cothron Walter, Cothron Tammy, Coty Cheryl, Cox Linda, Cramer Paullette, Craner Margie, Creel Manny, Crespin Dane, Cress Bruce, Criel Laura, Criel Todd, Criel Matthew, Crocker Terri, Crocker David, Crossland Diana, Cruz Alan, Cuales Visty, Curry Fred, Daily Ben, Dale Cyndi, Danen John, Danen Kathleen, Daniels Michael, Dash Jack, David Margie, David Bob, Davis Gram, Davis Jeff, Davis Rachel, Davis Steve, Davis William, Davis Zane, Davis Frank, Dearmin Brandon, Decker Billy, Deen Jr Craig, Degenhardt

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

Sheri, DeGroat Denise, Delle Donne Deb, Detorie Daniel, Deuter Kyra, Dewart Mike, Dewart Jeff, Dill Joan, Dingmann Lesa, Dionne Pierre, Dionne Kristi, Dirks William, Ditz Don, Dobson David, Dombrowski Bryan, Dominguez Wendy, Donahoo Walter, Donia Philip, Doonan Stephen, Doonan A. Elizabeth, Dow James, Dow Jansen, Downs Merry, Duncan Dezray, Dunn Jennifer, Dunn Domenica, Duran-Arias Ron, Dyck Julie Ann, Edwards Michael, Edwards Tami, Edwards Patricia, Edwards Witmer Stacy, Eldridge John, Elrick Donald, Engdahl Keith, Erickson Johnny, Esquivel Sheri, Essen Josephine, Felder Timothy, Felder Henry Guy, Feltman Jr Kathy, Fennell David, Fenske Demetria, Fenzi-Richardson

Claudio, Fernandes Linda, Ferro

Kimberly A, Fincher-Lucky

Lauren, Fiori Donald, Fischer Valerie, Fitzsimmons Karen, Fleetwood Anthony, Fleg Theresa, Fleming Alicia, Fletcher William, Focke Dennise, Foley Mike, Foley Andrew, Folmer Audrey, Folmer Frances, Fontenot Pamela, Foss Diann, Foster Marvin, Foster Cathy, Fournier

Eugene, Foxworthy Shelly, Foxworthy Erin, Foxx-Chavez Kevin, French Brenda, Furber Lawrence, Furber Karen, Gabaldon Doug, Gallagher Brianna, Gallegos Janice, Galvan Stuart, Garber Charles, Garcia Connie, Garcia Ernie, Garcia Kathy, Garcia Lorraine, Garcia Mary Lynn, Garcia Mike , Garcia Patricia, Garcia Triston, Garcia Michael, Gardner Teri, Gardner Beate, Gefeke Ruediger, Gefeke Darla, Gensinger Larry, Gensinger Fred, Gessner Veronica, Gibbons Vicki, Gibbons Becky, Gibson Linda, Gibson Steven, Gibson Darrla, Giersch Denae, Giersch Jadyen, Giersch John, Giersch Kendra, Giersch Leon, Gilbert Nanci, Gilbert Laura, Gillespie Stan, Gillespie Mike , Gilligan Diana, Gilson Jerry, Gladish Kathleen, Glaspey Steve, Glass Elsa, Glassman Janell, Glenn MacKenzie, Glenn Richard, Glenn Catherine, Glover Rebecca, Godfrey Georgia, Golling Debbie, Gonzales Alfredo, Gonzalez Harris, Goodwin Kimberly, Goodwin Thomas, Gough Tony, Gradillas Jenni, Graham Theodore, Gransbury Kay, Grant Colleen, Grathwol

Mike, Greeno Penny, Griego Rodney, Griego Benjamin, Griggs Ginger, Grossetete Jeffrey, Guide Matthew, Gunnell Edward, Haagsma Teresa, Haagsma Lisa, Hada Rick, Hada Debra, Hall Anita, Hallstrom Greg, Hallstrom Katie, Hallstrom Lori, Hallstrom Regina, Hampton Nicole, Hancock Marion, Hanna Keith, Hannon Scott, Harden Scott, Hardy Selena, Hardy Francie, Harmon Amy, Harris Annie, Harrison Patricia, Hathoot Maria, Hay Andrea, Heacock-Reyes Michelle, Healy Shana, Heath Kathy, Heffron Calvin, Heinly Mary Ellen, Heinly Rita, Helak Mark, Helm Michelle, Hengel Susan, Hering Raymond, Herrington Beth, Herschman Taylor, Herson Amanda, Hessler Brad, Hessler Deb, Hillard Catherine, Hines Meta, Hirschl Jon, Hockersmith Sherry, Hockersmith Jacqueline, Hockey Loretta, Hodnett Terry, Hodnett Jim, Holley Nancy, Holley Cliff, Holman Aidan, Homan Traci, Homan Dana, Horn Jackie, Horn Erica, Horton Erin, Horton Nancy, House Andy, Huang Scott, Hughes

Richard, Huhra Gary, Humfeld Michelle, Humfeld Patricia, Humphreys Cindy, Hunt J.D., Huss Brian, Irwin Anne, Isham Daniel, Iverson Harold, Jackson Phyllis, Jackson Jacqueline, Jacobs Christy, Jacobus Jim, Jacobus Pete, James Joni, Jansen Kalynn, Jaramillo Leon, Jaramillo Connie, Jefferson Perfecto, Jimenez Nancy, Johnson Karla, Johnston Marshall, Johnston Monica, Jonard Alex , Jonard II Frank, Jones Raymond, Jones Blake , Jordan Janet, Jordan Janie, Jordan Chani, Kaibetoney Larry, Kaibetoney Judith, Kaley Peggy, Kaniho Steven, Kay Karen, Keifenheim Kim, Kelbe Georgia, Kelly Katherine , Kelly Laura, Kelly Wayne, Kelly William, Kelly Tiffany, Kenworthy Debra, Kessler Dennis, Kessler Carl, Kinnard Susan , Kinnard Charlotte, Kinney Jonelle, Kinsey Jon, Kirkwood Lynn, Kirkwood Susan, KirstMillspaugh Willie, Kiser Ellen, Klempert Jaron, Klock Linda, Klock Carol, Knowlton Jacquelin, Kohlasch Diana, Koroluk Walter, Koroluk Elizabeth, Krask Mary, Krebs

Michael, La Belle Zora, LaClair Sally, Lam Wayne, Lam Brenda, Landau Rachel, Landavazo Jerry, Langheim Linda, Larson David, LaRue Debbie, LaRue Brenda, Law John, Lawson Teri, Lawson Andrew, Layman Diane, Leblanc Corrina, Lee Jon, Lee Monica, Lefevre Randy, Lefevre Shawn, Leonard Susannah, Lepley Helen, Leshner David, Leung John, Lewis Nancy, Lewis Mike , Liberti Ruth, Lind Anna, Linsky Deborah, Lister Bruce, Little Butch, Llewellyn Janet, Llewellyn Lawrence, Llewellyn Mari, Llewellyn Michael, Llewellyn Will, Llewellyn Donna, Lockridge Steven, Loeffer Sigrid Christine, Long Phillip N, Lovato JR Bob , Lucero Jack, Lucero Cathy, Luenenborg Judy, Lujan Rachael, Lujan Victoria, Luke Jay, Luna Tammy, Luna Roberta, Luster Victor, Luster Yvonne, Lydick Ana, Lyons Mike, Lyons Nadine, Lyons Robert, Mackay Anthony, Maestas-Wimpy

Michael, Maestas-Wimpy Nels, Magnuson Makena, Marangu Dawn, Marciszewski Gary, Marciszewski Scott, Marciszewski Jan, Marino

Christopher, Marsh Kenny, Martel Thomas, Martin Felisha, Martinez Francisco, Martinez Izela, Martinez Rose, Martinez Ed, Marynik Fran, Marynik Lisa, Massey Richard, Massey Tara, Mathena Dave, Mathews Rhonda, Maxfield Gary, Mays Roddy, McComber Kyle, McConahy Cyrus, McCormick Danny, McCoy Terry, McCoy Donald, McCurdy Matthew, McCurdy Diane, McDermott Patricia, McGibbon Cat, McGrath-Farmer Lourdes, McKenna Lora, McKown Kathleen, McMichael Diane, McNally Christina, Meadows Barbara, Medina Loretta, Medina Naomi, Medina Alyx, Medlock Mercedes, Mejia David, Melgaard Pam, Melgaard Jennifer, Melvin Scott, Melvin Sara, Mendoza Andie, Mercier Larry, Merry Dawn, Meyer Patricia, Mezzancello Steven, Mezzancello Dot, Michaelson Marc, Michaelson Holly, Mickelson Joe, Mickelson Pam, Micker Frances, Middleton Alicia, Miera Tomas, Miera Mariah, Milkiewicz Clyde, Miller Marsha, Miller Mary Ann, Miller Carol, Million Forrest, Minch Mairiene, Miranda Mike, Miranda Pamela, Mitchell Diane, Mock

Larry, Mock Darrell, Moerch Marta, Moerch Lia, Moldovan Daniel, Monaghan Jan, Montana Jon, Montana Ruben, Montana Brenda, Montelongo Tim, Montoya Brenna, Moore Frank, Morales Howard, Morgenstern Judy, Morgenstern Blair, Morrison Don, Morrow Julie, Morrow Karen, Morton Jeanie, Moughan Gillian, Mulder Glendora, Mulder James, Mulder Mackenzie, Mulder Matthew, Mulder Beth, Murphy Cathy, Myrick Janice, Nagle Marilee, Nason Catherine, Neilsen Kenneth, Nelson Tara, Nelson Tim, Nelson Lesa, Newberry William, Niblick Kathy, Nicolai Ronda, Norlock Patti, Norris Patti, Norris Arnel, Oczon Caitlin, Odom Mark, O’Gawa Toni, Oliva Angelina, Olsen Bradley, Olsen Frank, O’Neil Melissa, Oranday Tamarra, Ortiz-Martinez Ann, Overstreet Deborah, Owen James, Pack Chris , Padilla Andrea, Palagiano Judith, Palma Benjamin H, Palmer Denise, Panozzo Katrina, Panozzo Beverly, Pantages Jay, Pape Winna, Parks Lydia, Parmenter Linda, Pasternacki Katrina, Pattyn Sarah Jean, Pearson

Aaron, Peay Paula, Pedersen Gloria, Penner Kat, Perea Lee, Perry David, Pfister Judy, Pfister Boni, Pienups Emily, Pine Dale, Potter Karen, Potter Peggy, Powell Linda, Prendergast Dana, Price Dale, Prichard Susan, Prichard Edith, Pringle Rex, Pringle Linda, Puettman Susan, Pules Ricardo, Ramirez Sheila, Ramirez Victor, Ramponi Ron, Randolf Chuck, Raskob Richard, Rathbun Sandra, Rausch Tara, Ravishankar Joseph, Rebarchik Cathy, Reber Terra, Reed Elizabeth, Reese Larry, Reetz Jennifer, Reilly Mary, Reilly Jeff, Renegar Vickey, Resner Andre, Reyes Pearl, Reyes Barbara, Reynolds Debbie, Reynolds Kevin, Reynolds Lynda, Reynolds Michael, Reynolds Shylor, Reynolds Nancy, Reynosa Paula, Rheault John, Rice Richard, Rice Haley, Richards Ursula, Richards Char-Lynn, Richardson Harley, Richardson Luther, Richardson Genie, Richie Susan, Rifkin Summer, Riggs Jurgen, Rimac Sandy, Rios Susan, Robaus Christina, Roberts Jason, Roberts Tara, Roberts

Carol, Robertson Renee, Robillard Dorothy, Rocha Alice, Rodela Diana, Rodela Rudy, Rodela Elaine, Roderick Guadalupe, Rodriguez Patricia, Rogers Susan, Rogers Thomas, Rogers Lorie, Roller Rachel, Roller Olga, Romanovska Kelly, Rose Henry, Rosenbaum Robert, Rouse Christopher, Rowan Vin, Roybal Patricia Ann, Rudy-Baese Stasia, Ruskie Steve, Russell Diana, Rutz Lorraine, Ryals Ricardo, Ryals Dave, Rypma Charles, Sadler Linda, Sadler Kathleen, Salamon Yvonne, Salas Linda, Samuels Debbie , Sanchez Janet, Sanchez Linda, Sanchez Samantha, Sanchez Virginia, Sanchez Caitlan, Sandberg Michelle, Sandoval Michelle, Sanford Jay, Sanidad Jose, Sanidad Norma, Sanidad Jeff, Saul Karl, Schaefer Virginia, Schick Cyan, Schrader Cynthia, Schreurs George, Schroeder Jeanne, Schroeder Thomas, Schroeder Amy, Schult Geneva, Schultz Julie, Schultz Keithan, Schultz Paul, Schultz Ronni, Scott Jaquelyn, Scroggie Harry, Season Laurie, Sedell Paul, Sedell Katherine, Segura Saul, Segura Judy, Seigel

John, Sena Richard, Sena Karen, Sevy Adrienne, Shaw Brian, Shaw John, Shemack Dennis, Sheneman Terri, Sheneman Carolyn, Shirley Katie, Shockley Steve, Shockley Jerry , Shreve Linda, Sims Brian, Sindelar Michele, Skarlupka Cathy, Sloan Dale, Smith Denise, Smith Glen, Smith Karen Ann, Smith Robert K, Smith Shameca, Smith Suzette, Smith Jeanette, Solak John, Solak Brian, Solan Johanna, Solinske JanaLee, Sponberg Tabitha, Stallworth Candice, Stanford Carl, Statton Cyndi, Steele Hal, Stevens Tracy, Stevens Tammi, Stidham Janette, Stone Orbin, Stone Diana, Storm Daniel, Stouffer John, Stucker Susan, Stucker Beth, Suhr Tim, Suhr David, Sullens Lynn, Sullivan Maury, Sullivan Sarah Jean, Sutherland Seth, Sutherland Denise, Suttle Paul , Suttle Paul, Tackett Nicole , Tagart Greg, Tanner Laurye, Tanner Paul, Tanouye Joy, Tarver Betty Jane, Taylor Daniel, Taylor Deborah, Taylor Ginny, Taylor Julie, Taylor Mike , Taylor Robert, Taylor

Debra, Teague Edward, Teigeler Brad, Temeyer Denis, Thomas Vivian, Thomas Makahla, Thomason Jerry, Thompson Rickey, Thornton Michelle, Thurik Lynn, Tillery Linda, Timbreza Cindy, Tolar Danny, Tolar Susan, Tomasov Richard, Torres Rosemary, Torres Therese, Trujillo Carol, Tulenko Ken, Tuley Roberta, Tuley Sherry, Tuohey Catherine, Turk Cliff, Tvede Rolinda “Sam”, Tzamaloukas

John, Van Campen Susan, Van Campen Joseph, Vanderburg Mary, VanHaverbeke Autumn, Vanosdol Samantha, Vazquez Vanessa, Vazquez Laural, Veloz Jeff, Venable Linda, Venable Kimberley, Vesely Linda, Vickers Virginia, Vickers William, Vickers Nancy, Vigil-Cottrell Mary Ann, Villarreal Laura, Virgin David, Volker John, Vonderheide Michael, Vos Michael, Wagner Berta, Wagstaff Don, Wagstaff Birgit, Walker Jim, Walker Karen, Wallace Xavier, Wallace Book, Wally Nellie, Walters William, Walters Dylan, Wambold Lawrence, Wambold Clyde, Wanatee Lisa, Ward Patrick, Ward Robert, Warner Joy, Watnik-Saul Charles, Watson Tunell, Watts

Robert (Bob), Wedel Ruth Ann, Wedel J Todd, Weingart Jennifer, Weingart Pamela, Weingart Janet, Welch Caryn, Welz Jennifer, Werner Phil, Werner Nancy, Wertz Tamsen, West Rachel, Wester Beckie, Weston Erwin, Weston Linda, Wethington Marlynnda, Wetsel Marvin, Wetzel Ellis, Whitaker Patricia, Whitaker Clayton, White John, White Leslie, White Kimberly, Whiteman Joyce, Wilde David, Wiles Mark, Wilkins Brenda, Willoughby Terry, Willoughby Rachel, Wills John, Wilson Halecia, Wimpy Stephen, Wimpy Denise, Winn Dylan, Winn Mark, Winn Rachel, Winn Robert, Wise Arthur, Wissing Jennifer, Wolf Caroline, Wood Cinda, Wood James, Wood Philip, Wood Audrie, Wormington Buck, Wormington Janice, Wrhel Tina, Wright Ralph, Wrons Christie, Young Glenn, Young Brianna, Zachary Brendan, Zajac Jenifer, Zamora Loretta, Zamora Petra, Zavakos F. Larry, Zentner, Jr. Rachel, Zimmer Corey, Zimmerman Michael, Zink Nancy, Zink Alex, Zucosky L. Jane, Zucosky

Time Flies!

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Honoring the 2020 and 2021

HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENTS The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF) Heritage Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and longtime contributions to Balloon Fiesta through preservation of AIBF corporate or event history, promotion, communication, or educational activities, or through other innovations that have been shown to help achieve AIBF’s mission statement. The Balloon Fiesta Heritage Committee selects a recipient every year, and is proud to honor two Balloon Fiesta veterans who were chosen as Heritage recipients for 2020 and 2021.

ever did. He was an active pilot for 20 years before largely retiring from flying as pilot-in-command, having instructed many student pilots and accumulated about 550 hours.

Jim was an Assistant Safety Officer for AIBF in 1984 and 1985, but is best known for his contributions to

2020: JIM BYRD Jim Byrd – better known to many as Jimmy -- began his ballooning career in March 1973 when he joined the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (AAAA), shortly after his dad, the legendary J.W. Byrd.

Jim helped club founder Sid Cutter with all of Sid’s projects, so much so that Sid offered Jim free pilot instruction from himself and two of his employees, Gary Higman and Greg Wilson. Jim received his pilot certificate from Sid in February 4, 1974, the first FAA check-ride Sid

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2021 Official Program

competition scoring. After receiving a degree in computer science, and with encouragement from his dad, Jim wrote the first software for scoring balloon races in 1990, which was used by both AAAA and the Balloon Fiesta. Since then, the scoring program has gone through

many revisions and Jim has worked with Mike Gilligan, co-developer of the Balloon Federation of America Program, and others to make refinements. More recently, Jim succeeded his father as the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race chief scoring officer after his father passed away in 2007, a position he still holds.

Jim is a quiet, non-assuming person whose chief claim to fame is helping other people (he is a retired Fire Department Captain). He is awarded the 2020 Heritage Award for long-standing important and excellent work with AIBF. Tom McConnell for the Heritage Committee

2021: MARK SULLIVAN 2021’s honoree is one of the most highly respected and honored balloonists in the world. Mark Sullivan is the current President of the Fédération Aéronatique Internationale Ballooning Commission (CIA), ballooning’s international governing body, and a past president of the Balloon Fiesta. He has won the U.S. National Gas Balloon Championships twice and is a former U.S. Team Hot Air Ballooning Champion.

More recently, Mark has become best known as the Ironman of distance gas ballooning, having flown in more distance gas balloon events than any balloonist in history, a combined 43 Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett and America’s Challenge races. With his current flying partner Cheri White, he’s won the America’s Challenge twice and

finished as high as third in the Gordon Bennett, the world championships of distance gas ballooning.

Mark began flying hot air balloons in the early 1980’s and gas balloons a few years later. His first hot air balloon advertised the famed Billy Bob’s Saloon in Fort Worth, TX. Since then, Mark has racked up more than 3,200 hours in hot air and gas balloons.

As a member of the Balloon Fiesta Board of Directors since 1989, Mark was instrumental in establishing the Special Shape Rodeo and founded the Balloon Fiesta’s America’s Challenge distance race to give gas ballooning an international presence on American soil. The race is now in its 24th year and provides

opportunities for both American and international balloonists to fly unprecedented distances in gas balloon competition.

In nearly 40 years, Mark has earned almost every major distinction awarded in the sport, including the Montgolfier Diplome, the CIA Gold Badge with three Diamonds, the Balloon Federation of America Shields-Trauger and Al Desmond Awards, the AAAA Sid Cutter Award, induction into the Balloon Fiesta Hall of Fame, and now the AIBF Heritage Award.

Kim Vesely, for the AIBF Heritage Committee

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