2024 Official Program of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

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A L B U Q U E R Q U E I N T E R N AT I O N A L OCT 5-13

BALLOON FIESTA 2024 ®

www.balloonfiesta.com

Net zero green in New Mexico brighter energ

An even brighter energy future is on the horizon Welcome to the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® ® Powered by ExxonMobil.

On behalf of our employees who live and work in New Mexico, we look forward to seeing you at liftoff!

Follow us to learn moreFollow about us what we’remore doing to learn about what we’re doing doin today for a brighter for energy futureenergy tomorrow a brighter future tomorrow.

ExxonMobilNewMexico ExxonMobilNewMexico

Contents W E LC OME L E T T E RS

DIREC T ORIE S

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Judith K. Nakamura, President, AIBF

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2024 AIBF Balloon Directory

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Scott Buechler, New Mexico Production Manager for ExxonMobil

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Additional Pilots

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Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico

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Special Shape Directory

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Timothy M. Keller, Mayor of Albuquerque

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International Pilots

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Globitos Directory

O F IN T E RE S T

F E AT U RE S

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Your Guide to Balloon Fiesta Events

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Survival Guide Map

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Education Connection: Lifting Gases

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Music Fiesta™

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Honoring Sid Cutter

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2024 AIBF Officers, Board of Directors

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A Tailgater’s Guide to Ballooning: Fact, Folklore, or Fiction?

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2024 AIBF Staff

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A Race to Remember

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2024 Officials

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Harmonizing Old and New: The Drone Show

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Balloon Fiesta Sponsors

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Is It October Already?

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Photography Tips

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Spectator Safety Tips

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Fiesta Fun Facts

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Starry Night: The Official Serigraph Poster

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2024 Heritage Award

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2024 Balloon Fiesta Navigators

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Top Collegiate Golfers featured at Matchplay Tournament during Balloon Fiesta® Week

Participate in the Balloon Fiesta Selfie-Scavenger Hunt!

Challenge yourself to really see it all!

1. Search for the 20 scavenger hunt clues throughout the program, signified with this logo.

2. Find each location (most locations are at the park; a few are someplace else).

3. Snap a selfie with the answer to the clue/ location in the background.

4. Tag Balloon Fiesta in your photo and post to social media. #balloonfiesta 5. After your Balloon Fiesta visit, scan the QR code to download your exclusive certificate celebrating your participation in the Scavenger Hunt!

@BalloonFiesta

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

we take flight at sunrise

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

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elcome to the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: Embrace the Sky! With an average of 310 days of sunshine each year, one can easily understand why so many New Mexicans and visitors marvel at our deep blue and expansive sky. The view is even more exhilarating when the sky over Albuquerque is filled for nine straight days with the color and sound of more than 550 hot air balloons.

The experiences felt, seen and heard on Balloon Fiesta’s 80-acre launch field as hundreds of balloons simultaneously inflate and launch into the New Mexico sky are simply unmatched. The 80-acre launch field provides plenty of opportunity for spectators to move away from crowds and immerse themselves in the event by getting up close to the balloons and crews.

There is something for everyone to enjoy and marvel at during Balloon Fiesta. Traditional and special shape hot air balloons launch each morning to participate in a mass ascension or flying competition. If you have never witnessed balloon pilots competing then you want to stick around on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday after the mass ascension to witness hundreds of pilots navigate their balloons from off field locations to targets on the field. You will find yourself rooting out loud and

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simply amazed at the demonstration of precision flying.

And while the balloons are certainly the stars of the show, Balloon Fiesta is always abuzz with entertainment, shopping opportunities and special exhibitions. This year all morning and evening sessions will feature a 500-drone high-tech show. Evening events are capped off with the always crowd-pleasing spectacular fireworks show.

You can also check out some new features including the “Selfie Scavenger Hunt” with clues interspersed throughout the official program, as well as new education programs in the Balloon Discovery Center on concession row.

The Balloon Fiesta’s Board of Directors, staff, and more than 1,000 volunteers, called Navigators, work year-round to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Thank you to our balloon pilots, crews, sponsors, event safety personnel and government partners who are all dedicated to the success of this spectacular event!

Welcome to Balloon Fiesta! We are so glad you are here to Embrace the Sky! Judith K. Nakamura President Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Welcome From Scott Buechler, New Mexico Production Manager for ExxonMobil

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elcome to the 52nd Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, Powered by ExxonMobil.

Balloon Fiesta is one of New Mexico’s most beloved traditions and puts on display our state’s cultural heritage and values for the world to see. ExxonMobil has supported Balloon Fiesta since 2019, has been Presenting Sponsor for three years, and we are honored to serve as Title Sponsor of Fiesta starting next year.

Balloon Fiesta embodies New Mexico’s welcoming culture and brings more than $200 million in economic impact to the Albuquerque area annually. Throughout Fiesta, hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world will enjoy more than 500 balloons – including ExxonMobil’s very own Enchanted Horizons – soaring through the skies, outlined against the picturesque Sandia Mountains.

At ExxonMobil, we’re focused on meeting society’s evolving needs for energy and essential products and reducing emissions. That means reliably providing energy and products for modern life and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Both are critical. What we do helps raise living standards around the world, and this week our petroleum products make Balloon Fiesta and our enjoyment of this spectacular event possible.

Our industry also plays a crucial role in New Mexico.

Last year, the oil and gas sector generated nearly $14 billion in revenue for the state, with 54% of the estimated tax revenue benefiting the general fund.

This economic impact translates into the creation of new jobs and funding for essential public services such as education, health and human services, and infrastructure improvements.

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As a leading producer in New Mexico, we are focused on responsibly developing the state’s resources while preserving New Mexico’s environment and unparallelled natural beauty. Initiatives like our plan to achieve net zero emissions in our unconventional Permian Basin operated assets by 2030 (for both Scope 1 and Scope 2) focus on driving industry-leading performance while still meeting the needs of society. Our work to accomplish these goals includes eliminating routine flaring, electrifying our operations with low-emission power, and expanding our methane detection and mitigation technology with a plan for continuous monitoring across all Permian sites by 2025.

As our partnership with Balloon Fiesta reaches new heights, we remain committed to supporting communities throughout our state and continuing our work in energy production excellence that strengthens New Mexico’s economy.

On behalf of our employees who live and work here, I would like to offer our sincerest thanks to the Fiesta staff, balloonists, volunteers, and local businesses for making this event a success.

We look forward to enjoying another spectacular Fiesta with you and our many other friends in attendance.

Sincerely, Scott R. Buechler New Mexico Production Manager ExxonMobil

Net zero green in New Mexico brighter energ

We are rising to the occasion ExxonMobil is honored to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®.

As a leading energy producer in New Mexico, we remain focused on developing the state’s resources responsibly and in a manner that supports the preservation of its environment and unparalleled natural beauty.

Follow us to learn moreFollow about us what we’remore doing to learn about what we’re doing doin today for a brighter for energy futureenergy tomorrow a brighter future tomorrow.

ExxonMobilNewMexico ExxonMobilNewMexico

Welcome from the Governor, State of New Mexico

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elcome to the Land of Enchantment!

Thank you for joining us for the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Over nine days, more than 500 balloons will grace the skies in one of our state’s most magnificent celebrations – and among the world’s most photographed events!

I encourage you to discover all that our state offers, whether it’s savoring our renowned red, green, or “Christmas” chile at a new restaurant, exploring the trails in our stunning state parks, or enriching your perspectives

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with a visit to our globally acclaimed museums. New Mexico truly caters to every taste and interest.

May your time here be truly unforgettable.

Warm regards, Michelle Lujan Grisham Governor of New Mexico

Welcome from the Mayor, City of Albuquerque

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ear Balloon Fiesta participants, guests, and sponsors; Welcome to Albuquerque and the 52nd Annual International Balloon Fiesta.

This festival is a pillar of our community, and a special tradition enjoyed by folks from our hometown and all over the world.

Whether it’s an early morning ascension or an evening glow, there are so many different ways to see balloonists in action against the beautiful backdrop of our Sandia Mountains. As the festival has continued to grow year after year, we’re taking steps at the City of Albuquerque to make sure it continues to be a safe and special experience for the entire family. We continue to make major improvements to the park, from upgrading electricity and wifi, to building bathrooms that flush, to adding parking and landing sites so that vendors, visitors, and balloonists can get the most out of the Balloon Fiesta. We hope you enjoy your time in the park!

We encourage everyone visiting to take the opportunity to explore Albuquerque and enjoy our unique culture while you aren’t chasing balloons through the city or hanging out at Balloon Fiesta Park. From strolling through Old Town, to hiking through our colorful Bosque, to trying traditional New Mexican cuisine at one of our many family-owned restaurants, there are so many ways to experience Albuquerque.

Thank you for celebrating the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with us!

Sincerely, Timothy M. Keller Mayor

Embrace The Sky

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Balloon Fiesta Inaugurates

“New Mexico Day”

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re you a New Mexico resident? If so, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® wants to say, “Thank you!”

This year marks the first Balloon Fiesta “New Mexico Day” – a day when New Mexico residents can enjoy all the color and spectacle of the Balloon Fiesta without paying an admission fee. The Balloon Fiesta’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to establish this special event.

“Balloon Fiesta is so appreciative of the support this event receives throughout our state,” says Balloon Fiesta President Judy Nakamura. “Allowing residents into Balloon Fiesta free on October 7 is our way of saying thank you.”

To gain free admission on Monday, October 7, adult and teen residents simply need to present a valid photo ID or utility bill with a New Mexico address. Children 12 and under are always admitted free. New Mexico Day complimentary tickets are only available at on-site ticket booths on the day of the event and cannot be purchased in advance, and no rain checks or refunds will apply.

Weather permitting, Balloon Fiesta guests will be able to see balloons preparing for flight and lifting off at Balloon Fiesta

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Park. They will also be able to view the first day of competition, where balloons fly into Balloon Fiesta Park and attempt to drop markers onto targets on the field.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Schedule of Events FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 7:00am Albuquerque Aloft (at local elementary schools) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 5:45am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 6:00am Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort 6:30am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 7:00am Opening Ceremonies 7:00am Mass Ascension 8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 10:00am Chainsaw Carving Auction 3:00-6:00pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 5:00pm Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. 6:30pm Twilight Twinkle Glow™ 7:30pm Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. 7:45pm Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 8:00pm* AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 5:45am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 6:00am Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort 6:30am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 7:00am Mass Ascension 7:30-11:00 am Fiesta de Los Globitos (Remote Control Balloons Exhibition), sponsored by City of Las Vegas, New Mexico 8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 9:00am Fiesta of Wheels Car Show (located on north end of launch field) 10:00am Chainsaw Carving Auction 11:00am Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Tour Tent, north end of Main Street) 3:00-6:00pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 5:00pm Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. 6:30pm Balloon Glow, powered by ExxonMobil 7:30pm Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. 7:45pm Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 8:00pm* AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 | NEW MEXICO DAY 5:45am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 6:00am Dawn Patrol 7:00am Balloon Launch 8:00am Fly In Competition Launch 8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 | COCA-COLA DAY 5:45am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 6:00am Dawn Patrol 7:00am Balloon Launch 8:00am Fly In Competition Launch 8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 5:45am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 6:00am Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort 6:30am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 7:00am Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension, presented by New Mexico True.

7:30-11:00am Fiesta de Los Globitos (Remote Control Balloons Exhibition), sponsored by City of Las Vegas, New Mexico 8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 5:45am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 6:00am Dawn Patrol 7:00am Special Shape Rodeo™ 7:00am Balloon Launch 8:00am Fly In Competition Launch 8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 10:00am Chainsaw Carving Auction 3:00-6:00pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 5:00pm Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. 6:30pm Special Shape Glowdeo™ 7:30pm Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. 7:45pm Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 8:00pm* AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 | KIDS’ DAY SPONSORED BY CHICK-FIL-A 4:30 am Kids’ Day Goodie Bag Distribution begins (South of the Main Street Stage) 5:45am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 6:00am Dawn Patrol 7:00am Special Shape Rodeo™ 7:00am Balloon Launch 7:30-11:00am Fiesta de Los Globitos (Remote Control Balloons Exhibition), sponsored by City of Las Vegas, New Mexico 8:00am Fly In Competition Launch 8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 10:00am Chainsaw Carving Auction 3:00-6:00pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 5:00pm Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. 6:30pm Special Shape Glowdeo™ 7:30pm Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. 7:45pm Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 8:00pm* AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show* SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 | EXXONMOBIL DAY 5:45am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 6:00am Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort 6:30am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 7:00am Mass Ascension, powered by ExxonMobil 8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 10:00am Chainsaw Carving Auction 11:00am Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Tour Tent, north end of Main Street) 1:00-5:00pm Music Fiesta™ 3:00-6:00pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 5:00pm Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. 6:30pm Night Magic™ Glow, powered by ExxonMobil 6:30pm Fiesta de Los Globitos Glow (Remote Control Balloons Exhibition), sponsored by City of Las Vegas, New Mexico 7:30pm Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. 7:45pm Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 8:00pm* AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show* SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 5:45am Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino 6:00am Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort 6:30am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 7:00am Farewell Mass Ascension, presented by News Radio 770 KKOB 8:00-noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition *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.

1. On Field - Our founder flies high, in memorium. Snap a selfie with him and the pups! Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

Embrace The Sky

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Balloon Fiesta Events Your Guide to

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Morning Events: Albuquerque Aloft Friday, October 4, approximately 7:00 AM On the Friday before Balloon Fiesta begins, balloons fly from schools in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, and Rio Rancho. Some school organizations sell food and hot beverages, making the Balloon Fiesta’s visit to their school a true community event.

Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort and Casino: 5:45 AM Daily Inaugurated in 2022 to celebrate the Balloon Fiesta’s 50th anniversary, this spectacular show uses drone technology to paint pictures in the sky featuring balloons, New Mexico icons, and more surprises!

Dawn Patrol/Dawn Patrol Show presented

by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Park Daily 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 that has been part of the Balloon Fiesta since 1997.

Mass Ascensions/ 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 Mass Ascensions on Thursday and Friday October 10 and 11 feature “special shape” balloons.

Fiesta de Los Globitos, sponsored by the City of Las Vegas, NM Sunday October 6, Wednesday October 9, Friday October 11 This mini-mass ascension features one of the world’s largest gatherings of radio-controlled balloons. RC balloons (“globitos”) do not require a license to fly and are opening the world of ballooning to a whole new group of enthusiasts.

Competitions Weekdays In ballooning competitions, pilots use winds at different altitudes to fly to and drop markers on targets. The competitions also feature the Ring Toss, where pilots slide a ring onto a pole to win fabulous prizes! Overall winners are determined by individual pilots’ cumulative scores during Balloon Fiesta week.

New Mexico Day Monday, October 7 Thank you, New Mexico! NM residents displaying a valid photo ID or utility bill with a NM address at a Balloon Fiesta Park ticket booth are admitted free on Monday, October 7.

Flight of the Nations, sponsored by New Mexico True Wednesday, October 9 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.

2. On Field – this corridor holds precious memories, honor and praise. Walk among - where once underfoot, now at eye-level.

Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

Embrace The Sky

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Special Shape Rodeo Thursday and Friday, October 10 and 11 These special Mass Ascensions especially showcase the incredible craftsmanship, creativity, and artistry that makes monsters, critters, and just about anything else you can imagine take flight.

Kids’ Day, Presented by Chick-Fil-A® Friday, October 11 This day, a school holiday for most local kids, features special giveaways for children 12 and under, and of course special shape balloons, globitos (mini radio controlled balloons) and lots of other great activities for kids of all ages.

Evening Events And Don’t Miss!

Music FiestaTM Featuring Carly Pearce, Presented by KRST 92.3 and Swire CocaCola 1 PM Saturday, October 12 This exciting afternoon event spotlights country music superstars Carly Pearce along with LOCASH and local favorite Kyle Martin & Co. Your admission also gets you into the Night Magic Glow powered by Exxon Mobil and AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show! For more on this event, visit page 20.

Team Fastrax™ Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc. Two shows at all evening events, 5 PM and following the Balloon Glow See the daring members of Team Fastrax thrill guests with precision skydiving performances featuring flags and pyrotechnics.

Balloon Glows, powered on October 6 and 12 by ExxonMobil Saturday October 5, Sunday October 6, and Saturday October 12 The static displays of illuminated balloons known as “Balloon Glows” are big crowdpleasers and always well-attended! Special shape balloons have their own balloon glows on Thursday and Friday of Balloon Fiesta week.

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Special Shape GlowdeoTM Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11 The fantastic special shape balloons are even more fantastic in the glow of early evening! The Special Shape Glowdeo features everyone’s favorite shapes, from bees to birds to bears. Come early because this is one of the Balloon Fiesta’s most popular events!

Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort and Casino: 7:45 PM at all evening events; note that times may change due to field and weather conditions One of the Balloon Fiesta’s latest additions, guests love this show featuring hundreds of drones painting whimsical pictures in the sky.

AfterGlowTM Fireworks Show Saturday October 5, Sunday October 6, Thursday October 10, Friday October 11, and Saturday October 12, immediately after the Glows; note that AfterGlow times 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!

And there’s still more to do!

Balloon Discovery Center! Artisan’s Tent!

Main Street shopping! Chainsaw Carving!

Fiesta of Wheels Car Show! Pin trading!

Main Stage performances! And more!

Enjoy Balloon Fiesta’s many activities that don’t include balloons! Check online at BalloonFiesta.com or on our social media pages for details and times.

WE ARE NEW MEXICO PROUD

BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW Our team is fueled by a passion for building not only structures but also a thriving New Mexico — the place we call home.

Through partnerships with local organizations and active involvement in community initiatives, we strive to give back to the place that has embraced us as family. Together, let's celebrate this year's Balloon Fiesta and the promise of an even brighter future as Duke City Redi-Mix stands steadfast in delivering exceptional quality, unmatched service, and a spirit of unity to all of New Mexico.

OUR PROJECTS. OUR COMMUNITY.

@DUKECITYREDIMIX | DUKECITYREDIMIX.COM | 505-877-5777

Points of Interest Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

ADMISSION Admission is $15 for adults (13 and over). Children 12 and under are FREE. Adults, 13 years and older will be required to pay an admission charge for each morning or evening session they attend. No refunds are available but tickets for cancelled sessions may be used as a raincheck for future sessions. We have also indicated the gates that have our ticket booths.

MAIN STREET Food and Merchandise available. Booths 1-176 south to north.

ARTISANS TENT Artisans at Balloon Fiesta® is the only art and craft show found on-site at Balloon Fiesta and is free with your admission in to the event. The Artisan tent is at the north end of Main Street and features over 20 artisans selected to participate. There is a little something for everyone, so be sure to stroll through our tent and take home a wonderful handcrafted souvenir.

PARK HOURS Gates open: Morning Sessions 4:30 am Evening Sessions 3:00 pm. Gates close: 10:00 pm.

BALLOON DISCOVERY CENTER Interactive balloon exhibits demonstrate the principles of lighter-than-air flight and with hands on activities, simulations and arts and crafts.

- Morning Sessions - 5:30 -10:30am - Evening Sessionss - 3:30 - 7:30pm BALLOON RIDES Experience the joy of ballooning with a balloon ride during Balloon Fiesta. Call Rainbow Ryders at 505-823-1111 or visit rainbowryders.com.

CANTINA Located on the east side of the park on Main Street, mid-field serving drinks.

CHASERS’ CLUB This package includes: admission to the event, guaranteed seating in an open-air patio next to the launch field, food, private restrooms and access to a full cash bar.

CHASE CREW HEADQUARTERS Sign up to be Chase Crew daily.

- Morning Events - 5:30 am - 9:00 am - Evening Events - 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm FIESTA SKY BOX This is an all-inclusive VIP package that includes: premium parking, admission to the event, specialty grazing boxes, host bar, restrooms and private access to a specially designed shipping container with a patio located on the launch field.

GONDOLA CLUB Experience the event away from the crowds in a VIP open air patio. Your ticket includes: admission to the event, parking, seating, premium buffet, host bar, private restrooms, golf cart shuttle service from the parking area and more.

MAIN STREET STAGE Daily Entertainment

PARKING From the east side of Albuquerque, take Exit 233 (Alameda) or Exit 234 (Tramway) off I-25 and follow the signs. From the west side of Albuquerque, east on Alameda Blvd. and follow the signs.

Parking is $20. Detailed parking maps are available online at balloonfiesta.com. Multiple session parking passes may be purchased in advance at the Balloon Fiesta office. Please remember your parking lot name, gate color and number when entering Balloon Fiesta Park PARK & RIDE Let us do the driving! Purchase your Park & Ride tickets online and save. For hours, locations and services visit balloonfiesta.com under Guest Info tab.

REMOTE CONTROL BALLOONS These are miniature balloons powered by remote control. They are 25’ tall versus a standard balloon that is almost 100’ tall. There are round balloons and special shapes. They do not require pilot certification, can be do-it-yourself and they do not carry passengers. Just fun for all!

RV PARKS There are several RV parks at Balloon Fiesta Park.

STATUS FLAG Please check the flag on this pole for the status of the day’s balloon activities: GREEN=all flights or inflations are “go” YELLOW=flights or inflations are either on “hold” or the decision has not yet been made RED=flights and inflations for that session have been cancelled.

TAG YOUR TOTS Sponsored by KRQE News 13/Fox New Mexico Reuniting lost children with their parents quickly and safely is the aim of a free wristband plan operated by the NM State Police

3. On Field - Knowledge is everything.... the “higher ups” can keep flyers in the know.... Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

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® ® Albuquerque AlbuquerqueInternational International Balloon BalloonFiesta Fiesta 2024 2024 OffiOffi cial cial Program Program

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”

- Amelia Earhart

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8900 Pan American Freeway, N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113

Just 5 minutes away from Balloon Fiesta Park Free delivery anywhere in the continental U.S. 8900 PAN AMERICAN FREEWAY, N.E. | JUST 5 MINUTES AWAY FROM BALLOON FIESTA PARK 8900 Pan American Freeway, N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Survival Map

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GATES

TICKET BOOTHS

ENTERTAINMENT 1) MAIN STREET STAGE 2) CHAINSAW CARVERS 3) ARTISANS TENT 4) MUSIC FIESTA 5) KIDS ZONE

OFFICIAL PARK LOCATIONS A) GONDOLA CLUB B) SPONSOR HOSPITALITY C) CORPORATE VILLAGE D) SID CUTTER PILOTS’ PAVILION E) CHASERS’ CLUB F) GROUP TOURS HOSPITALITY G) BALLOON DISCOVERY CENTER H) FIESTA SKY BOX

M) OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE TENTS

SPECIAL AREAS A) VISIT ALBUQUERQUE MEDIA TENT B) BALLOON MANUFACTURERS C) VISIT ALBUQUERQUE & NEW MEXICO TRUE VISITOR INFORMATION D) BALLOON RIDES TENT E) S.A.V.E Sponsored by Poulin Design Center

INFORMATION

FIRST AID

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Embrace The Sky

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2024 Music Fiesta

™

Sponsored by 92.3 KRST Country and Swire Coca-Cola FEATURING

Carly Pearce | LOCASH | Kyle Martin & Co If you’re a country music fan, Balloon Fiesta Park is the place to be on the second Saturday of October! Every year, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®’s annual Music Fiesta hosts hot young country artists for an afternoon of music and fun. Plan to stay for the Night Magic Balloon Glow and AfterGlow Fireworks!

Carly Pearce

Carly Pearce is Music Fiesta’s first female headliner, a charttopping fan favorite who left her Kentucky home and high school at 16 to take a job at Dollywood and grew into a woman who embraces country music’s forward progression. She’s dueted with some of country’s biggest stars, including last year’s Music Fiesta headliner Lee Brice (“I Hope You’re Happy Now”, the ACM single of the year in 2020) and Chris Stapleton (“we don’t fight anymore”, which earned her a GRAMMY® nomination). Carly’s duet with Ashley McBryde, “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” earned a fistful of awards, including the Best Country Duo/Group Performance 2022 GRAMMY Award (the first time a female duo has ever won this award), and CMA Musical Event of the Year.

She went on to release “country music made me do it,” to critical acclaim, performing the song at the first annual People’s Choice Country Awards and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Carly has released four albums, including her most recent, hummingbird, featuring the title track as well as “my place” and “fault line”. She tours regularly, most recently with Tim McGraw, and is embarking on her hummingbird 2025 uk/eu tour in February 2025. For tour dates and more, visit CarlyPearce.com.

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Carly Pearce

LOCASH

Named “country music’s iconic feel-good duo” by PEOPLE, LOCASH – Preston Brust and Chris Lucas – are adding a new dimension to their hitmaking career with the launch of their own record label – Galaxy Label Group, and big plans to continue “hitting homers and serving up first-class songs,” as hailed by American Songwriter. This new era follows back-to-back high-profile collaborations “Let It Slide” (Leslie Jordan, Blanco Brown, LOCASH) and “Beach Boys,” featuring The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Bruce Johnston). Known for PLATINUM breakout “I Love This Life” and GOLD #1’s “One Big Country Song” and “I Know Somebody,” LOCASH have earned eight charting singles, two successful albums, nearly 800 MILLION global streams, and hold a history of nods from the genre’s biggest awards shows since launching in 2015.

Kyle Martin & Co

Kyle grew up in the deserts of South-Central New Mexico playing whiskey-soaked ‘Two Steppin’ music for people who work hard & play harder. It’s in his blood. On the other hand, at an early age Kyle developed his ‘Rock n Roll’ side -- a love of Rock music. Artists like Jerry Lee Lewis & Chuck Berry spoke to him. Later in life, LOCASH bands like Van Halen & ZZ Top were like supercharged freight trains of inspiration that he never forgot. Over the years he continued honing his craft until the two styles, ultimately became one! Kyle now carves a musical path all his own playing a sub-genre he calls ‘Westrock’.

The fun begins at 1 PM, and Music Fiesta fans may choose from among a wide variety of ticket options, including our “Dance Box”, a grassy area right in front of the stage for those who want to kick off their shoes and dance all afternoon! And for those who want a true V.I.P. experience, the Balloon Fiesta also offers a very special “Ultimate Music Fiesta Package” at $499 which includes exclusive front-row seating, dinner in the Gondola Club following the concert, preferred parking, and lots of other goodies. Full details and tickets are available at Balloon Fiesta gates or through the Balloon Fiesta website at www.balloonfiesta. com/Music-Fiesta.

Music Fiesta is rain or shine: no refunds.

Kyle Martin & Co.

Guests may bring chairs into the General Admission and Premier Lawn areas. Umbrellas and canopies are allowed only in the General Admission area.

Music Fiesta Ticket Options ABQ “Dance” Box - Dance and standing area only (no seating).

Ticket required for persons of all ages.

$75

Reserved Seating A and C - Ticket required for persons of all ages.

Chairs provided.

$65

Reserved Seating E - Ticket required for persons of all ages. Chairs provided.

$60

Reserved Seating D and F - Ticket required for persons of all ages. Chairs provided.

$55

Premier Lawn Area (Children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult.) $30 General Admission (Children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult.) $15

Embrace The Sky

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2024 Officers

Judith K. Nakamura

Neil Jackson

PRESIDENT

Mark Sullivan

VICE PRESIDENT

Jeff Lawrence

SECRETARY

TREASURER

2024 Board Of Directors

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J.R. Allison

Tania Armenta

Raymond Bair

Gary Bennett

Peg Billson

Jay Czar

John C. Davis IV

Barbara Fricke

Jim Garcia

Matt Guthrie

Steven A. Komadina, M.D.

Rodney A. May

Tom McConnell, M.D.

Dick Rice

Doug Schwebach

Harry Season

John Sena

Al Tetreault

Bill Walker

Ty Young

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Remembering

Marge Ruppenthal

T

In 1989, Marge Ruppenthal became the Balloon Fiesta’s second Executive Director, and with her staff improved the national visibility of the event through improved publicity and increased sponsorships. Her efforts in leading the growth of the organization helped to make possible numerous capital improvements, including the purchase of office space and the City of Albuquerque’s later acquisition of today’s Balloon Fiesta Park.

Marge retired as Executive Director in 1995, and she and Bob moved to Chama, NM, returning often to the Balloon Fiesta to greet old friends. Bob passed away in 2013 and Marge spent her final years in Albuquerque with many of her closest friends from the Balloon Fiesta’s early years around her. She finally succumbed to a series of illnesses this July, but every October as balloons fill the skies, we will be reminded of the magic she helped to create as one of the matriarchs of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

PHOTO CREDIT: BILL W. FLYNT II PHOTOGRAPHY

his summer, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® lost one of its earliest and most influential leaders with the passing of Marge Ruppenthal.

Marge was both a ballooning pioneer, one of the first female balloonists in New Mexico, and a guiding hand in the Balloon Fiesta’s formative years.

It all began in 1973, the Balloon Fiesta’s second year when Marge’s husband Bob showed up on their doorstep with a group of disheveled British balloonists in tow. The British team was participating in the First Hot Air Balloon World Championships which were held in Albuquerque. By the time their houseguests left, Marge and Bob were hooked on ballooning for life. Within months, they owned a balloon and Marge had become fast friends with a group of women, including Linda Rutherford and Pat Barz, who were to become leaders in the ballooning community. At the time, the trio were working towards their pilot certifications and studied for the written test together, eventually (so the legend goes) scoring higher than their husbands on the test. Marge earned her balloon pilot license in 1975 and began flying in the Balloon Fiesta and other events around the region.

Throughout this time, Marge and Bob were active and valued Balloon Fiesta volunteers. In 1978, Marge joined the Balloon Fiesta’s Board of Directors, serving as Board President in 1980 and 1981 and as Board Chair in 1982. Marge left the Board in 1983 (Bob joined the Board soon after and later served as President) and continued to play an active role behind the scenes.

Marge Ruppenthal (left) Pat Barz (right)

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2024 Staff

Amanda Brady

Mary Chando

TRANSPORTATION MANAGER

BOOKKEEPER

Erica Hahn

Cameron Clements

ASSISTANT FACILITIES MANAGER

Tracey Tracey Hawkins Hawkins

Curt Dahlquist

Chani Kaibetoney

CONCESSIONS & ARTISANS MANAGER

NAVIGATOR NAVIGATORAND ANDBALLOON BALLOON DISCOVERY CENTER MANAGER

MERCHANDISE ASSISTANT

Miranda Portillo

Stephanie Prendergast

Jennifer Schurman

PILOT COORDINATOR

SPONSORSHIP SALES DIRECTOR

Jennifer Garcia

FACILITIES MANAGER

RV MANAGER

Martha Gonzales

EVENT DIRECTOR

Cavell Miller

RECEPTIONIST

Jory Slingeland

SPONSORSHIP SALES ASSISTANT

CONTROLLER

Lisa Mulder

MERCHANDISE MANAGER

Ken Tuley

VIDEO PRODUCER

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Staff Not Pictured Shamaine Giannini , Paul Smith

2024 Balloon Fiesta Live! Hosts and PA Announcers Art Lloyd, Jr. & Ted Maes

Media Representatives Tom Garrity, Amanda Molina, Makayla Roberts, Gary Romero, Jenna Simon

4. Off Field - Historic wood process now “cuts” with a younger, hungry vibe. Go there – try all the things! Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

The Official ® Balloon Fiesta Live Stream!

It’s the next best thing to being there!

Watch Iive or relive every moment at balloonfiesta.com/Live-Stream or on the Balloon Fiesta Live YouTube Channel.

Every Session, Every Day!

Watch and Listen Live!

Scan the QR code for listening and viewing options

2024 Officials Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloonmeister Henry Rosenbaum

Assistant Balloonmeister Peg Billson Chief of Safety

Thomas Bueno Assistant Chief of Safety

Mike Garcia Safety Officials Neida Courtney Bueno Henry Gabaldon Pat Grogan Alex Jonard II William Manus Bill Noe Dale Pattyn Chuck Raskob Michael Scott Paul Suttle Dave Tennis Scanning Lead Monica Jonard Weather Officials Brad Temeyer, Chief Weather Official Don Day Duncan Dunavent Caryn Welz Landowner Relations Nancy Wertz, Chief Landowner Relations Official Wally Book Karen Brown Jim Holley Nancy Holley Larry Merry Janette Stone Orbin Stone Balloon Refueling Area Mike Chandler, Balloon Refueling Chief

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Scoring Officials Rita Brennan, Chief Scoring Official Jon Kirkwood, Assistant Chief Scoring Official Amy Asper, Chief of Targets

John Abel Joyce Abel John Brennan Melissa Brennan Mike Gilligan Sean Healy Harold Jackson Blake Jordan Patricia Jordan Carl Kinnard

Susan Kinnard Lyn Kirkwood Bob Lucero Becca McConaghy Jurgen Rimac Karin Rimac Sharon Welz Harry Wilson Pamela Wilson

Launch Directors Michelle Healy, Chief of Launch Chris Padilla, Assistant Chief of Launch Cliff Holman, South Section Lead Lynn Tillery, North Section Lead Jay Pape, Assistant South Section Lead Anna Brody, Assistant North Section Lead Steven Alamillo Joe Ballengee Zachary Bradon Bill Brennan Kat Brennan Elisa Bustamante Tom Christopher David Crossland Ethan Dixon Adam Ewert Karen Fleetwood Andrea Folk Deztini Ford Kevin French Larry Gensinger Debbie Gonzales Theodore Gransbury Bill Hurlbert Kim Kelbe Scott Lang Shawn Leonard Alice Lindsay Rachel Lujan Danny McCoy

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Lora McKown Christina Meadows Jeanie Moughan Karen Nordquist Caitlin Odom Shanya Padilla Sarah Pearson Katrin Phillips Ron Phillips Emily Pine Bill Rager Jeff Renegar Debbie Sanchez Samantha Sanchez Daniel Schulz Nicole Tagart Michael Taylor Michael Trahan Laura Virgin Rachel Wills Daniel Wilson Janice Wrhel Glenn Young

Wall of Fame

There are thousands of people behind every Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – pilots, crews, volunteers (Navigators), staff, law enforcement and military personnel, city and county workers, first responders, sponsors, vendors, civic organizations, and many others, who make special and unique contributions to the magic of balloon fiesta.

Through its “WALL OF FAME,” the Balloon Fiesta recognizes individuals whose exceptional efforts have played an integral part in the creation and continued success of the event.

The Wall of Fame recognizes: • Inductees in the Balloon Fiesta Hall of Fame • Recipients of the Heritage Award • Presidents of the AIBF Board of Directors • Balloonmeisters (the lead official in charge of flying operations) • Executive Directors, Directors of Operations and Event Directors (the highestranking staff members) There are more than 70 Wall of Fame members! Scan the QR code and get to know some of the incredible people who have made it happen for all these decades.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Official Sponsors Presenting Sponsor ExxonMobil Official Sponsors

96.3 News Radio KKOB-FM Voice of Balloon Fiesta Accident Insurance Company, Inc. Team Fastrax™ Akima Media Tower Albertsons Market Supermarket Chick-fil-A Kids’ Day City of Las Vegas, New Mexico Fiesta de Los Globitos Swire Coca-Cola Soft Drink Creamland Dairies Dairy Deep Eddy Vodka Dos Equis Import Beer Dunkin’ Coffee General Mills Cereal Isleta Resort & Casino Launch Field Pylons Jose Cuervo Tequila Tequila Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme Morning Glow Lovelace Health System Healthcare Provider Netflix Media, LLC Balloon Basket Banners New Mexico Bank & Trust Bank New Mexico True Flight of Nations Pendleton Whisky Whiskey Poulin Remodeling, Inc. S.A.V.E Vehicle Sandia Resort & Casino Drone Light Show University of New Mexico Sports Properties Balloon Trading Cards Visit Albuquerque Visitors Xfinity Navigators

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Sponsors A Virtual Receptionist, Inc. Abba Technologies, Inc. Acrisure Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program ANM APIC Solutions, LLC Arizona Tile Baca’s Trees, Inc. Begum & Cowen, LLC Bobby J’s Yamaha Bubba’s Holdings, LLC Cabela’s LLC Cameron Balloons US Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Chalmers Ford, Inc. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Coronado Center Cosmic Crisp Cottonwood Mall Culligan Water Digitool, USA Donate Life - New Mexico Donor Services Duke City Redi-Mix Encantado Technical Solutions Farmers Insurance - Rod Baca Agency Farmington CVB Federal Bureau of Investigation Fidelity Investments First Citizens Bank Fortis Construction, Inc. Frost Mortgage Banking Group Government Scientific Source Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Heritage Hotels HF Sinclair Refining & Marketing, LLC Holmans USA Corporation Hueman People Solutions Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Intel Corporation Inteli-Care JPMorgan Chase Bank Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque KOB-TV KRQE News 13/FOX New Mexico Kubicek Balloons Law Giant by Begum & Cowen, LLC LifeLearn Animal Health Lindstrand Balloons, USA

5. On Field - Swag is a must! But you must have navigational abilities; embrace a guiding light. Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

Los Suenos Veterinary Group Meow Wolf Meta Mission Linen Molson Coors Beverage Company National Park Service New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation New Mexico Gas Company, Inc. New Mexico Mutual New Mexico State University Niagara Bottling, LLC NUPAC of New Mexico Oxy USA Inc. Optiv Pinnacle Propane Preventive Pest Control, LLC Rainbow Ryders RAKS Building Supply Rally Aviation Re/Max Marketing Fund LLC Renewal by Andersen Republic National Distributing Company, Inc. RESPEC Company, LLC Route 66 Casino Hotel RPS Santa Fe County Sullair, LLC Sysco USA I, Inc., New Mexico Division Team R&S Powersports Group Team Texas The Maez Group T-Mobile USA, Inc. UltraMagic, S.A. United Healthcare UNM Health Sciences Center US Bank USI Southwest, Inc. Verizon Wireless Visit Colorado Springs VLCM Tech Westwind Computer Products, Inc. WillScot Albuquerque Wonder Bread Yearout Mechanical, LLC Zozobra the Balloon LLC

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PHOTO CREDIT: SIBYLLE MAUS

Balloon Fiesta

®

Photography Tips

Have Fun and Be Unique

Here are some tips for getting amazing images of this spectacular event!

Dawn Patrol

Now That You See What A Pilot Sees

Mass Ascension

Balloon Glow

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 Tip: Early in the morning, we suggest 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.

Imagine seeing nothing but 550 brightly colored orbs and shape balloons where ever you look. 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 detail 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

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.

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

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 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.

This sets the mood for a magical evening. Don’t miss the random twinkling lights of balloons just before the order for an ”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.

Fireworks

Getting your camera dialed-in to the correct settings 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 to 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.

The Spirit of Adventure and Exploration, whether soaring high above or cruising the open road.

THE NEW 2025 CAYENNE

GLE 580 4MATIC SUV

8900 Pan American Freeway, N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113

Just 5 minutes away from Balloon Fiesta Park

8900 PAN AMERICAN FREEWAY, N.E. | JUST 5 MINUTES AWAY FROM BALLOON FIESTA PARK 8900 Pan American Freeway, N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113

Spectator Safety Tips

Lovelace Health System is proud to be the official health care provider for the 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®.

Below is a list of helpful safety tips to help you enjoy your visit in good health:

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

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

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

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

Bring water. Stay hydrated throughout the day.

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

Clean your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover your coughs and sneezes.

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

Don’t smoke anywhere near the balloons. A lit cigarette could possibly ignite a balloon’s propane fuel tank or melt the envelope.

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

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

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.

6. Off Field - Open space, but not the field.

Same owner – get to know great water - flora and fauna. Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

* © 2024 Lovelace Health System All rights reserved. These materials may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without crediting Lovelace for use.

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Education Connection

Lifting Gases

By Wally Book for the Balloon Fiesta Heritage Committee

M

ost guests visiting the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta watch transfixed as hundreds of colorful balloons soar skyward. They quite possibly never give a thought to the invisible gas inside those balloons that allows them to fly, not surprising since they can’t see it. Simply put, a balloon just can’t get off the ground unless filled with a lifting gas.

It turns out that all you need to do to be a lifting gas is to be less dense than the surrounding (ambient) air; the air we breathe.

Capture that lifting gas in a big bag and, voilà, you can fly!

Coal-gas (also called town gas) was used by Parker Albert Van Tassel to inflate and launch his 30,000 cubic ft. City of Albuquerque Balloon from a vacant lot at Second and Gold in downtown Albuquerque on July 4th, 1882. It took a full day to inflate and then was only 2/3 full. He attained an altitude of

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

roughly 11,000 ft. and landed near Central and Rio Grande which was near what were then the local fairgrounds. It was a first for Parker Albert Van Tassel and a first for Albuquerque.

Since September of 1783, would-be aeronauts have used a variety of gases to leave Mother Earth and reach to the skies.

The Montgolflier brothers, Jacques-Étienne and Joseph-Michel, noticed that when the ladies walked by a bonfire, their dresses tended to billow up. They thought it was the smoke, but, in fact, hot air was the original lifting gas for aerostats. These brothers happened to own a paper factory in Annonay, France and began exploring flight by building large paper bags and filling them with smoke, and then releasing them. They built bigger and bigger bags and added payloads. They started with a duck, a rooster and a sheep and they survived. Originally, the plan was to send a convicted criminal for the first human test free-flight. A French

PHOTO COURTESY DICK BROWN

LEFT: First balloon inflation in Albuquerque

ABOVE: All you need to do is to contain, heat, and control the air in a big old bag, and you have the potential elements of flight.

Lifting Gases Acetylene Ammonia Coal Gas Diborane Ethylene Heliox

scientist and nobleman petitioned King Louis XVI to allow him the honor, since he had been working on the project. And so, JeanFrançois Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis d’Arlandes became the first men to go aloft in a hot air balloon without a tether.

Heating the captive air in the envelope of a hot air balloon creates a bubble of hot air within the outside ambient air. Heat decreases the density, and less density increases the lift in the envelope. Equilibrium is the precise point at which a balloon is level, neither rising nor falling. From equilibrium, heating the air inside will cause the craft to rise and allowing the air to cool will initiate a descent. A skillful pilot will learn how often or how little to heat the air to hold the altitude he/she wants to maintain. Thanks to the ease and safety and relatively low cost of propane systems, hot air is the top choice for day-to-day sport ballooning. It is one place where inflation doesn’t mean

Helium Hot Air Hydrogen Hydrogen Fluoride Hydrogen Cyanide Methane (natural gas) Neon Water Vapor Not all are used with balloons

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BALLOON FIESTA®

higher prices. It is also the choice when you want to spend a few hours flying in the morning.

The most prestigious gas balloon race in the world is the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett. A gas race is different in that the prize is won by the team that flies the furthest before touching down. In the US, where the prevailing winds are from west to east, a 3 - 4 day or more race, covering over a thousand miles, is not unusual. For these races, a different balloon and a different lifting gas is used. The balloons are typically 1,000 cubic meters in volume made of a gastight fabric to keep from losing lift. Because of its stability, the safest gas is helium. That said, hydrogen was historically the first lifting gas (after smoke) used in ballooning and was prevalent before the widespread adoption of helium. Like helium, hydrogen is lighter than air, offering significant lift without the need for heating. However, hydrogen is highly flammable, posing safety risks. Despite its drawbacks, hydrogen is utilized in sport ballooning competitions and does have a superior lift-to-weight ratio. Helium has become very scarce and therefore prohibitively expensive. Hydrogen has regained its place as the lifting gas of choice for endurance gas races.

In a gas race, ballast is precious fuel and winning is dependent on correct interpretation of available weather reports and judicious use and conservation of ballast and gas.

In a hot air balloon, you can reheat the air which has been cooling in the envelope by using your burner until your supply of propane runs low, usually in a few hours. In a gas balloon you go up by dropping ballast (sand or water) and down by valving off gas. The morning sun will superheat the gas in a gas balloon and cause it to expand. To keep the non-porous balloon from

expanding to the point of ripping open, there is a valve in the bottom of the balloon called an appendix which will allow the expanding gas to escape. That gas is not replaceable in flight so offloading ballast is how the pilot counters the effect of lift that is lost when the gas cools and contracts in the evening after the sun has gone down. At the point in the flight, when you are out of ballast, you are out of fuel unless you are willing to sacrifice valuable and expensive equipment.

Sport ballooning is a thrilling recreational activity that captivates enthusiasts around the world. At the heart of every hot air balloon adventure lies the magic of lifting gases.

Understanding the various lifting gases used in sport ballooning is crucial for both safety and performance. In this article, we delve into the different types of lifting gases some of which are employed in sport ballooning, exploring their characteristics, uses, and limitations.

Acetylene (C2H2) is used for welding and to formulate industrial chemicals.

Ammonia (NH3) is used primarily as fertilizer and for refrigeration (e.g. skating rinks). It is corrosive to many metals, and it is toxic.

Coal Gas (Carbon Monoxide + Hydrogen) (sometimes called town gas) was made by burning coal, and was generally a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane. It is flammable and toxic.

Diborane (B2H6) is a highly reactive molecule that rapidly decomposes making it difficult to study and/or use under ambient conditions.

Ethylene (C2H4) is used in the chemical industry for plastics

ABOVE: This picture shows gas balloons in various stages of inflation from layout to completely full. The Helium tanker truck is in the lower left.

LEFT: This is a night shot of small (2 ft x 3 ft) tissue paper balloons with very little on-board fuel and no payload other than the bag itself. When the fuel is exhausted, they will come down from wherever they have drifted.

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

and to control freshness and ripening of fruits and vegetables.

Heliox (He02) is combination of helium and oxygen. It is primarily a breathing gas used for medical treatment, some cryogenics and for some secret squirrel high altitude exploration.

Helium (He) is an inert gas historically used for airships, gas ballooning and cryogenics. It is becoming scarce and very expensive and is slowly being re-replaced by hydrogen which provides greater lift than helium at less expense, but is very flammable.

Hot Air is less dense than ambient air. It is the lifting gas of choice for sport balloons not designed for long distance or duration flights. The temperature is easily controlled by means of a propane burner system.

Hydrogen (H2) is the third most abundant element on earth, mostly in the form of chemical compounds and water, but there is no naturally occurring source of hydrogen in useful quantities.

See more about H2 elsewhere in this article.

Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is extremely dangerous gas becoming corrosive in the presence of moisture and mostly used to facilitate the formation of other compounds.

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) is highly toxic and flammable and boils just above room temperature. It has been used as a poison and/or chemical weapon.

Methane (CH4) is carbon and hydrogen, difficult to capture and store because it is a gas. Mostly used as a refrigerant and as fuel. It makes up 87% of natural gas.

Neon (Ne) used in lighting (advertising signs along Route 66) and has about 2/3 the density of air, not a great source of lift.

Conclusion: The lifting gases that are used most often are helium, hydrogen, and hot air. Hydrogen is a component of most of the other lifting gases. They are less desirable because, since they are not pure hydrogen, they provide less lift. Some are just as dangerous (flammable).

Thanks to Ken Tuley, Dr. Tom McConnell and Dick Brown for their contributions to this article.

Ultra long duration high altitude balloon using Helium.

Lifting Gas Gee Whiz Helium and Hydrogen are lifting gases. They have a lower density than normal atmospheric gases.

Helium • is the second lightest gas.

• is safer than hydrogen because it is inert and noncombustible.

• is twice as heavy as hydrogen, but still a good choice as a lifting gas.

• can lift approx. 1.1 kg/M3 (2. 42 lbs. /M3) at sea level.

• is expensive and not replaceable.

Hydrogen • is the lightest existing gas (7% the density of air).

• molecule is very small and will, therefore, escape from porous containers.

• can lift approx. 1. 2 kg/M³ (2. 64 lbs. /M3) at sea level.

• rises at about 20M/s (65. 6 ft/s).

• is rated at 4 on the flammability scale. Ignition can occur at a volumetric ratio of hydrogen to air as low as 4-75%. It is explosive at a concentration of 15-59%.

Hydrogen-air mixtures can ignite with very low energy input, 1/10 that required igniting a gasoline-air mixture.

For reference, an invisible spark or a static spark from a person or their clothing can cause ignition.

There is the possibility when transferring hydrogen from a storage device/tank into a balloon, for a static charge, or potential energy, or electrical potential energy, to build up along the fueling/supply hose. If this potential energy has a place that it is drawn to (a ground plane), there is less of a possibility for the energy to escape into an oxygen, hydrogen atmosphere and provide a source of ignition for the hydrogen. A ground plane provides a path for the potential energy to follow, away from a possible ignition site, and where it will dissipate.

1M

= 3. 28 ft

= 39. 37 in

1 M3

= 35. 31 ft3

= 1. 308 yd3

1 Kg

= 2. 2 lbs.

1 ft3

= 1728 in3

1 yd3

= 27 ft3

1 lb.

= 0. 4536 kg

7. On Field – Find it! Boomers’ version – before tracking devices. Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

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Honoring Sid Cutter Memory snippet from Jewel Cutter

S

peaking of “Embrace the Sky”...

There wasn’t a flying contraption that Sid Cutter couldn’t master – airplane, blimp, helicopter, balloon.

He could and did “Embrace the Sky”, as well as the machines that grace it. In most instances, Sid was more comfortable in the sky than on the ground.

Sid told many stories, and I have first-hand experience of how Sid handled “great” or “tricky” situations in fixed-wing and lighter-than-air flying machines. Sid made every flight a wonderful adventure, which makes for great memories. And Sid was so skilled and handled tricky situations with such ease that most times passengers didn’t even realize they may have been in a worrisome situation.

When Sid was teaching me to fly balloons, and for his many students over the years, his major lesson was to “learn to think about and solve the immediate situation” and worry about it later during the post-flight debriefing. So, to truly embrace the sky, one must develop the skill to handle the sky.

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

In the early days of the sport (1970s and 80s), Sid was able to accomplish some extraordinary feats of balloon piloting, many (maybe most) of which could not or should not be tried today.

These feats included flying over New York City, flying out of the Grand Canyon, flying over the Olympic Torch in Lake Placid, flying out of Bush Stadium, tethering at the World Trade Center Towers, and flying under the St. Louis Arch. These stories are reserved for future telling – each amazing and exciting.

As the founder of Balloon Fiesta, many thought it was Sid’s bubbly personality and flying skills that made Fiesta a continued success. Others knew Sid as a dreamer, as well as a doer. All agree that Sid was the right person, at the right time, in the right place, to make it happen and keep the excitement alive.

Sid’s many talents made everyone feel they could be part of the ballooning adventure. His enthusiasm was contagious and his foresight to carry ballooning into the future is still modeled across the world of ballooning today. All of this, coupled with the countless people who share a passion and commitment to the sport, and the fact that balloons indeed have a magic all their own, keeps moving Balloon Fiesta forward.

®

8. On or Off Field - From many vantage points – the final – “ooohs” and “ahhhs”.

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

A Tailgater’s History of Ballooning Fact, Folklore, or Fiction?

By Kim Vesely for the Balloon Fiesta Heritage Committee

O

PHOTO CREDIT: KIM VESELY

A typical post-flight ceremony – and history lesson! – for first time passengers.

n any day at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, if you hang around as balloonists return to Balloon Fiesta Park, you’ll most likely see a strange sight. Balloon crews gather around kneeling first-time balloon passengers. The pilot delivers a monologue (sometimes with crew members chiming in) that rambles somewhere between an academic lecture and an initiation ceremony. Eavesdrop on enough of these ceremonies, with their myriad variations of style and fact, and you’re likely to walk away wondering where reality ends and fantasy begins. Did the first hot air balloon flight take place in Paris or in Annonay, or was it Versailles? Was it the rooster or the duck that got stepped on by the sheep? And did the Montgolfier brothers really get the idea for the hot air balloon by watching women’s skirts billow up next to the fireplace?

What’s the real story?

Historians agree that the first documented manned balloon flights took place in France in 1783. In that year separate teams were working on balloon technology, one using heated air for lift, and the other hydrogen gas. The hot air team, headed by brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, sent aloft the world’s first two human skyfarers less than two weeks before physicist and Professor Jacques Alexandre-César Charles ascended with Nicolas-Louis Robert aboard the first passengercarrying gas balloon. (To learn more about these two types of balloons, check out the article on page 34.) Had Charles flown first, the tailgating tales we tell might have been somewhat different. But the hot air story is equally, if not more, entertaining.

The Montgolfier brothers, unlike Professor Charles, were not scientists by trade, but were papermakers born into a family of paper manufacturers. In this era, “scientist” was an actual profession for only a select few. Many of the great scientific discoveries of the age came from people with regular day jobs who pursued science as a hobby. For an example, look no further than

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PUBLIC DOMAIN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PUBLIC DOMAIN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Joseph-Michel Montgolfier (the scruffier brother) and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier (the nattier one), by an unknown artist.

Pilot during a first flight ceremony: “One day, the brothers noticed that when women stood next to a fireplace, their skirts lifted up. Ooh la la! They wondered, if they built a big bag and filled it with heated gas, would it rise?

True, sort of. Most accounts credit Joseph with noting that when fabric was heated over a fire, it tended to form pockets that billowed upwards. The tales vary as to exactly what fabric it was. Some accounts say it was ladies’ pantaloons hung out from the fireplace to dry. Some say it was more mundane laundry, or discarded paper thrown into the fireplace which then rose into the chimney. And some say …. Ooh la la! What version makes a better story during post-flight tailgating? Ooh la la!

Joseph Michel tested his theory by holding small silk bags over

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

fires and capturing the smoke the fires emitted. To his delight it worked. These “balloons” bumped up against the ceiling, and later models reached altitudes of seventy feet and more. Excited, Joseph wrote to his brother to “get in a supply of taffeta and of cordage, quickly, and you will see one of the most astonishing sights in the world.”

Over the next six months, the Montgolfiers experimented with balloon shapes, eventually settling on the round elongated shape that still predominates. They played around with materials, eventually using a combination of fabric lined with layers of paper for the balloon envelope. They also tried different ways of building fires to create the greatest lift.

“The Montgolfiers did not realize

Early unmanned Montgolfier balloon: note smoke.

PUBLIC DOMAIN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Benjamin Franklin, the printer, diplomat, and Founding Father who moonlighted as a great inventor.

Of the pair, Joseph was the maverick and dreamer, interested in aeronautics but with no talent for business. Étienne was the practical businessman who trained as an architect in Paris and then returned to the family home in Annonay, in southeastern France, and applied his talent for technical innovation to the family firm. In their balloon experiments, Joseph tended to be the idea guy and Étienne, leaving his shy and disheveled brother at home, pitched their ideas, raised money, and gave their work credibility to the powers that be in the Paris scientific community and the court of Louis XVI. The plot thickens, and our true/false quiz begins ….

PUBLIC DOMAIN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The Montgolfiers’ first public balloon demonstration in Annonay: June 1783.

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that heated air in and of itself would cause a balloon to rise. They believed that the smoke from the fire contained a specialized gas called phlogiston which created lift. So they filled their balloons with the densest smoke they could generate by burning old tires, old shoes, wet straw, wool, spoiled meat,)….”

Tires? Really? But the rest is true. In fact, some accounts record that when His Majesty Louis XVI and Her Majesty Marie Antoinette attended one of the early balloon launches, they could only stand the stench for a few minutes before they had to retire.

The theories regarding phlogiston were already losing credence in the late 1770s as Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier set the stage for oxygen-based theories of combustion. Scientists who stubbornly clung to the belief that phlogiston was a real substance tried to reconcile their work with Lavoisier’s, but to no avail.

By June of 1783, the Montgolfier brothers were ready to conduct a public demonstration in their home town of Annonay.

The unmanned flight, from Annonay’s town square, was a roaring success. The balloon flew two kilometers (about 1.2 miles), stayed aloft ten minutes (with no onboard fire to generate heat, the balloon descended as soon as the air inside cooled), and reached altitudes of over 5,000 feet. This event, the world’s first documented public balloon flight, is still reenacted annually in Annonay with a costumed festival and balloon ascent. Annonay and Albuquerque have a close relationship, and pilots and students from the two communities occasionally exchange visits.

With this success in the bag (pun intended), Étienne headed off to Paris to build support, and in collaboration with fellow wallpaper manufacturer Jean-Baptiste Réveillon constructed a much larger balloon, 37,500 cubic feet (roughly the size of a competition gas balloon). They took the highly decorated craft, the Aérostat Revelillon, to the royal palace at Versailles to conduct a demonstration for the scientific community and the royal court.

“The balloon carried aloft a large wicker cage containing a sheep (Crew holds up stuffed animal and inserts sound effects: baaaa!), a rooster (cock-a-doodle-doo!), and a duck (“quack,” or in the case of particularly obnoxious crew members, “AFLAC”!). When the balloon came down, the animals were okay except the sheep stepped on the duck and broke its wing (or leg, in some versions.) After the flight, the queen adopted the animals and sent them to her retreat at Versailles.”

ABOVE: Students and professors from Annonay celebrate the Montgolfiers’ achievement at the 2009 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

BELOW: The farm at Marie Antoinette’s hamlet at Versailles, built in 1783, a bucolic place for a sheep, a duck, and a rooster to recover from their flight.

Fundamentally also true. Scientists in 1783 weren’t sure men could survive up in the sky, just as scientists in the 1950s and 1960s weren’t sure men could survive in space. To find out, the modern-day Russians sent dogs into space and the Americans a chimpanzee named Ham. Chimps being in short supply in eighteenth-century France, the Montgolfiers chose a sheep, as it was thought sheep had similar physiology to humans. The sheep even had a name – Montauciel, or “climb-to-the-sky.” The rooster and duck were, of course, birds. It’s believed, but not proven, that during the landing the sheep stepped on or kicked the duck and broke its leg, the world’s first aviation quack-up. (Cue groans….)

The part about the animals being spared the dinner table and retired to the queen’s menagerie may also be true. Her retreat, known as Le Hameau, was (and still is) a rustic village and farm on the Versailles grounds that would have made a great retirement home for the world’s first aeronauts.

It was time for the next step: manned flight.

PHOTO CREDIT: KIM VESELY

“The King suggested that condemned criminals be sent aloft but was quickly persuaded that if the flight was a success, the honor of being the first to fly should go to someone of higher status. A young chemistry teacher, François Pilâtre de Rozier, was keen to volunteer, and he and a young nobleman, François Laurent, Marquis d’Arlandes, were chosen to make the flight.”

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In fact, the term “pilot” came from the name Pilâtre de Rozier.”

The first paragraph is true, the second, not so much.

Etymologists are pretty much in agreement that the word “pilot” is much older than ballooning, dating back to at least the early

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

16th century. According to etymoline.com (other sources tell pretty much the same story), the term derives from a French term, pillote, which itself comes from the Old Italian pedato, which is descended from more ancient terms including the Medieval Greek pedotes, “rudder, helmsman”, and pedon, “steering oar.” The term pilot originally meant “one who steers a ship” but later expanded to include someone who is “a guide, a director of the course of others”. Many aviation terms derive from nautical terminology; by 1848, the term pilot had been extended to one who controls a balloon, and by 1907 to airplanes. Since the middle of the 19th century, balloonists have been referred to both as pilots and aeronauts, a more poetic word of French/ Greek origin roughly translating to “sky sailor”.

The first human-crewed free flight ascended from [insert Annonay, Versailles, or Paris], with the King and Benjamin Franklin among the spectators. During the flight, de Rozier

and d’Arlandes were kept busy using sponges on sticks to put out spot fires on the balloon.”

If you said Paris, you’re a winner! The first hot air balloon flight launched from the gardens of the Château de la Muette, a royal hunting lodge and castle near the Bois de Boulogne that was a first favorite retreat for Louis XVI and his very young bride, Marie Antoinette. Benjaman Franklin had a laboratory at la Muette, and along with a young John Quincy Adams was among several Americans who witnessed the launch. The original Château and its gardens disappeared by 1926 and the site is now an upscale Paris residential neighborhood; only a plaque marks the spot where men first escaped earth’s gravity. The present-day Château de la Muette is some distance away.

The sponge part – absolutely true. The pilots stayed aloft for about 25 minutes but cut the flight short because they were worried about the persistent spot fires, not to mention tired of putting them out. They had enough fuel on board to travel four to five times farther than the nine kilometers (about 5.5 miles) they covered.

The choice of a balloon as the cauldron for the recently-completed Paris Olympic Games recognized the achievements of not only the Montgolfier brothers, but of gas balloon inventor Professor Charles. His first flight, the first in a hydrogen balloon, took place less than two weeks after Rozier and d’Arlandes flew and launched from the Jardin de Tuilleries, just steps away from the site of the Olympic cauldron.

“The Montgolfier brothers jumped in their pickup truck and headed out after the balloon….”

Balloons rarely return to the site where they take off, so somebody has to retrieve them. That was as true in 1783 as it is in 2024. Since this involved horses and wagons and no radio or phone communication, this was likely a tougher endeavor than today’s chases with motorized vehicles, cellphones, and GPS.

PUBLIC DOMAIN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

“You can imagine what those French peasants thought as the first balloons descended, belching smoke. They could only think they were seeing aliens, or demons. They rushed out with pitchforks and destroyed the balloon.”

It’s false …. and true. Pitchfork-toting peasants showed up, all right, but not for the first manned flights. Some months before, one of the Montgolfier brothers’ first unmanned experimental

LEFT: François Pilâtre de Rozier (inset image) and the Marquis d’Arlandes soar over the Seine – sponges in hand -- during the first manned balloon flight, November 21, 1783.

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balloons was destroyed after landing by the “indiscretion” of a bystander. But that “indiscretion” pales in comparison to what happened to Professor Charles and his team after one of their unmanned experimental gas balloon flights. The balloon came down onto the village of Gonesse, terrifying the local farm folk who attacked it with pitchforks and any other available farm implement and then tied it to a horse to be drug in a triumphal procession through the village. After that, court officials issued a proclamation to be read throughout the realm assuring the locals that balloons were harmless and beneficial to society. The pitchforking stopped.

“Pilâtre de Rozier later became the world’s first person to die in an aircraft accident.”

Sadly, yes. In June 1785, de Rozier and a co-pilot, Pierre Romain, were attempting to complete the first flight across the English Channel from east to west (France to England). They used new technology of Rozier’s invention, a hybrid hot air/ balloon using a gas cell for lift enclosed in a hot air envelope used to stabilize the temperature of the gas and extend the flight duration. Unfortunately, the gas being used was hydrogen, and in those days hot air still had to be generated with an open fire. Not

a good combination. The balloon suddenly deflated in midair and plunged to earth, killing both pilots. However, Pilâtre de Rozier was way ahead of his time in pioneering ballooning technology.

Hot air/gas hybrid balloons, which now use more stable helium rather than hydrogen for lift, are today called Rozier balloons in his honor. This technology made it possible (in 1999, 2002, and 2016) for manned balloons to circumnavigate the globe, a longheld dream of many balloonists.

It is said that truth is stranger than fiction, and the history of ballooning is no exception. The events in 1783 are just the beginning of centuries of aeronautical exhilaration and adventure. Given all the variations and inconsistencies in the tailgate telling of the story, it is probably a good thing that it ends not with a quiz but with another ballooning tradition: the reciting of the Balloonists’ Prayer, giving thanks for safe flights, soft landings, and the joy and camaraderie of ballooning: The winds have welcomed you with softness.

The sun has blessed you with its warm hands.

You have flown so high and so well that God has joined you in your laughter And set you gently back into the arms of Mother Earth.

These locals armed with pitchforks in Gonesse were not very happy to see this early gas balloon land in their neighborhood. Tradition says that after this incident, balloonists started carrying champagne with them on their flights to soothe landowners and assure them – by pointing to the label on the bottle -- that they were indeed from Earth.

PUBLIC DOMAIN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Let your imagination LIFT OFF at the STEAM Night

Floating with Buoyancy Thursday, October 10, 5:30-7:30

ith a ey! tw rn igh n jou f f lloo ba

Lectures and hands-on activities throughout the week.

Visit cabq.gov/balloon for our full schedule of events.

Experienc e th 10-min Vir e fee tua l R ling ea lit o y

Hours during Balloon Fiesta®: 7am–5pm Regular Hours: Tues-Sunday, 9am–5pm Location:

Monday, October 7

9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE Albuquerque, NM 87113

New Mexico Day at Balloon Museum

NM Residents present your photo ID or utility bill with a New Mexico address to the ticket booth and receive free museum entry.

Learn More: cabq.gov/balloon @AlbuquerqueBalloonMuseum @balloonmuseum

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

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PHOTO CREDIT: DON CONSTANTINE

Balloon Directory

9. On Field - Young, or young at heart – embrace the interaction; activity stations.

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

52

Abel, Jeff IMON8 Haslet, TX United States

Abrams, Nicholas COWBOY’S DREAM Albuquerque, NM United States

Adelsberger, Kurt NEW ADVENTURE Mesquite, NV United States

Adie, Martin HOPSCOTCH Edgewood, NM United States

Akin, JB 8-BIT Rio Rancho, NM United States

Aley, Dave AFTERNOON DELIGHT Albuquerque, NM United States

Anderson, Allen PIXIE STYX Minden, NV United States

Anderson, Denny J.A.B III (JUST ANOTHER BALLOON ) Ankeny, IA United States

Anger, Frank AMERICA Belden, MS United States

Appelman, Scott DOS EQUIS Scottsdale, AZ United States

Appenzeller, Al TIED TOGETHER Indianola, IA United States

Ashworth, Jeffrey SLÁINTE! Corrales, NM United States

Baca, Rodney CRUISE CONTROL Albuquerque, NM United States

Backes, Dan CONCHO Florence, AZ United States

Bacon, Josh SUN FLYER Albuquerque, NM United States

Bair, Dave BAIRLY AWAKE Colorado Springs, CO United States

Bair, Ray KALEIDOSCOPE Albuquerque, NM United States

Baird, Andrew BIG RED Dexter, MI United States

Baker, Bill CHECK SIX Longview, TX United States

Ballengee, Kelli EVIL TWIN Placitas, NM United States

Barnes, Kent BELLESTAR Murray, UT United States

Bartra, Alex AIRMOSA Rio Rancho, NM United States

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

Becker, Brian ROYAL RACER Davenport, IA United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

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

Belgarde, Sonja DADDY’S GIRL Sun Prairie, WI United States

Benjamin, Jacob CHEZ FM Belmont, ONTARIO Canada

Bertetto, Michael NERFER Albuquerque, NM United States

Biernacki, Buzz MORNING MAGIC Albuquerque, NM United States

Blizzard, Will DESERT ARURA Albuquerque, NM United States

Bolton, Ken DOUBLE TROUBLE Carlisle, IA United States

Bowman, James DOT Oklahoma City, OK United States

Braden, Kris RAINBOW RYDERS Rio Rancho, NM United States

Bradley, Troy RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

Breffeilh, Margaret CHAIN GANG Victor, ID United States

Brennand, Mike MILAGRO Tijeras, NM United States

Brindley, Andrew INTEL Indianapolis, IN United States

Brodbeck, Amanda VIVIAN Dacono, CO United States

Broker, Bill EXCELLENCE Plano, TX United States

Brossett, Gary KALOS Columbus, GA United States

Browning, Jody TATER TOT Rio Rancho, NM United States

Brunner, Pierre RAINBOW RYDERS Yountville, CA United States

Bryant, Phil S.S. AMERICA Richmond, TX United States

Buckner, Jason HALE-LUCINATIONS Albuquerque, NM United States

Buesing, Jeff BIG HOPPER Colorado Springs, CO United States

Burgess, Zach GOOD QUESTION Ashland, OH United States

Bussey, Bill YIN YANG Longview, TX United States

Buzzard, Earl BUZZARD’S ROOST Albuquerque, NM United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

Byer, Ryan HELLUVA VIEW Albuquerque, NM United States

Cabanero, Maria NO TIENE Miguelturra, Ciudad Real Spain

Caldwell, Trent LITTLE SISTER Albuquerque, NM United States

Callihan, Clare TRAVELER Houston, TX United States

Candelaria, Joe MR. BLUE SKIES Albuquerque, NM United States

Capps, Danita BUELLER Centennial, CO 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 Cuba, NM United States

Cass, Gary RED HOT Yuma, AZ United States

Cato, Josh JOYFUL Reno, TX United States

Caton, Tom TIME TRAVELER Byrnes Mill, MO United States

Celentano, Michael RAINBOW RYDERS Frisco, TX United States

Chando, Morghan RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

Chando, Patrick PATTURNS IN CZECH Albuquerque, NM United States

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

Chen, Changling SKYLARK Shenzhen, Guangdong China

Christophersen, Andrew PSYCHO THERAPY Albuquerque, NM United States

Clair, Leroy HIGH CLASS HOTTIE Carisle, IA United States

Clapp, Royce DOPPLER VORTEX McCook, NE United States

Cliver, Bubba KUBI Lewisville, TX United States

Cliver, Chris KUBICEK RACER Nashville, TN United States

Cloyd, Tim SON LIGHT Runnells, IA United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Coan, Larry DARK HORSE New Hudson, MI United States

Cochran, Tony WOODSTOCK Broomfield, CO United States

Coffing, Steve PLOT TWIST Albuquerque, NM United States

Converse, Karen PENUMBRA Albuquerque, NM United States

Cook, Kelli ACTIN’ UP Denver, CO United States

Cooper, Gary HIGH NOON Rio Rancho, NM United States

Copas, Jerry EZ-BALLOON Sellersburg, IN United States

Costa, Josep TRAMUNTANA Igualada, BARCELONA Spain

Cowen, Dave ANGEL WINGS Corrales, NM United States

Crouch, Clayton FINISH LINE Watkins, CO United States

Cuneo, Peter SPIRITS IN THE SKY Albuquerque, NM United States

Curry, Ron 96.3 KKOB Corrales, NM United States

Cusick, Jim THE REMIX Marysville, OH United States

Davenport, Richard XMAXX Ormond Beach, FL United States

Davie, Ryan TWILIGHT ZONE Rio Rancho, NM United States

Davis, Jason PURPLE HAZE Milo, IA United States

Degattis, Colin KRYPTONITE Sandia Park, NM United States

Despres, Denise BOOBOULINA Cedar Crest, NM United States

Devore, Ed PAPA’S JOY Covington, IN United States

Dickey, Bill DIAMOND GIRL Corrales, NM United States

Dickey, Frank 2ND WIND Albuquerque, NM United States

Dieringer, Nathan AIRWOLF Menasha, WI United States

Dinkler, Fred CARRIED AWAY Livingston, TX United States

Dobbs, Bill WILD FIRE Kamas, UT United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

Dolge, Suzanne AIRLOOM Albuquerque, NM United States

Doll, Penny RACING WITH THE WIND Roeland Park, KS 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

Duff, Jeff ANU Albuquerque, NM United States

Duff, Ryan RE/MAX Beachwood, OH United States

Dumke, Don FLO Florence, WI United States

Duncan, Brian COLOR ME HIGH Spring, TX United States

Dyer, JD KING AND COUNTRY FLYING FOR HEROES Saron, CARMARTHENSHIRE United Kingdom

Edmiston, Fred STARS Maxwell, TX United States

Edwards, Don HEAD SOUTH Soldotna, AK United States

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

Eldridge, Stacy TEARDROP COWBOY Rio Rancho, NM United States

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

Emry, Gordon FRESH AIRE III Norfolk, NE United States

Epute, Joe AYOBAE SPIRIT OF AWESOMENESS Boise, ID United States

Escamilla, Mariel SUMO Mexico, ESTADO DE MEXICO Mexico

Evans, Tim CREW BALLOON II Cedar Crest, NM United States

Ewer, Dan BLUE MOON Tucson, AZ United States

Fall, Darrin TURQUOISE NOISE Grass Lake, MI United States

Favero, Marcus BALLUNATIC FRINGE Smithfield, VA United States

Favicchio, Val HIGH DEF Fort Collins, CO United States

Fenske, David CRIMSON STAR Albuquerque, NM United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Ferguson, Charles FREEDOM FLYER Tucson, AZ United States

Fielding, Michael AURA Oak Point, TX United States

Fitch, Matthew PLUM FANCY Albuquerque, NM United States

Fitzgerald, William VOYAGER Lubbock, TX United States

Fitzpatrick, William STAR-TING ACT Albuquerque, NM United States

Flatt, Alex BEELINE BLUES Henryetta, OK United States

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

Ford, Donnette DESERT HUMMINGBIRD Fort Worth, TX United States

Foxenberg, Rob TAD TOO HIGH Black Creek, WI United States

Franklin, Alex RAINBOW RYDERS Winchester, CA United States

Freeman, Cameron RAINBOW RYDERS Carbondale, CO United States

Freve, Johann DESERT MOSIAC Longueuil, QUEBEC Canada

Fritze, Mark DOG ON IT Tallahassee, FL United States

Gabriel, Jason SPIRIT OF ‘76 Colorado Springs, CO United States

Galaz, Elaine SHELBY’S SUNRISE Albuquerque, NM United States

Gallant, Michael IRIS AROSE Columbus, IN United States

Garcia, Greg ELLAVATION Albuquerque, NM United States

Garcia, Jerry TENTAI THE SEQUEL Albuquerque, NM United States

Gardner, Tom AJUUA DREAMER Albuquerque, NM United States

Gauthier, Martin AIR BENDER Waterford, MI United States

Gauthier, Travis CORN NUTZ Waterford, MI United States

George, Peter GRAND BRITANNIA Oxford, OXFORDSHIRE United Kingdom

Gerhardt, Astrid TO HIBA Wilhelmsdorf, BW Germany

Giordano, Chris NMSU Glendale, AZ United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

Glas, Richard HEAD WEST AGAIN Phoenix, AZ United States

Glen, Michael ELEVATION Mesa, AZ United States

Gneiting, Scott WHO’S ASKIN’ UT United States

Godlevsky, Curt SUNWALKER Littleton, CO United States

Goldbloom, Jenn WHIRLED PEACE Norristown, PA United States

Gonzales, Michael THE JOURNEY Albuquerque, NM United States

Gonzales, Robert LOOK TWICE Coleman, TX United States

Goodman, Bill DRAGON FLY Albuquerque, NM United States

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

Gordon, Edward FREEDOM WON Austin, TX United States

Gorenflo, Mike AIR FLO Albuquerque, NM United States

Goss, Dick LAST MANGO Leander, TX United States

Gourinel, Mael BLUE FLAME Juillac, CORRÈZE France

Grabiel, Steven COSMOS Sandia Park, NM United States

Graf, Sandy AMERICAN RACER Henderson, TX United States

Graff, Gerry LOFTY Albuquerque, NM United States

Graham, Colin WANDERING ENDEAVOR Belgrade, MT United States

Graham, Sandy DAYBREAK Alta Loma, CA United States

Graham, Tim STILL AMAZED Fulton, MO United States

Grassbaugh, Robert INTERVENTION Albuquerque, NM United States

Grauberger, Sheldon RAINBOW RYDERS Minden, NV United States

Green, John INTREPID Albuquerque, NM United States

Greenwood, Eric ENTRAPMENT Albuquerque, NM United States

Griego, Jeff AMERICAN BEAUTY Albuquerque, NM United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

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Griffith, Justin BUCKEYE Albuquerque, NM United States

Griggs, Katie WINDROSE Dayton, NV United States

Grote, Matthew JESTER UNWINDZ Rio Rancho, NM United States

Gruenberg, John SANTITA Las Cruces, NM United States

Gullo, Michael MAIN SQUEEZE Bossier City, LA United States

Gunter, Ryan SKY CHARIOT Albuquerque, NM United States

Gupta, Sanjay RAINBOW RYDERS Glendale, AZ United States

Gustafson, Gus FREEDOM FLIGHT IV Arden Hills, MN United States

Haarhuis, Sanne DUTCH DIRECT Chelsea, MI United States

Hackett, Myia MYAIR FLYAIR! Albuquerque, NM United States

Haege, Brad PURPLE 4 EVER Nashville, IL United States

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

Hanks, Nancy GIGGLES AND GRINS Bosque Farms, NM United States

Hanson, Micheal RAINBOW RYDERS Greenwood, MS United States

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

Harris, Mark SEW GRATEFUL Denver, CO United States

Hartshorn, Sharon SEEKING NIRVANA Amarillo, TX United States

Haynes, Anthony ALMOST THERE Houston, TX United States

Head, Tarp HIGH OVER HEAD Helen, GA United States

Healy, Chris ABOVE THE CLOUDS Goshen, NY United States

Heartsill, Joe TEXAS RACER San Angelo, TX United States

Heartsill, Lucas BALLOON FORCE ONE San Angelo, TX United States

Heartsill, Rhett SILVER STAR Fort Worth, TX United States

Hebert, Chad MORNING GLORY Zachary, LA United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Heede, Alain NONE Lochristi, OOST VLAANDEREN Belgium

Heffron, Mike CODDIWOMPLE 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

Hernandez, Duncan MAVERICK Las Cruces, NM United States

Hettich, David LONG RUN Centennial, CO United States

Heupel, Casey BACK TO THE FUTURE West Glacier, MT United States

Hickey, Mike MAKING MEMORIES Nashville, AR United States

Hill, Bryan BASKET CASE Page, AZ United States

Hoch, Darcy HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS Milo, IA United States

Hodge, Justin OPPULENCE Los Ranchos, NM United States

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

Hoefler, Greg CAPRICE DU CIEL Chaillon, LORRAINE France

Hofheins, Mark WITH ODENS BREATH Rio Rancho, NM United States

Hoge, Peyton ZIGZAG Louisville, KY United States

Holmes, David JOSEPHS COAT Rocheport, MO United States

Holmes, Jerry DAIRY AIR Fort Worth, TX United States

Hooft, Frans MIA Schijndel, Noord Brabant Netherlands

Howes, Skip WILDFIRE 3 Colorado Springs, CO United States

Humiston, Hank FLAMEBUOYANT 2 Albuquerque, NM United States

Humphreys, Ben PURPLE HAZE Wooldridge, MO United States

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

Hutchinson, Terry UNCORKED Albuquerque, NM United States

Embrace The Sky

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

Hyde, Daniel IN-CLINE Albuquerque, NM United States

Ibbotson, Mark MY TURN Grand Prairie, TX United States

Irwin, Pat BATTLE BORN 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

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

Johnson, Jeff APACHE Yuma, AZ United States

Johnson, Randy AIR SHE GOES Albuquerque, NM United States

Jones, Chris SERENITY Amarillo, TX United States

Jones, Eileen WIND WAKER Diamondhead, MS United States

Jones, Rick POLAR DAWN Concord, NH United States

Jones, Steve TEXAS MAGIC Gatesville, TX United States

Kassam, Munir ARROW BALLOON Narok, KENYA Africa

Kaufman, Blair HEART’S DESIRE Albuquerque, NM United States

Kelly, Mike PRIMARY DREAM Albuquerque, NM United States

Kennedy, Craig CHICK-FIL-A Albuquerque, NM United States

Kerber, Rick MEOW WOLF Wayland, MI United States

Keyser, Ralph EOS Albuquerque, NM United States

Kiehle, Erik TROPICAL TWIST Meridian, MS United States

King, Mike UPSY DAISY Sandia Park, NM United States

Kious, Thomas RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

Koenig, David HOSANA PINWHEEL Menasha, WI United States

Kominiak, Scott NEON NIGHTS Corrales, NM United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

64

Krause, Shawn REALLY!?!?

Zachary, LA United States

Kross, Bob MORNING MANNA Rapid City, SD United States

Kubicek, Petr KUBICEK DEMO K Brno, Czech Republic Czech Republic

Kuller, Tim TECHNI-KULLER Mesa, AZ United States

Lard, Anthony RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

Larotonda, Carol BIVROST Albuquerque, NM

Lavoie, Michael SCHMEDLEY West Ossipee, NH United States

Lavorgna, Bruce AERODACTYL Temple, TX United States

Lawler, TJ BIG “ZIGGY” SKY Albuquerque, NM United States

Laxton, Kyle RAINBOW RYDERS Avondale, AZ United States

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

Lescarbeau, Alan RAINBOW RYDERS Phoenix, AZ United States

Liberti, Chris INFLATIO Castle Rock, CO United States

Liberti, Daniel HAPPY ENDINGS Rio Rancho, NM United States

Lindsey, Greg FLOATING AWAYSIS Safford, AZ United States

Little, Jacob FIDELITY Glendale, AZ United States

Lombardi, Steven GRANDE FINALE Edgewood, TX United States

Long, Joradan RAINBOW RYDERS Canaan, CT United States

Lowenstein, Al SUNSET RISE Albuquerque, NM United States

Lynch, Bill CITRUS Neosho, MO United States

MacLean, Tristan ENCHANTED HORIZONS Glendale, AZ United States

Mancini, JJ MR. SPRINKLES Albuquerque, NM United States

Marshall, Jimmy MORNING GLORY Sonoma, CA United States

Martens, Eric HOTSHOT Indianola, IA United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Martindell, Don DAWN SONG III Albuquerque, NM United States

Martinez, Frank RAKS BALLOON Los Lunas, NM United States

Mason, Jaybird TEAL WE MEET AGAIN Albuquerque, NM United States

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

Mast, Squid RAVEN Albuquerque, NM United States

Maxwell, Zack ONE UP Albuquerque, NM United States

McClinton, Donald US BANK Louisville, KY United States

McClung, Collin FREEDOM BREEZE Longview, TX United States

McConnell II, Tom ZIA Albuquerque, NM United States

McCord, Chris FRUITLOOP Albuquerque, NM United States

Mcevoy, Andrea CHROMA CHAMELEON McMinnville, OR United States

McGrew, Scott TEQUILA SUNRISE Colorado Springs, CO United States

Meinke, Peggy STARLITE Santa Paula, CA United States

Melton, Dave PURPLE HAZE New Harmony, UT United States

Meyer, Mark ON THE FLY Vass, NC United States

Mezzancello, Steve PINNACLE PROPANE Albuquerque, NM United States

Michalek, Gary OSLIVE VZDUCHO Lafayette, CA United States

Miller, Rusty STARS AND STRIPES Atmore, AL United States

Mitchell, Steve COCA-COLA Chagrin Falls, OH United States

Montague, Terry PATCHES Centralia, MO United States

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

Morrison, Greg RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

Moughan, Gavin REBEL ANGEL Albuquerque, NM United States

Mumm, Karalyn GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE Reno, NV United States

Embrace The Sky

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

Myers, Cody MAR’S ROVER Pagosa Springs, CO United States

Myers, Marissa NIZHONI PAGOSA Pagosa Springs, CO United States

Nakamura, Judy BOUNCE Placitas, NM United States

Naylor, Jesse ALL IN Albuquerque, NM United States

Nels, Al TUSCAN SUNRISE Beavercreek, OH United States

Newcomer, Jesse RAINBOW RYDERS Avondale, AZ United States

Newlin, Pat CLOUD KISSER V Riverton, WY United States

Nilz, Paddy MERICA Marana, AZ United States

Nutting, Rob YELLOW BRICK ROAD Ackworth, IA United States

O’Brien, Bob SEEDQUEL Waupaca, WI United States

Odom, Gary MASTER BLASTER Valparaiso, FL United States

Olguin, Paul SILVER LINING Chandler, AZ United States

Olivier, Orvin SERENITY V Sioux Falls, SD United States

Olstad, Rich BILLY BOB Hot Springs, SD United States

O’Neill, Mark CHYM FM Belmont, ONTARIO Canada

Orchard, Tim BUGS BUNNY Aylesbury, BUCKS United Kingdom

Osborne, Dwayne SKYSCRAPER Phoenix, AZ United States

Osborne, Kevin SKYVIEW Peoria, AZ United States

Owen, Brooke RAINBOW RYDERS Anthem, AZ United States

Pata, John PATA GOLD Rio Rancho, NM United States

Paulin, Jerry TREE TOP FLYER Yuma, AZ United States

Paulin, Mathew UNWIND Yuma, AZ United States

Peete, Lichelle SILVER LINING Albuquerque, NM United States

Pendleton, Craig SPIRIT TOO! Albuquerque, NM United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

68

Perrote, Juan 95.9 STAR Belmont, ONTARIO Canada

Petrehn, John ULTRAMAGIC RACER Missouri City, TX United States

Petrehn, Paul VISIT ALBUQUERQUE Howell, MI United States

Philpott, Martin AUSPICIOUS Bixby, OK United States

Pivic, Bruce MISS WYOMING Rock Springs, WY United States

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

Poole, Fred JOY Meridian, MS United States

Price, Kelly PRIMARY COLORS Rio Rancho, NM United States

Pulaski, Bob SKI LIFT Pineville, LA United States

Ramirez, Alejandro HU Apizaco, TLAXCALA Mexico

Randall, Tom ENCHANTED ESPERANZA Placitas, NM United States

Raper, Robert FALLEN ANGELS North Bend, OR United States

Raya, Shawn SULLAIR Highland, MI United States

Reed, David TWISTER Lenexa, KS United States

Reuter, Bethany STARBURST OF DESTINY Oakdale, MN United States

Rice, Brad RAINBOW RYDERS ZIA Rio Rancho, NM United States

Rice, Deborah FOXTROT Houston, TX United States

Richardson, Molly DREAM CATCHER TOO Brandon, SD United States

Richardson, Robert DOUBLE TROUBLE Rio Rancho, NM United States

Richardson, Shane WILDTHANG! Henderson, NV United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Rightley, Michael BREAKING WIND Albuquerque, NM United States

Riley, Theron CHERRY BOMB Columbia, MO United States

Robey, Samuel CROSSWIND Gladewater, 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

Roesch, Jon JITTERBUG Gilbert, AZ United States

Rogers, Randolph BEAUTIFUL WORLD Albuquerque, NM United States

Roholt, Jesse RAINBOW RYDERS Peoria, AZ United States

Rolland, Brent IRIDIS Carlsbad, CA United States

Römeling, Nils URS THE BAVARIAN IBEX Augsburg, BAVARIA Germany

Ross, John SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE Appleton, WI United States

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

Russo, Thomas SPIRIT Monroe Twp, NJ United States

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

Sabia, Chris WONDER BREAD Overland Park, KS United States

Sabin, Richard SEA BREEZE Henderson, TX United States

Salazar, Alfred IPCC Albuquerque, NM United States

Salazar, Katelyn PIXIE SPIRIT Los Lunas, NM United States

Sanchez, Ron WEGO Albuquerque, NM United States

Embrace The Sky

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

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Sandlin, Tony RAINBOW RYDERS Fishers, IN United States

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

Schmitz, Jon 5280 FLYER Littleton, CO United States

Schoone, John MIDNIGHT SUNRISE Prinsenbeek, Nederland Netherlands

Schultz, Marvin CITI RADIO Belmont, Ontario Canada

Schwemmer, Kasey MOON PIGEON Wichita, KS United States

Seay, Samuel DIVINE APPOINTMENT Albuquerque, NM United States

Secrist, McKenna LIFE’S JUST BITCHIN’ Enumclaw, WA United States

See, Glenn ITSZEE Overton, NV United States

Seeger, Anthony CAROLINA TWIST Travelers Rest, SC United States

Seghers, Jos SKY STAR Breendonk Belgium

Seghers, Stijn AIRE MARC TOO Lippelo, Antwerp Belgium

Seymour, Joe JOYOUS PLEASURES Indianola, IA United States

Shipman, Shane MAE’S MAGIC Rio Rancho, NM United States

Short, Dennis CHAMPAGNE COWBOY Broken Arrow, OK United States

Shouse, Michael THISTLE DOWN III Brookshire, TX United States

Smart, Chris DREAM RACER Roanoke, IN United States

Smart, Rex AIRPLAY Albuquerque, NM United States

Smith, Al NORTHERN LIGHTS Grass Lake, MI United States

Smith, Neal INDECISIVE Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Once the Balloons have Launched, Explore THE SAWMILL DISTRICT SIP, SAVOR, SHOP, AND SPA in the heart of Albuquerque. Within a few blocks, you can visit 28 individual local merchants located in SAWMILL MARKET, New Mexico’s premier food hall; GARDUÑO’S and TABLAO FLAMENCO in Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town; and SPA AT CHACO, LEVEL 5 ROOFTOP RESTAURANT, and CRAFTED TASTING ROOM in Hotel Chaco.

SawmillMarket.com / HHandR.com

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

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Smith, Patrick MARYLAND ONE Walkersville, MD United States

Smith, Paul SINCERELY Albuquerque, NM United States

Soffera, Janet VACATION Rio Rancho, NM United States

Speicher, Shawn GUT-WRENCHING Albuquerque, NM United States

Spinello, Michael EYE OF ENCHANTMENT Albuquerque, NM United States

Squires, Richard HIGHER DESIRE Albuquerque, NM United States

Stanke, Natasha WONDER WOMAN Albuquerque, NM 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

Stokoe, Steve KNIGHT RIDER Lutz, FL United States

Stone, Mike ORANGE! Boise, ID United States

Strasmann, David BLASER SWISSLUBE BERN Switzerland

Strickland, David SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Columbus, OH United States

Suckow, Dave AIMLESS DRIFTER Rio Communities, NM United States

Sullivan, Amanda STARDUST Fort Worth, TX United States

Sullivan, Dave CHECKRIDE Fayetteville, GA United States

Sullivan, Mark CODE RED Albuquerque, NM United States

Sullivan, Patrick THAT’S SO 70’S Spencer, MA United States

Takach, Keith TAKACH ANOTHER BREEZE Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Talbert, Elisa S.O. 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

Thomas, George TIGER PAW EXPRESS Hallsville, MO United States

Thompson, Jon RAINBOW RYDERS Phoenix, AZ United States

Thompson, Phil LINDSTRAND BALLOONS Galena, IL United States

Thornton, Floyd THUNDERCLOUD Worden, IL United States

Thornton, Ron PEANUTS 4EVER Littleton, MA United States

Tobin, Joshua AIRE-N GO BRAGH Belen, NM United States

Trillanes, Mark PHAT STUFF Albuquerque, NM United States

Turner, Geoff RISEN Ashville, NY United States

Van Dyck, Chris ZEPHYR Albuquerque, NM United States

Van Sant, Kurt BURNING DESIRE Albuquerque, NM United States

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

Vandehoef, Cynthia LITTLE COLORADO Broomfield, CO United States

Vandehoef, Ed COLORADO 2 Broomfield, CO United States

VanWye, Sandra VOLCANIC MOTION Albuquerque, NM United States

Vavra, Will GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE Reno, NV United States

Vencel, Travis UNM Bloomington, IN United States

Embrace The Sky

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

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Vereb, Fred GOTTAFLYFUN Tampa, FL United States

Vesely, Scott LIGHTHOUSE BUSINESS INFORMATION SOLUTIONS, LLC Frisco, TX United States

Voorhees, Mike CRYPTONAUT Albuquerque, NM United States

Vyver, Zende SUNDANCE BALLOONS Belmont, ONTARIO Canada

Wadley, Mike TEXAS SUN Weldon Spring, MO United States

Wadsworth, William RICKY BOBBY Albuquerque, NM United States

Wahl, John KOLIBRI Edgewood, NM United States

Wall, Cameron GRANDMA’S LEGACY Enumclaw, WA United States

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

Walsh, Dan LAST CHANCE Redlands, CA United States

Watson, Barney COOL BEANS!!

Placitas, NM United States

Watters, Philippe SUNDANCE BALLOONS Belmont, ONTARIO Canada

Wehner, Chuck BOTTOM’S UP Rio Rancho, NM United States

Welz, Zerek GUILTY Albuquerque, NM United States

West, Kay SUNDOG Sioux Falls, SD United States

West, Mark RED, WHITE AND POOH Orlando, FL United States

Whisenhunt, Jake DUB-L UP Rio Rancho, NM United States

Whitby, Gary DEJA BLU Columbia, MO United States

White, Cheri TOUCHSTONE RACER Austin, TX United States

Whiteman, Kimberly FLAME BUOYANT Kamas, UT United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Official Dairy Products of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta ®

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Balloon Directory

Whiting, Mark BIG TOP Lone Tree, CO United States

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

Wiley, Sam WILEY COYOTE San Marcos, TX United States

Williams, Jim PIX Katy, TX United States

Williams, Lewin SPLIT-TAIL Reno, NV United States

Wilson, Johnny JAW’S Rio Rancho, NM United States

Wismer, Jack JACK FM Belmont, ONTARIO Canada

Wolfe, Jonathan INFINITUDE Albuquerque, NM United States

Wolters, Jim DREAMBOAT Holts Summit, MO United States

Wong, Dale URSA MINOR Rancho Cucamonga, CA United States

Wood, Bruce OTTR Carbondale, CO United States

Word, Glen LOOPHOLE Anthony, NM United States

Word, Truman TOUCH OF MAGIC El Paso, TX United States

Wright , Thomas UNCHAINED Albuquerque, NM United States

Yocom, Mark AIR ROCKY TOP Albuquerque, NM United States

Zamora, Loretta SAKI BOMBER Albuquerque, NM United States

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Zielinski, Alan FEATHERLIGHT II Niles, IL United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Zimmer, Jesse KANDY LAND Rio Rancho, NM United States

Zvada, Joe TAPESTRY SUPREME McAllen, TX United States

2024 ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA®

PROUDLY SPONSORING

Morning Glow 3 Albuquerque Locations 7309 Ellison Rd. NW 2270 Wyoming Blvd. NE 2670 Coors Blvd. NW

FREE

ORIGINAL GLAZED® DOZEN WHEN YOU BUY ANY DOZEN

3866

LIMIT 1 (Valid any day of the week) Coupon valid through 12/31/24 at New Mexico locations only and is subject to product availability (which may vary by market). Upcharge for each specialty doughnut, specialty glazed doughnut and/or apple fritter may apply Limit one per coupon per guest visit. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Void if altered, copied, sold, purchased, transferred, exchanges, taxed, restricted or prohibited by law. Not redeemable at grocery or convenience stores. Not redeemable at hotels or casinos. Customer pays any sales tax.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Additional Pilots Ashida-Schwisow, Jamie Los Ranchos, NM United States Bair, Erin Pittsburgh, PA United States Banks, Marie Bristol, Bristol United Kingdom Bauwens, Betty Park City, UT United States Blackwell, Neal Pennington, NJ United States Blair, Charles Newark, DE United States Book, Charles Albuquerque, NM United States Boyer, Donald Belen, NM United States Breffeilh, Andrew Jackson, WY United States Briggs, Ross Rio Rancho, NM United States Burdue, Eric Whitehouse, OH United States Byrd-Dickey, Niki Albuq, NM United States Cato, Amie Reno, TX United States Caton, Roy Cedar Hill, MO United States Cheng, Cheng Peng Daxing District, Beijing China Christensen, David Hot Springs, SD United States Cintron, Marcos Tualatin, OR United States Clay, Brian Albuquerque, NM United States Coffing, Mark Knoxville, TN United States Conant, John Albuquerque, NM United States Deeney, Marian Monticello, FL United States

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Dickey, Carol Corrales, NM United States Dijk, Melis Kootwijkerbroek, Gelderland Netherlands Dorgan, Cody Blue Grass, IA United States Drummond, Linda Monument, CO United States Fan, Justin Saint Louis, MO United States Fox, Richard Boynton Beach, FL United States Fricke, Barbara Albuquerque, NM United States Garcia, Kendra Albuquerque, NM United States Garver, Philip Lebanon, OH United States Gebhart, James Indianola, IA United States Gebhart, Miranda Indianola, IA United States Gingerich, Joseph Plain City, OH United States Gneiting, Amy St George, UT United States Griffin, Daniel Fort Collins, CO United States Hallett, Chloe Saffron Walden, Essex United Kingdom Hanson, Kira Fort Collins, CO United States Harwell, James Keithville, LA United States Hays, Stephen Coppell, TX United States Heinrich, Philip Phoenix, AZ United States Hiben, Eric Lagrange, GA United States Hooper, Jerry Corpus Christi, TX United States

Hu, Xiliang Lianyungang, Jiangsu China Jay, Kenneth Moberly, MO United States Johnson, Michael Mitchell, NE United States Johnson, Victor Prosser, WA United States Jones, Gary Diamondhead, MS United States Karlovec, Frank Scottsdale, AZ United States Keaveny, Robert Rio Rancho, NM United States Kent, Evelyn Colorado Springs, CO United States Kirgiss, Randy Gray, TN United States Koch, Brian Byrnes Mill, MO United States Krause, Shawn Zachary, LA United States Lang, Neil West Des Moines, IA United States Larson, Martin Rapid City, SD United States Le, Nghia Danang, Ngu Hanh Son Vietnam Lensu, Vesa Jyväskylä, Keski-Suomi Finland Levesque, Philippe Longueuil, QC Canada Lindsey, S Safford, AZ United States Loeffler, Steven Albuquerque, NM United States Luster, Erica Rancho Mission Viejo, CA United States Mares, John Albuquerque, NM United States Maughan, Stephanie Wentzville, MO United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Mcallaster, Fredric Albuquerque, NM United States McClinton, Donald Prospect, KY United States McDaniel, Jett Ridge Spring, SC United States Mckinley, Barbara Siler City, NC United States Midura, Timothy Marshallville, OH United States Moncrief, Robert Rio Rancho, NM United States Msuya, Sebastian Belmont, Ontario Canada Mueller, Roman Haerkingen, Solothurn Switzerland Myklebust, Randal Rio Rancho, NM United States Nels, Andrew Smyrna, GA United States Newlin, Patricia Riverton, WY United States Nichols, Steven Aldershot, Surrey United Kingdom Pascual Cabañero, Guillermo Miguelturra, Ciudad Real / CLM Spain Phelan, Teresa Lincoln, IL United States Piper, John Pearl River, NY United States Price, Jessica Rio Rancho, NM United States Procopio, Peter Gallup, NM United States Quintana, Jacob Albuquerque, NM United States

Quintana, Jacob Albuquerque, NM United States Regan, James Kensington, CT United States Reineke, Kathy Mahomet, IL United States Reynolds, Brett Payson, UT United States Riordan, Timothy Fishkill, NY United States Rödder, Dustin Freudenberg, NW Germany Rose, Kirke Phoenix, AZ United States Ruffner, Mark Albquerque, NM United States Schettler, John St Louis, MO United States Schraufnagel, Andrew Sheboygan Falls, WI United States Sewell, Robert Reno, NV United States Shamo, Shelena Orem, UT United States Shane, Michael North Ogden, UT United States Skinner, Jobe San Angelo, TX United States Slayton, Kenton Hodgenville, KY United States Smith, Cody Fort Worth, TX United States Spicer, Todd Danville, IL United States Stell, Greg Tulsa, OK United States

Stokoe, Mark Westerham, Kent United Kingdom Strutz, Joseph Brighton, MI United States Suttle, Penny Strasburg, OH United States Thomas, James Wallsend, NSW Australia Thompson, Luke Pella, IA United States Trzebiatowski, Jeffrey Prosser, WI United States Turner, Stephen Sandy Springs,, GA United States Van Sant, Kurt Albuquerque, NM United States Vertrees, Victoria Brea, CA United States Vonka, Jan Wargrave, Berkshire United Kingdom Wadsworth, Mathew Rio Rancho, NM United States Waner, Andy El Paso, TX United States Watkins, Lilly Washington, UT United States Watkins, Owen West Chester, PA United States White, Devin College Place, WA United States Withers, Stephen Bristol, South Glos United Kingdom Wohlwend, James Lakeland, MN United States Woller, Steve Lake Tomahawk, WI United States

10. On Field – before dawn’s early light, or maybe after dusk; coordinated tech – art in motion. Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

®

PHOTO CREDIT: SCOTT HUGHES

Special Shape Directory

11. On Field – A good active, SE corner view to contest W’s and L’s.

Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

Embrace The Sky

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Special Shape Directory

Adler, David BUD E BEAVER Yuma, AZ United States

Almeida, Ricardo MACAW RED Boituva, São Paulo Brazil

Ary, George STEGGY Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo Brazil

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

Assis, Luiz JOTA BALLOON Cesário Lange, São Paulo Brazil

Audenaert, Filip HUG A BEAR Waasmunster Belgium

August, Joe CONAIR Newport Beach, CA United States

Ballinger, Barry IN THE BUFF Lubbock, TX United States

Bard, Alain MÉTÉO Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Bennett, Brian SPUNKY Agency, IA United States

Bennett, Jeff TALL STEVE Tulsa, OK United States

Bishop, Trent DARTH VADER Columbus, OH United States

Bowles, Philip DUMA Chippenham, Whiltshire United Kingdom

Bramble, Zac POLICE DOG Provo, UT United States

Brown, Toby KERMIE THE FROG Denver, CO United States

Burdue, Brad SPACE COWBOY Whitehouse, OH United States

Burrows, Paul BELLA THE BULLDOG Failand United Kingdom

Campanale, Frank CAROUSEL Orchard Lake, MI United States

Carlton, Dean WAGZ Danville, IL United States

Carlton, Ryan BARX Danville, IL United States

Cassell, James BEAGLE MAXIMUS Albuquerque, NM United States

Cavin, John YELLOW HAWK Indialantic, FL United States

Cesnik, Luke FREEDOM FLIGHT V Caldwell, ID United States

Chase, Brian BILLY THE KID Moscow, PA United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Cox, Jordan CHRIS P. BACON Carmel, IN United States

Cox, Justin IVO Carmel, IA United States

Davison, Neil BALLOONAFUL SUNRISE Phoenix, AZ United States

DeGraff, Trudy CUTIE DINK Corrales, NM United States

Dieringer, Aaron SUSHI Reno, NV United States

Dillbeck, Ricky ARMADILLO-SHERIFF Interlachen, FL United States

Dunrud, David LAWRENCE BEAR Geyserville, CA United States

Ferland, Jean TICO THE SLOTH Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec Canada

Fogue, Vicki BUZZY Columbia, MO United States

Ford, Mike AMELIA BEARHART Fort Worth, TX United States

Forenz, Tom SHE’S A LADY Georgetown, CO United States

Gaidzik, Alexandra ONDY Bad Wildungen, Hessen Germany

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

Gebhart, Aaron TINY FIRE DOG Indianola, IA United States

Graham, Colin THE BRAIN Belgrade, MT United States

Haliczer, Jeff OFF THE WALL Gallup, NM United States

Hlebechuk, Kristopher PUDDLES Wasilla, AK United States

Holly, Andrew PICO Somerset United Kingdom

Hooper, Lee ASTRO THE ALIEN Radstock, Somerset United Kingdom

Hooper, Roger ALLYCORN Hutchinson Island, FL United States

Jaques, Tyler PIGASUS Battle Creek, MI United States

Jennings, Rex BABY T-REX Vernal, UT United States

Johnson, Mike SNOBIRD Mitchell, NE United States

Justo, João Do MACAW BLUE Torres, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil

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Special Shape Directory

Karlsson, Diane BANDIT Chandler, TX United States

Kinser, Bill MILKYWAY Edmond, OK United States

Kirson, Damian XFINITY Albuquerque, NM United States

Klawitter, Mike WALLY Hatley, WI United States

Kohtz, Keith TERRY MOUSE Wayland, MI United States

Komadina, Mark STORK Rio Rancho, NM United States

Lajoye, Laurent BELZEBUTH Scy, Grand Est France

Lambert, Benoit MASTER YODA BALLOON Court Saint Etienne, Belgium

Lapointe, Wil KEYSTONE WILLY Indio, CA United States

Lawhorn, Richard HUMPTY DUMPTY Louisville, KY United States

Lawton, Jeff FREDDIE THE FOX Godalming, Surrey United Kingdom

Lin, Yuan MAZU Taitung County, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Taiwan (Republic of China)

Little, Rollie MANGO THE SEAHORSE Glendale, AZ United States

Lopes, Fábio HUNTER, THE FOX Torres, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil

Macedo, Warley DRAGON BALL X Boituva, São Paulo Brazil

Markowitz, David JUST FUN CAT Maryland, NY United States

Martin, Ian BUSTER THE BULLDOG Wotton Under Edge, South Gloucestershire United Kingdom

Monahan, Todd TIGER Queensbury, NY United States

Moore, Ashley WES THE WOLF Bideford, Devon United Kingdom

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

Morales, Ronaldo FRANKENSTEIN São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil

Naccarato, Francisco RATCHEESE Ribeirao Preto, SP Brazil

Noor, Paschal BABY CHICKEN FROM EGG Grave, Noord Brabant Netherlands

Overwalle, Peter PRINCESS NELLY Nazareth, Oost Vlaanderen Belgium

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Padulla, Jow CANDY HOUSE Cravinhos, São Paulo Brazil

Paunovski, Borche GNOME Skopje, Skopje North Macedonia

Phelan, Jim 1 DOWN 8-2 GO Lincoln, IL United States

Piendel, Richard BLASER DRUM Annville, PA United States

Pugh, Rich SPLASH Trowbridge, Wiltshire United Kingdom

Randell, William LULU Coopersburg, PA United States

Reichert, Sheryl PARTY! El Cajon, CA United States

Reineke, Dave PEG LEG PETE Mahomet, IL United States

Ribeiro, Fabricio CAPITAO CARVERNA Barueri, São Paulo Brazil

Richardson, Sean POKEY THE TURTLE Kannapolis, NC United States

Ritchie, Dale AIRABELLE, THE CREAMLAND COW Golden, British Columbia Canada

Romaneschi, Bob BETTY JEAN BUTTERFLY Peoria, AZ United States

Schuler, Jay PENCIL BOY Reno, NV United States

Semler, Jack LITTLE D Westfield, IN United States

Sevrin, Sidney VAMPIRELLA Villers La Ville, Brabant Belgium

Shrum, Tamie TE AMO Box Elder, SD United States

Siebel, Thomas D-OHTB Freudenberg, NRW Germany

Sines, Gary COCO THE CLOWN Ashland, MO United States

Sines, Jan BUZZY THE BEE Jefferson Citry, MO United States

Smith, Al TOM CAT Grass Lake, MI United States

Souza, Jose COCKOO MAG Barueri, São Paulo Brazil

Souza, Reginaldo FRANK BOY Santo Antônio De Jesus, Bahia Brazil

Stanko, Nick CHEEZY Austin, TX United States

Strauf, Marcus CLOWN Waldbröl, NRW Germany

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Special Shape Directory

Strauss, John DAZ Somerset, NJ United States

Stukas, Dan MISTER Z Central, SC United States

Taveira, Valdemir LITTLE DOG Osasco, São Paulo Brazil

Toledo, Paulinho TURTLE Guarujá, São Paulo Brazil

Van der Horst, Wim OFF YOUR ROCK’R Sebastopol, CA United States

Victor, Brian ITSY BITSY Rio Rancho, NM United States

Viner, John HYLA THE FROG North Muskham, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom

Watkins, Heather CHURRO Washington, UT United States

White, Derek MS. AUTUMN Clinton, UT United States

Wilkinson, Steve COSMIC CRISP APPLE Palm Desert, CA United States

Wooge, Scott LINDY St. Louis, MO United States

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

Yokoy, Heiko LUNA BALLOON Goiania, Goiânia Brazil

Young, Debby ELVIS TRIBUTE BALLOON Albuquerque, NM United States

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

International Pilots Almeida, Ricardo MACAW RED Boituva, São Paulo Brazil

Hooper, Lee ASTRO THE ALIEN Radstock, Somerset United Kingdom

Morales, Ronaldo FRANKENSTEIN São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil

Sevrin, Sidney VAMPIRELLA Villers La Ville, Brabant Belgium

Ary, George STEGGY Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo Brazil

Justo, João Do MACAW BLUE Torres, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil

Naccarato, Francisco RATCHEESE Ribeirao Preto, SP Brazil

Siebel, Thomas D-OHTB Freudenberg, NRW Germany

Assis, Luiz JOTA BALLOON Cesário Lange, São Paulo Brazil

Lajoye, Laurent BELZEBUTH Scy, Grand Est France

Noor, Paschal BABY CHICKEN FROM EGG Grave, Noord Brabant Netherlands

Souza, Jose COCKOO MAG Barueri, São Paulo Brazil

Audenaert, Filip HUG A BEAR Waasmunster Belgium

Lambert, Benoit MASTER YODA BALLOON Court Saint EtiennenBelgium

Overwalle, Peter PRINCESS NELLY Nazareth, Oost Vlaanderen Belgium

Souza, Reginaldo FRANK BOY Santo Antônio De Jesus, Bahia Brazil

Padulla, Jow CANDY HOUSE Cravinhos, São Paulo Brazil

Strauf, Marcus CLOWN Waldbröl, NRW Germany

Paunovski, Borche GNOME Skopje, Skopje North Macedonia

Taveira, Valdemir LITTLE DOG Osasco, São Paulo Brazil

Pugh, Rich SPLASH Trowbridge, Wiltshire United Kingdom

Taylor, Josh TBC Hartshorne, Derbyshire United Kingdom

Ribeiro, Fabricio CAPITAO CARVERNA Barueri, São Paulo Brazil

Toledo, Paulinho TURTLE Guarujá, São Paulo Brazil

Ritchie, Dale AIRABELLE, THE CREAMLAND COW Golden, British Columbia Canada

Viner, John HYLA THE FROG North Muskham, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom

Bard, Alain MÉTÉO Ottawa, Ontario Canada Bowles, Philip DUMA Chippenham, Whiltshire United Kingdom

Lawton, Jeff FREDDIE THE FOX Godalming, Surrey United Kingdom Lin, Yuan MAZU Taitung County, TAIWAN (R.O.C.) Taiwan (Republic of China)

Burrows, Paul BELLA THE BULLDOG Failand, United Kingdom

Lopes, Fábio HUNTER, THE FOX Torres, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil

Ferland, Jean TICO THE SLOTH Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec Canada

Macedo, Warley DRAGON BALL X Boituva, São Paulo Brazil

Gaidzik, Alexandra ONDY Bad Wildungen, Hessen Germany

Martin, Ian BUSTER THE BULLDOG Wotton Under Edge, South Gloucestershire United Kingdom

Holly, Andrew PICO Somersetn United Kingdom

Moore, Ashley WES THE WOLF Bideford, Devon United Kingdom

Yokoy, Heiko LUNA BALLOON Goiania, Goiânia Brazil

12. Off Field - Curated and catalogued, air-ship facts come alive!

Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

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Globitos Directory

13. On Field – not fishing, but could potentially fish out some golf balls...

Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

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Globitos Directory

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Accardi, Lysa RINGMASTER Gulfport, MS United States

Aherns, Carlette DUOCORN Albuquerque, NM United States

Anger, Frank DARTMOUTH Belden, MS United States

Bond, Melissa BUSCUIT Albuquerque, NM United States

Boston, Blythe SUNSET STALLIONS South Jordan, UT United States

Brault, Robert TAKE NOTICE Albuquerque, NM United States

Broemmer, Luke PIXELED Albuquerque, NM United States

Browning, Kate STARS OVER MY HEAD Rio Rancho, NM United States

Browning, Tyler PEQUENO PEPPERS Rio Rancho, NM United States

Burns, Sarah NOTMAX Lexington , KY United States

Burns, Stephanie BURNS BRIGHT Corrales, NM United States

Byrd, James WANDERING STARLET Albuquerque, NM United States

Carrillo, Francisco A BALLOOOON Albuquerque, NM United States

Cowder, Dale PATCHES Las Cruces, NM United States

Davis, John DIAMOND PRINCESS Evergreen, CO United States

Duff, Dylan MINI HAZE Albuquerque, NM United States

Flynt Manus, Suzi LITTLE BANDIT Los Lunas, NM United States

Glenn, Janell QUIET DESTINY Albuquerque, NM United States

Gurule, Gabriel TRUE FREEDOM Los Lunas, NM United States

Guthrie, Matt NEW BEGINNINGS TOO Corrales, NM United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Halderman, Dan SIDE SHOW Kissimmee, FL United States

Halderman, Jessica GYPSY Albuquerque, NM United States

Hanbicki, Deiter PENGUINETTE Albuquerque, NM United States

Head, JT HIGH IN THE SKY Helen, GA United States

Herrera, Toby SANDIA SUNSET Albuquerque, NM United States

Holman, Cliff ROCK’N OAK Baird, TX United States

Kerns, Michael SIZE DOESN’T MATTER Albuquerque, NM United States

Kipp, Jr., James DAUNTLESS ENDEAVORS Fairplay, CO United States

Komadina, Steve FREEDOM Albuquerque, NM United States

Lama, Preston JUDY’S DREAM Roanoke, IN United States

Lopez, Scott AIRIEL Albuquerque, NM United States

Mascone, Kristopher DEZZ Los Lunas, NM United States

Maung, Mike PORTHOLE Corrales, NM United States

Mauzy, Kevin WYLIE B Bloomfield, NM United States

May, Terri PEPPERMINI DREAM Albuquerque, NM United States

McCord, Christopher ENDEAVOR Albuquerque, NM United States

Mckay, Matt HOTSPOT Albuquerque, NM United States

Mckay, Sophie SKITTLES Albuquerque, NM United States

Merry, Lawrence KOKO ROJO II Albuquerque, NM United States

Midura, Melissa ALMOST Marshalville, OH United States

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Murner, Edward PERRY A. NORMAL Versailles, KY United States

Myklebust, Diana SKY CANDY JR Rio Rancho, NM United States

Ragsdale, Katelyn LITTLE GLORY Colorado Springs, CO United States

Raskob, Chuck PETER PORKER Albuquerque, NM United States

Raver, Skyler TWIST OF LIME Albuquerque, NM United States

Rice, Ginger BELLA SKY Albuquerque, NM United States

Rice, Jessica MINI HEARTS Rio Rancho, NM United States

Rice, Judi PATRIOT Albuquerque, NM United States

Rice, Kevin CASPER Albuquerque, NM United States

Richards, Ursula BABY BURD Albuquerque, NM United States

Risley, Bryce ZOZOBRA: THE RC BALLOON Santa Fe, NM United States

Salinas, Sergio VISIT LAS CRUCES Las Cruces, NM United States

Sanford, Michelle FREEDOM Albuquerque, NM United States

Scalco, Pamela DOLLY THE DONKEY Rio Rancho, NM United States

Smatana, Bernard SPECTRUM El Paso, TX United States

Smatana, Christopher FRED THE LADYBUG Albuquerque, NM United States

Stanke, Natasha BABY BOBBER Albuquerque, NM United States

Steward, Brad CORK THE PUPPY Albuquerque, NM United States

Steward, Michael STEGGY THE DINO-SOAR Albuquerque, NM United States

Stukas, Jake CAROLINA COLORS Winston Salem, NC United States

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Sullivan-Brown, Alyssa OTEKAH Senoia, GA United States

Suttle, Penny LIL SHAMROCK Strasburg, OH United States

Taylor, Edy BIT-O-MISCHIEF Albuquerque, NM United States

Taylor, William ?RED OR GREEN? Rio Rancho, NM United States

Taylor II, William MUFFIN Albuquerque, NM United States

Teran, Bruno SOARING DREAM Rio Rancho, NM United States

Teran, Francisco PIGGY Rio Rancho, NM United States

Villa, Elijah BILLY CRANSTON Albuquerque, NM United States

Vinson, Bradford SAFFY’S RIDE Lake Oswego, OR United States

Welz, Cadence PINKY Albuquerque, NM United States

Welz, Caryn A LITTLE GUILTY Albuquerque, NM United States

Whitney, Ryan RIP CURL Corrales, NM United States

Wright, Jeremy MINI CHAIN GANG Albuquerque, NM United States

Yob, David MINI VIVA Colorado Springs, CO United States

Zamarron, Louie ENCHANTED SKIES San Antonio, TX United States

14. Off Field – you don’t need to go to the top, but you can, 3 different ways. OR snap a pic with any of these altitude giants – wherever they may be.

Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

GLOBO GRANDE GLOBO Albuquerque, NM United States

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The victorous French team, Eric Decellieres and Benoît Havret, and their crew prepare their balloon for launch.

PHOTO CREDIT: JONATHAN MURRAY

A Race to Remember The 66th Gordon Bennett at the 2023 Balloon Fiesta

ast year’s Coupe Gordon Bennett was held at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a thrilling, coast-to-coast competition won by France’s Eric Decelleries and Benoît Havret. Relive this event through the photos on this page.

PHOTO CREDIT: BUD BETZ

PHOTO CREDIT: SCOTT HUGHES

L

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PHOTO CREDIT: DON HENDERSON

PHOTO CREDIT: JONATHAN MURRAY

PHOTO CREDIT: SCOTT HUGHES

PHOTO CREDIT: DON HENDERSON

The beginning of Decellieres’ and Havret’s 1,643-mile journey.

PHOTO CREDIT: BUD BETZ

PHOTO CREDIT: DON HENDERSON

Austrian competitors Christian Wagner and Steffi Liller make final preparations.

Americans Noah Forden and Brenda Cowlishaw head for a fourth-place result.

The ecstasy of launch: German pilots Benedict Munz and Matthias Schlegal head skyward.

NO AMERICA’S CHALLENGE GAS RACE IN 2024 The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is best known for colorful hot air balloons, but almost since its beginning, gas balloons have been a part of the Balloon Fiesta. These balloons use lighter than air gases such as hydrogen to provide lift, and can travel hundreds of miles and stay aloft for several days. In 1995, the Balloon Fiesta inaugurated the America’s Challenge, one of two longdistance international competitions for gas balloons. The America’s Challenge usually launches the first weekend of Balloon Fiesta and attracts some of the world’s finest gas balloonists.

However, most of the teams that participate in the America’s Challenge will not be able to attend, and so the race is being suspended for this year. These teams, which include most of the top American pilots, competed in mid-September in the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the world championships of distance gas ballooning. This year’s Gordon Bennett took place in Germany, and given the timing, the participating teams could not affordably ship their equipment to Albuquerque in time to prepare for another race.

The America’s Challenge is expected to return to the Balloon Fiesta in 2025.

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Did You Know?

Balloon Fun Facts

The first “passengers” in a balloon were a sheep, a duck, and a rooster.

The first hot air balloon race was held at the St. Paul Winter Carnival in 1962.

Balloon size is measured in cubic feet. A basketball is one cubic foot of air. The average balloon is between 77,000 and 105,000 cubic feet. That’s a lot of basketballs!

Benjamin Franklin was present at the first manned hot air balloon flight.

15. Off Field - Ancient story telling; hard-core, iconic images.

Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

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Hot air balloons are federally registered aircraft. You must hold a pilot’s certificate for LTA (Lighter Than Air) in order to fly one, and they are regulated by the FAA.

Every balloon is still sewn by a person with a heavy-duty sewing machine.

The first hot air balloons made by the Montgolfier Brothers were constructed from silk with paper linings. Most today’s hot air balloons are made from nylon that provides the strength to resist puncture, lightweight to reduce the amount of fuel needed to stay aloft, and fireproof.

Balloonists wear gloves partly because the oil from skin can damage the balloon fabric over time.

Balloon burners can generate 2-25 million BTUs.

The thick “seams” you see on the balloon envelope are called load tapes.

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The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® official program is published by Golfweek Custom Media, a division of USA Today Sports Media Group. For information on national advertising opportunities, special event magazine production or any of our other custom publishing capabilities, please call 941-518-7351.

Senior Director

Nate Scott nscott@gannett.com

Publisher/Creative Director Michael C. Hagmann 941-518-7351 mhagmann@usatoday.com

Designer

Andrew Dietrich Powered by

A L B U Q U E R Q U E I N T E R N AT I O N A L OCT 5-13

BALLOON FIESTA 2024 ®

www.balloonfiesta.com

Director of Sales/Golfweek/ USA Today Sports Eric Smooke esmooke@golfweek.com

Senior Director

Claire Collins ccollins@usatoday.com

Official Program Publisher of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta ®

Golfweek Custom Media is the nation’s leading publisher of highly targeted souvenir programs for our nation’s most prestgious events. For more information please call us at (941)518-7351.

Director of Sales/ Golfweek Custom Media Ted Mersch 941-201-9953 tmersch@golfweek.com

Operations Manager Jeff Habjan jhabjan@golfweek.com

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SALUTE TO SERVICE

OCTOBER 12

LOBOS LOVE PINK

NOVEMBER 16

SENIOR DAY/ HALL OF HONOR

Lobo Football REMAINING HOME GAMES GOLOBOS.COM/TICKETS

PHOTO CREDIT: JAMES BECK

Harmonizing Old and New:

The Drone Show at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

By Wyndham Kemsley

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who wander the grounds each year. As technology advances, so does the opportunity to enhance these events with cutting-edge innovations.

Enter the drone show, which became part of the Balloon Fiesta for its 50th anniversary – a modern marvel that adds a whole new dimension to the Balloon Fiesta experience. The Balloon Fiesta was one of the first major annual events anywhere to include a drone display.

PHOTO CREDIT: SCOTT HUGHES

I

n the realm of mesmerizing aerial displays, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has always been a beacon of wonder. Traditionally, the Balloon Fiesta has been synonymous with the graceful dance of hot air balloons, painting the sky with their vibrant hues and whimsical shapes. But these are just some of the flying fantasies that entertain Balloon Fiesta guests. Over the years, aerial acrobatics and flyovers, fireworks, airships, kites, and skydiving shows including Team Fastrax have all been part of the experience. The most recent addition to the Balloon Fiesta’s midair menagerie? An incredible drone show.

As the Balloon Fiesta has grown and evolved, so have the features included to thrill the hundreds of thousands of visitors

PHOTO CREDIT: SCOTT HUGHES

PHOTO CREDIT: JAMES BECK

PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE BRADSHAW

PHOTO CREDIT: JAMES BECK PHOTO CREDIT: TRISTON GARCIA

Picture this: before the sun peeks over the mountain, and folks are gathering for the festivities, a fleet of 500 drones takes flight, choreographed in perfect harmony, one with another. Each drone is a pixel of light, synchronized with its peers to create intricate patterns, showcase dazzling displays, and even tell stories in the still dark sky.

The beauty of drone shows lies not only in their visual splendor but also in their versatility. Unlike traditional fireworks, drone displays are quieter and can be customized to fit any theme or message. At the Balloon Fiesta, this means that organizers can weave narratives of flight, adventure, and exploration into the very fabric of the show. In the Balloon Fiesta’s first two drone shows, guests were treated to a visual explanation of the winds pilots use to navigate from Balloon Fiesta Park, chuckled and cheered for “red or green” chiles, got an overview of Balloon Fiesta events and New Mexico icons, loved the thundering buffalo that were part of acknowledging drone show sponsor Sandia Resort and Casino, and laughed at the antics of Roadrunner and Coyote, who have been associated with Balloon Fiesta since its earliest years.

One of the most captivating aspects of drone shows is their ability to push the boundaries of creativity. With drones capable of executing complex maneuvers with pinpoint precision, the sky truly becomes a canvas for artistic expression. From swirling vortexes to cascading waterfalls of light, the possibilities are as boundless as the imagination. Modern drones can withstand

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PHOTO CREDIT: TRISTON GARCIA

winds up to 15 miles per hour, meaning that sometimes drones can fly when balloons cannot.

Of course, behind every mesmerizing drone display lies a team of skilled technicians, choreographers, and engineers working tirelessly behind the scenes. The first AIBF drone show took place in 2022 and was a product of the cutting-edge aerial performance company, Verge Aero. The show takes around five months from initial planning to the first show of the Balloon Fiesta. This year, there will be at least one show every day of the Balloon Fiesta; a morning show every day at 5:45AM and an evening show following each evening session and Glowdeo at 7:45PM. Their work made this show an instant fan favorite at Balloon Fiesta, and they can’t wait to show you what’s in store for 2024.

As the Balloon Fiesta continues to evolve and renew, the inclusion of drone shows serves as a testament to its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s a fusion of old-world charm and innovative technology, creating an experience that is both timeless and thoroughly modern.

Whether you find yourself gazing in awe at the majesty of the hot air balloons or marveling at the precision of the drone show, one thing is certain – Balloon Fiesta is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of flight in all its forms. And as the drones gracefully take their place in our 2024 Embrace the Sky celebration, they remind us that the sky is no longer the limit – it’s just the beginning.

16. On Field – “If I was just a little bit taller” makes for good cart parking, VIPS, and families in the grass.

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PHOTO CREDIT: JONATHAN MURRAY

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Is It October Already?

Although the first Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was held in April, and the second and third in February, from 1975 forward, the event has always been held for nine days, the first full week of October.

By Tom McConnell for the Balloon Fiesta Heritage Committee /=kalendar/ | noun A chart showing the days, weeks and months of a particular year.

T

he Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® first happened in April 1972, then in February 1973 and 1974, and since 1975 in October. Now, the fleeting aromas of roasting chile and the last cutting of alfalfa hint at the coming of balloons in the New Mexico sky. And with that, one particular anticipated promotional publication – the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® (AIBF) official calendar.

In the early days of AIBF, many ideas about combining news and promotional publications with information and fun facts that might be interesting for people attending Fiesta – brochures, newspaper stories, radio and TV shows, signs, a program, a calendar, etc. were created. This article details information about the official AIBF calendar.

Sid Cutter, AIBF founder, tried many schemes to pay for the first, second and third Balloon Fiestas, but when Sid had lost enough money so that he, and his Cutter Flying Service, could no longer afford it, a committee established in late 1974, Albuquerque Mayor Harry Kinny established a committee which later became the 501c3 non-profit corporation to put on the 1975 Balloon Fiesta (which was moved from February to October that year). Charlie Hines was elected to this committee in 1975, and served as President of AIBF the next several years;

Mayor Kinney conned Mrs. Betty Perkins, who worked for the First National Bank, to be Chairman of the Board. It was Charlie who led the effort to create a calendar -- what better way to keep the public aware of the new Balloon Fiesta than with monthly reminders -- and make some money for the event. The 197677 calendar could be purchased for “whatever price you could afford”, usually about $5.

There have been 48 yearly AIBF calendars, beginning with that 1976-77 edition. That original calendar was a 30-page color, bifold, paper calendar, designed to be hung on a wall or cork-board, measuring 13” by 10”, covering October 1976 thru December 1977. Each month included written copy covering ballooning history, pilotage, balloon safety, competitive tasks, and other general ballooning information. Many local amateur photographers contributed their best photos, gratis, for this effort. Several local balloonists volunteered to help. This first calendar was a huge success. Charlie also honchoed the 1977 and 1978 calendars, with help from fellow balloonists.

TOP PHOTO, THIS PAGE: This first official AIBF calendar, created

by Charlie Hines with help from local balloonists, was 15 months, beginning with October 1976, and had explanatory text on every page.

LEFT: This is the first calendar using a metal spiral flip-style closure.

Canon’s Chief Photographer Bill Kendall was featured, as well as several local amateur photographers.

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Charlie Hines was the first boss of the new AIBF, created in 1975.

Harry Kinney was Mayor in 1975 - he saved Ballooning in New Mexico.

Sid Cutter was the driving force behind ballooning in Albuquerque, and he created AAAA, AIBF, and World Balloon Corporation.

All subsequent AIBF calendars generally followed the original format, with minor variations related to binding, size and copy.

Most photographs in the early years came gratis from local balloonists, interested local amateur photographers or non-local balloon fiesta attendees.

A group of Albuquerque balloon aficionados volunteered to take over the production of the AIBF calendars for the next several years. A rag-tag volunteer committee made up of myself and my wife and a professional photographer / medical illustrator from the UNM School of Medicine and his wife, fueled by Chardonnay, chose and produced the AIBF calendars for 1979 - 1982.

The following year, a fellow balloonist and Albuquerque professional photographer, Ron Behrmann, took over the reins of producing the calendar. In Ron’s words, he was the “Organizer for the AIBF Photo Contest and Calendar from 1983 thru 1993. My first exclusive Terrell ‘A Beautiful Year Ballooning’ calendar came out in 1986, and continued thru 2013.” According to official records, Ron was also elected to the AIBF Committee from November 1983 to December 1984.

In the 1990 calendar, there appeared a notice that AIBF was seeking photographs for the 1991 calendar, for which a photographer would be paid $150 for a cover shot, $100 for individual month photos, and $50 for photos chosen for the back cover. This was the first time that photographers were paid. For the last three decades, professional photographers, paid in one way or another, have submitted photos regularly used in AIBF calendars.

Kodak was the first title sponsor, beginning in 1992 until 2003.

After 1993, AIBF staff became the workhorse group producing the AIBF calendar in-house. Lisa Mulder explains that, for approximately the last three decades, choosing the photos for annual calendars has been a complicated process.

This involves placing all eligible photos from the various AIBF yearly categories (contests, professional and amateur photographers, file photos) in folders, checking for quality, variety, charm, appropriateness, sub-event category, etc; removing photographers names, then allowing any staff to peruse. All photos are then presented to a select internal committee of four staff and one Board member for picture culling. Votes are taken to yield a semi-final list, looking for 13 major photos (cover plus 12 months) and several small photos for edging and other bottom and side usage. After this selection process, photographers’ names are rejoined to their photos and all are also placed on a spreadsheet, including some select, small sidebar photos, and final adjustments are made. Then, off to the printer, whose staff creates the proof calendar. The proof then comes back to AIBF staff where final, FINAL adjustments are made. This final “hard proof” is sent for printing, and calendars are usually received by AIBF in July, ready for distribution and sale.

For those interested, photographs of every AIBF calendar from 1976-77 thru 2023 can be found on the AIBF website.

This year, the AIBF was “Presented” by Canon, the next level of sponsorship below Title. It was our 45th year.

-Tom McConnell, Ancient Balloonist 17. On Field - From survival to aesthetics – ear pro and safety glasses required.

Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

ExxonMobil became Presenting Sponsor in 2022

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Starry Night

Official Serigraph Posters Provide Different, Inventive Views of the Balloon Fiesta

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very year, avid collectors look forward to the release of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s® official Serigraph poster. Since 1978, artists have created their own imaginative and unique versions of the world’s premier ballooning event. This year’s poster, one of only a handful in the Balloon Fiesta’s history depicting balloons at night, is no exception.

The 2024 poster imagines what it might be like if the participants in a Balloon Glow took flight. Artist Jake Gushard writes, “Witnessing the intense flames illuminating hot air balloons is unlike anything else. I wanted my poster to capture that unique experience with the fantasy of hot air balloons soaring with the stars in the night sky.”

This young artist is a man of many talents, musical (he’s a drummer) as well as visual. Gushard has exhibited at the New Mexico State Fair and elsewhere. He is a 2020 graduate of Albuquerque’s La Cueva High School and recently graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Cybersecurity. Years ago for his birthday, his father took Gushard on his first hot air balloon ride and – a powerful coincidence – Gushard was notified on his father’s birthday that his submission would become the official 2024 poster.

Seventy-three artists submitted works to the Balloon Fiesta this year for consideration.

A five-member committee reviewed the submissions (with artists’ names concealed) and narrowed down the choices. The Balloon Fiesta welcomes artists, especially New Mexico artists, to submit their original creations for consideration. Submissions are due in mid-December and should be sent to Balloon Fiesta Merchandise Manager Lisa Mulder physically at the Balloon Fiesta’s office (preferred) or electronically via email. Each submission must also include a

hidden roadrunner somewhere in the image (can you find this year’s?). Complete details are available through the QR code.

The official posters are offered as signed or unsigned numbered Serigraph prints and as acrylic (signed) or aluminuminfused (unsigned) prints. They are available for purchase at the Balloon Fiesta Gift Shop at 4401 Alameda Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, at the Balloon Fiesta’s Official Merchandise tents during the event, or through the Balloon Fiesta’s online store, Balloon Fiesta Stuff, https://balloonfiestastuff.com/.

18. Off Field – RGACF? Browse, buy, beautiful! Long standing October tradition, but not M,T,W or Th. Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

19. On Field – One spot - so many talents – one Patriotic consistent at 5:00 a.m. happens here!

Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

The 2024

Heritage Award

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he Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® (AIBF) Heritage Award recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted Balloon Fiesta through preserving the organization’s corporate or event history, promotion, communication, or other innovations that have been shown to help achieve AIBF’s mission statement. This year’s award recognizes the ongoing contributions of former Balloonmeister and past AIBF President Rod May. Rod and his family moved to Albuquerque just before the Balloon Fiesta in 1977 and were quickly hooked on ballooning, crewing for out-of-town pilots and volunteering behind the scenes. By 1986 Rod had become a balloon pilot himself, flying his balloon, Peppermint Dream, in the Balloon Fiesta. In 1989 and 1990, Rod served as an Assistant Safety Officer, and he then became Chief Launch Officer in 1991 and Assistant Balloonmeister in 1992 and 1993. By 1994, Rod had become the chief official in charge of flight operations, serving as

Balloonmeister in 1994 and 1995.

Behind the scenes, Rod and his wife Terri worked with Frank and Pat Mezzancello to establish an on-field AAAA Hospitality Tent, sponsored by Albuquerque’s local balloon club, where Balloon Fiesta pilots and crews could grab hot drinks and snacks prior to flying. Pilot Hospitality is now located in the Sid Cutter Pilot Pavilion and serves a full flight breakfast to hundreds of pilots and balloon crew members.

Rod joined the Balloon Fiesta’s Board of Directors in 1992 and is now in his 33rd year on the Board. He served as Board Secretary in 1999, as Vice-President in the millennial years of 2000 and 2001, and was President of the Board in 2004-2005.

Rod has also served on or chaired many of the Balloon Fiesta’s committees, and most recently has championed the Balloon Fiesta’s newest flying event, the Fiesta de Los Globitos. In addition to helping with the event, Rod and his family fly their very own Globito, Peppermini Dream.

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2024 Navigators Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Thank you to the 1,100+ volunteers that help make this event possible!

Abel, John Abel, Joyce Abrams, Wendy Acabal, Alexandria Acabal, Julio Acker, Paula Acker, Scott Adams, Jeff Ahern, James Ahumada-Abeyta, Luz Alamillo, Steven Algine, Jenny alicea, alex Allen, Kirk Alongi, Elizabeth L Alvarado, Yolanda Ambriz, Anthony Ambriz, Sally Anderson, Felisha Anderson, Jeff Andrews, Linda Andrews, Tina Anello, Benjamin Anello, Sheryl Ankrum, Pamela Arballo, Vanessa Archuleta, AshLeigh Archuleta, Valerie Arias, Christina Arias, Santiago Armijo, Maria Arndt, Steve Arthur, Luanne Asper, Amy Atchley, Mike Atchley, Teresa Auble, Lorrie Auble, Richard Ayala, Jessica Ayala, Manuel Baca, Ana Back, Evalyn Bacoccini, Elizabeth Bacoccini, Kyle Bailey, Dale Bailey, Jacqueline Bailey, Ray Bailiff, Tracy Baker, Denise Balestri, Andrea Balestri, Joe Balestri, Laina Balistreri, Joe Balistreri, Nancy Balkin, Harris Ballengee, Joseph Ballenthin, John Ballenthin, Linda Banta, Victor Bapst, Lisa Bapst, Rick Barnes, Lydia Barnes, Molly Barry, Eva

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Barry, Jacob Barry, Jordan Barta, Peggy Bartholomew, Sara Barton, Brian Baxter, Shannon Beck, Debbie Beck, James Beck, John Beebe, Morgan Belfry Crofton, Ruaidhri Bell, Val Benavidez, Amber Bengston, Talya Bennett, Anne Benson, Amber Berger, Laura Bernal, Dodie Betz, Edward Beyer, Terry Bieke, Diann Billson, Margaret Birmingham, Marcia Blackaby, Gayle Blackaby, Sandy Blake, Deborah Blea, Stephen Blech, Dusty Blech, Gay Bodette, David Bodette, Susan Boehme, Debra Bogdan, Adrian Bogdan, Edward Bogdan, Joan Bond, Melissa Book, Charles Borncamp, Ginny Borncamp, Rich Bouchier, Frank Bouchier, Nance Boyle, Connor Bradley, Fred Bradley, Margaret Branch, Doreen Brandon, Zachary Breeman, Cheryl Breen, James Brennan, Bill Brennan, Jane Brennan, John Brennan, Kat Brennan, Melissa Brennan, Rita Brittain, Cynthia Brockert, Timothy Brodeur, Stephanie Brody, Anna Broemel, Mary Brown, Dick Brown, Karen Brown, Marlene Brown, Melissa

Brown, Tina Brown, Yvonne Bryant, Belinda Budde, Anthony Budde, Katelyn Bueno, Thomas Bullock, Mark Bundy, Jeanette Bundy, Robert Burkey, Joan Burkey, Michael Burney, Sarah Bustamante, Elisa Byrd, Carol Cabrera-Gomez, Yajayra Cairo, Marie Caldwell, Wanda Callison, Janna Cano, Mike Cano, Nancy Capron, Celia Cardiel, Gina Carr, Lorelle Caruso, Ayla Caruso, Dorreen Caruso, Louie Casanova, Carlos Casanova, Ettaline Casanova, Gretta Casper, Mary Casper, Terry Castillo, Misael Castillo, Steven Caton, Doyle Cavenee, Noah Cavner, David Cavner, Denise Chaidez, Alberto Chambers, Joann Chandler, Michael Chapman, Glenna Chavez, Aaron Chavez, Chris Chavez, Lawrence Chavez, Maria Chavez, Marie Chavez, Ralph Cherniak, Gary Chinnock, Martha Chmura, Brett Chouinard, Ginger Chowning, Todd Christopher, Tom Churchwell, Lori Chyo, David Ciaramitaro, Becky Ciccarelli, Michael Clark, Corby Clements, Hannah Clements, Katherine Clements, Marley Clemons, Pradelia Clermont, Jody

Cloney, Kevin Coca, Lucia Coffing, Steve Combs, Leslie Conine, Rachel Conley, Barry Conley, Kristi Connor, Linda Cook, Andrew Cook, Ellen Cook, Pamela Coon, Kirby Cooper, Matthew Cooper, Sarah Coops, Dan Corbin, Rex Corbine, Naomi Cordova, Tina Cornejo, Gilda Cortez, Rosie Cramer, Linda Cramer, Roxanne Craner, Paullette Creel, Margie Crespy, Julie Cress, Dianne Criel, Bruce Criel, Laura Criel, Todd Crocker, Matthew Crocker, Terri Crossland, David Cruz, Diana Cuales, Alan Curry, Barbara Curry, Visty Cutcher, Brian Cutcher, Dawn Daily, Fred Daniels, Kathleen Danner, Deborah Danner, William D’arco, Christine Dash, Russell Day, Donald De La Vaso, Ariel Deen Jr, Billy DeGroat, Justin DeGroat, Sheri Delle Donne, Denise Demler, Edward Demler, Grace DeRosa, Arminda DeVine, Dana Dewart, Mike Diener, Marla Dimas, Aurora Dingmann, Joan Dirks, Kristi Ditz, William Dixon, Ethan Donahoo, Wendy Dore, Victoria Doughton, Daniel

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

Dowling, Celina Draper, Jansen Draper, Steven Dunavent, Duncan Dunlap, Cheyenne Dunn, Theresa Dunnum, Suzy Duran, Michael Duran-Arias, Damian Duran-Arias, Domenica Dyck, Ron Edmiston, Patricia Edwards, Diana Edwards, Michael Edwards, Tami Edwards Witmer Patricia Eichten, Mark Eldridge, Stacy Elliott-Snoeberger, Kimberly (Kim) Engdahl, Donald Engelby, Jody Erickson, Keith Esquivel, Johnny Etzel, Linda Etzel, Randal Evans, Linda Ewert, Adam Faturos, Kathryn Felder, Josephine Felder, Timothy Feltman Jr, Henry Guy Fennell, Kathy Fenske, David Fincher-Lucky, Kimberly A Findley, Naomi Fisch, Diana Fischer, Jim Fisher, Orele Fleetwood, Karen Fletcher, Alicia Flippen, Tiffany Flores, Gary Flynn, Kathy Focke, William Folk, Andrea Foos, Peggy Foos, Russell Forbes, Ethan Ford, Deztini Fore, Tom Fortner, Kelvin Fortner, Lebeth Foss, Pamela Foxx-Chavez, Erin Frank, Ruth Fredendall, Paul Fredendall, Sue Freimanis, Schea Freitag, Clay Freitag, Sharon

French, Kevin Fuller, Mike Furber, Brenda Furber, Lawrence Gabaldon, Henry Gabaldon, Herman Gabaldon, Karl Gage, Kenneth Gaines, Donald Gallegos, Lydia Galvan, Janice Gamblin, Mike Gamblin, Polly Garber, Stuart Garcia, Brianna Garcia, Connie Garcia, Ernie Garcia, Kennan Garcia, Lorraine Garcia, Mike Garcia, Patricia Garcia, Rosemary Garcia, Sabrina Garcia, Tomas Garcia, Triston Gardner, Michael Gardner, Robert Gardner, Teri Garman, Christopher Gaulden, Joni Gauthier, Cynthia Geck, William Gefeke, Beate Gefeke, Ruediger Gensinger, Darla Gensinger, Larry Gerwin, Cheryl Gessner, Fred Getz, Paula Gibbons, Veronica Giersch, Darrla Giersch, John Gillespie, Laura Gillespie, Stan Gilligan, Mike Gilson, Diana Gladish, Jerry Glass, Steve Glassman, Elsa Glenn, Janell Glenn, MacKenzie Glenn, Richard Godfrey, James Godfrey, Rebecca Godsey, Cynthia Gomez, Julie Gomez, Richard Gomez-Vasquez, Sylvia Gonzales, Bernice Gonzales, Debbie Gonzales, Miquelina Gonzalez, Alfredo Gonzalez, Monica Gonzalez, Nancy

Goodwin, Kimberly Gough, Thomas Gradillas, Tony Graham, Rodney Gransbury, Theodore Grasty, Charlene Grathwol, Colleen Graves, Paula Greeno, Carol Greeno, Mark Griego, Rodney Griggs, Benjamin Grimes, Patricia Grimes, Robert Grogan, Patrick Groothuizen, John Grossetete, Ginger Gurule, Lynne Gutierrez, Michael Haagsma, Edward Haagsma, Teresa Hall, Brian Hall, William Hallstrom, Anita Hallstrom, Greg Hallstrom, Katie Hallstrom, Lori Hampton, Regina Hancock, Nicole Hanoumis, Terri Harden, Scott Harders, Dennis Hardison, Caroline Hardy, Scott Hardy, Selena Harrell, Jeff Harrell, Kathy Harris, Amy Harvey, Zachary Hathoot, Steve Hathoot, Trish Hawkins, Bree Hawkins, Taya Haycraft, Deborah Heacock-Reyes, Andrea Healy, Michelle Healy, Sean Heffron, Kathy Henderson, Don Henderson, Maria Hennessy, Debby Henretta, Debora Hepburn, Betty Hepburn Jr, John Hernandez, Donna Hernandez, Lorrie Hessler, Amanda Hessler, Andrew Hessler, Brad Heyde, Ronald Heyde, Suzannah Hockey, Jacqueline Hodges, Brenda

Hodges, Eric Hoffman, Gary Hoffman, Sheryl Hokanson, Glenn Holensworth, Clifford Holley, James Holley, Nancy Holman, Cliff Holwick, Cheryl Horton, D.L. Houser, Jimmie Houston, Kimberly Houston, Roy Hower, Katherine Hudak, Andrew Hudak, Maureen Hughes, Scott Hunt, Cindy Hurlbert, Bill Hyde, Raymond Irwin, Alicia Irwin, Brian Iturralde, Ray Iverson, Daniel Jackson, Eileen Jackson, Harold Jackson, Phyllis Jacob, Sarah Jacobs, Jacqueline James, Pete Jardot, Ron Jefferson, Connie Jessmore, James jessmore, peggy Johnson, Cody Johnson, Kathryn Johnson, Marianne Jonard, Monica Jonard II, Alex Jones, Bradley Jones, Raymond Jordan, Blake Jordan, Janet Jordan, Janie Jordan, Patricia Joseph, Kyle Juarros, Alejandro Juarros, Lisa Kaibetoney, Larry Kaley, Judith Kamm, Sandra Kaniho, Gary Kauffman, Vicky Keene, Phyllis Kelbe, Kim Kenis, Karen Kenis, Lexi Kinderwater, Diane King, Ann Marie King, Gregory Kinnard, Carl Kinnard, Susan Kinney, Charlotte Kirkwood, Jon

20. On Field – Look for these artistic images, like a view from above, but feet firmly on the cement ground.

Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

Kirkwood, Lyn Klenda, Diane Klock, Jaron Klock, Joshua Knight, Elizabeth Knowlton, Carol Kohlasch, Jacquelin Kreuter, Andrew Kreuter, Louise Kuehn, Holly LaCross, Linda Lamb, Kathy Landavazo, Rachel Lang, Scott Langheim, Jerry Larson, Linda Lawson, Teri Layman, Andrew Lee, Bet Lee, Jon Lemmer, Cindy Lemmer, Peter Leon, Laura Leonard, Shawn Leshner, Helen Lethers, Tim Levine, Kathleen Lewis, Darcy Leyba, Esther Leyba, Jackie Lindsay, Alice Linnell, Richard Linsky, Anna Lipford, Linda Lipford, Robin Lister, Deborah Little, Bruce Lockridge, Donna Lomas, william London, Janet Long, Sigi Loos, Rhonda Lopez, Cindy Lopez, Mercy Lovato Jr, Phillip N Lucero, Bob Lucero, Jack Lucero, Justin Lucero, Penny Luenenborg, Cathy Lujan, Rachael Luke, Victoria Lum, Brenda Luster, Roberta Luster, Victor Lyons, Mike Lyons, Nadine Maestas-Wimpy, Anthony Maestas-Wimpy, Michael Magnuson, Nels Mangus Wenger, Lora Manix, Terasa Manus, William March, Victoria Marciszewski, Dawn Marciszewski, Gary Marciszewski, Scott

Marino, Conni Martin, Thomas Martinez, Alice Martinez, Andrea Martinez, Angelica Martinez, Candace Martinez, Francisco Martinez, Guadalupe Martinez, Lucy Martinez, Rose Martinez, Victoria Mason, Tricia Mathena, Tara Mathews, Dave Maus, Isabell Maus, Sibylle Maxwell, Nancy Mayfield, Graham Mazzella, Lisa McAfee, Susan McClure, Kelly McComb, Twyla McConaghy, Becca McConaghy, Suzanne McConahy, Kyle McConnell, Amy McConnell, Mark McConnell, Suze McConnell, Maureen McCoy, Danny McCurdy, Donald McCurdy, Matthew McDermott, Diane McDermott, Shelly McKenna, Lourdes Mckeown, Sharon McKinney, Kristi McKinney, Robert McKown, Lora Mclaughlin, Michael McMichael, Kathleen McNally, Diane Meadows, Christina Medina, Barbara Medina, Naomi Medina, Paris Medina Pineda, Loretta Meiseles, Nay Mejia, Mercedes Melgaard, David Melvin, Jennifer Melvin, Scott Mendoza, Bernice Merry, Lawrence Meyer, Cathy Meyer, Richard Mezzancello, Patricia Mickelson, Holly Mickelson, Joe Micker, Pam Miehls, Laura Miller, Tammra Million, Carol Miranda, Mairiene Miranda, Mike Moeller, Jeff Moeller, Melodee Moerch, Marta

Monaghan, Daniel Montana, Jan Montana, Ruben Montelongo, Brenda Montoya, Cyndi Montoya, Michael Montoya, Ronald Mooney, Darla Moore, Brenna Moot, Donna Moran, Michael Moran, Norma Morgan, Denise Morgan, James Morgenstern, Howard Morgenstern, Judy MorReynosa, Nancy Morrison, Blair Morton, Karen Moughan, Jeanie Mui, Rudy Mulder, Gillian Mulder, Glendora Mulder, James Mulder, John Mulder, Mackenzie Mulder, Matthew Murphy, Beth Nason, Marilee Negreiros, Doris Nelson, Kenneth Newberry, Lesa Newsom, Gloria Newsom, Michael Niesner, René Noe, William Nordquist, Karen Norris, Patti Novick, David OBrien, Elizabeth Ochoa, Justin O’Connor, Dennis O’Dell, Joseph Odom, Caitlin Olewine, Anna Olson, Brenda Oranday, Melissa Ortiz, Joel Ortiz-Martinez, Tamarra Owen, Deborah Pack, James Pack, Linda Padilla, Chris Padilla, Shanya Page, Carrie Painter, Kevin Palmer, Benjamin H Palmer, Susan Panozzo, Denise Panozzo, Katrina Pantages, Beverly Pape, Jay Paques, Shaun Parmenter, Lydia Pasternacki, Linda Pattyn, Dale Pattyn, Katrina Peay, Aaron

Penner, Gloria Peralta, Cyndy Perea, Manny Petersen, David Petersen, Jane Peterson, Gary Phelan, James Phelan, Teresa Philcox, Nigel Phillips, Katrin Phillips, Ron Pientka, Deanna Piercey, Sandra Piercey, Will Pilgrim, Elise Pilon, Steve Piltch, Neal Pine, Emily Porter, Shannon Portillo, Karen Portillo, Roger Poyner, Nannette Prendergast, Linda Price, Jessica Price, Kelly Pringle, Dee Pringle, Rex Ptacek, John Ptacek, Manuela Puettman, Linda Putnam, Helen Quintana, Gilbert Rager, William (Bill) Ramirez, Ricardo Ramirez, Sheila Ramponi, Victor Raskob, Chuck Raulerson, John Raulerson, Jolene Ravishankar, Tara Reasoner, Lisa Reaume, Deborah Rebarchik, Joseph Reber, Cathy Reber, Stephen Redding, Jana Reese, Elizabeth Reetz, Larry Reid, Richard Renegar, Jeff Resner, Vickey Reynolds, Barbara Reynolds, Kevin Reynolds, Lynda Reynolds, Shylor Rhodes, James Rhodes, John Rhodes, Lisa Richards, Debbie Richards, Haley Richards, Rebecca Richards, Tom Richards, Ursula Rider, Felicia Riedle, Laurie Riggio, Diane Riggio, Eleanor Rimac, André Rimac, Jasmin

Rimac, Jürgen Rimac, Karin Ripley, Rodney Ripley, Tamala Roberts, Makayla Robertson, Carol Robillard, Renee Rocha, Dorothy Rodarte, Olivia Rodarte, Victor Rodela, Alice Rodela, Diana Rodela, Rudy Roderick, Elaine Rogers, Susan Roller, Lorie Roller, Rachel Romero, Ray Romero, Stephanie Romig, Shelly Rose, James Rose, Jenay Rose, Kelly Rosenbaum, Henry Roshdieh, Farzan Rottler, Cait Rowan, Christopher Rowan, Frank Roybal, Vin Ruhl, Amy Runge, Sandra Runyan, Cathy Ruskie, Stasia Ryan, Jean Ryan, Jr, Kirby Ryder-Chmura, Heather Ann Sala, Dolores Salamon, Kathleen Salas, Yvonne Sanchez, Alex Sanchez, Debbie Sanchez, Janet Sanchez, Rebecca Sanchez, Samantha Sandberg, Caitlan Sanford, Michelle Santa Maria, Madonna Saul, Jeff Savage, Krista Schildhammer, Ann Schrader, Cyan Schroeder, Jeanne Schroeder, Thomas Schulz, Daniel Schwalier, Ruth Schwarzbauer, Timothy Schwisow, John Schwisow, Lina Scott, Gary Scott, Joyce Scott, Michael Scott, Sandi

Scroggie, Jaquelyn Sedillo, Sandra Segura, Katherine Segura, Saul Selleck, Mike Seymour, Annette Seymour, Brian Shafto, John Shank, Pamela Shank, Patrick Shapnek, Lawrence Shaw, Brian Shaw, Jacob Shelby, Terry Shepherd, Max Sherlin, William Shiver, David Shoop, James Sierra, Roxann Silva, Anna L Silva, Beverly Silva, Randa Silva, Renay Skarlupka, Michele Slingerland, Jeff Small, Daniel Smith, Charles Smith, Judie Smith, Karen Ann Snitker, Chad Snitker, Geanie Spadafora, Tom Sponberg, JanaLee Spring, Melinda St John, Tray Staelgraeve, David Staelgraeve, Gina Stallworth, Tabitha Stclair, Shirleen Stengle, Chris Stengle, Sharon Stevens, Hal Stidham, Richard Stone, Janette Stone, Orbin Stratton, Kelly Stucker, John Stucker, Susan Suazo, Maya Sullens, David Surdell, Lindsay Sutherland, Sarah Jean Sutherland, Seth Suttle, Denise Suttle, James Suttle, Penny Sweeny, Anne Sweeny, Robert Tafoya, Jacob Tagart, Nicole Talbert, Catherine Tanner, Greg Tanouye, Paul Tansel, Derya

Tapia, Denise Taylor, Deborah Taylor, Ginny Taylor, Jeff Taylor, Julie Taylor, Kathleen Taylor, Kathy Taylor, Michael Taylor, Valari Teague, Debra Teigeler, Edward Temeyer, Brad Tennis, David Tercero, Cilia Tessmar, Nancy Thomas, Christopher Thomas, Mike Thomas, Terri Thompson, Linda Thompson, Tracey Thompson-Madore, Margo Thurik, Michelle Tillery, Lynn A Timbreza, Linda Todd, Earl Todd, Margaret Tolar, Cindy Tolar, Danny Torres, David Torres, Richard Torres, Rosemary Trader, Valerie Trahan, Michael Tripp, Michael Trujillo, Therese Tulenko, Carol Tuley, Roberta Turner, James Turner, Renee Turner, Stanton Tye, Sondra Tyler, Bill Valdez, Lucille Van Campen, John Van Campen, Susan Van Winkle, Grant VanHaverbeke, Mark VanHaverbeke, Mary Vanzura, Erin Vasquez, Leroy Vasquez, Paige Vasquez II, Leroy Vazquez, Samantha Vesely, Kimberley Vigil, Beverley Vigil-Cottrell, Nancy Villarreal, Mary Ann Virgin, Laura Volna, StaceyJo Volna, Tom Vonderheide, John Wagner, Brian Wagner, Michael Wagstaff, Berta

Walker, Yolanda Walsh, Jack Wampler, Barbara Wanatee, Clyde Ward, Karolyn Watson, William Watts, Tunell Weeces, Este Weeces, Richard Weinmann, Marian Welz, Caryn Welz, Sharon Werner, Jennifer Werner, Phil Wertz, Nancy Weston, Beckie Weston, Erwin Wetsel, Marlynnda Whisenand, Bryn Whitaker, Doug Whitaker, Patricia White, Mary Jo Wilkerson, Jo Ann Wilkerson, Scott Wilkins, Mark Williams, Kathleen Wills, Rachel Wilshire, Sheila Wilson, Daniel Wilson, Harry Wilson, Matthew Wilson, Pamela Wimpy, Halecia Wimpy, Stephen Wine, Karen Winger, Alisha Winn, Denise Winn, Mark Wolfe, Helen Woo, Shirley Woods, Barby Wrhel, Janice Wright, Karen Wright, Mark Wynn, Nora Yao, Alex Yeager, Mark Yip, Bruce Young, David Young, Glenn Younger, Kathleen Younger, Martin Zajac, Brendan Zamora, Jenifer Zamora, Loretta Zavakos, Petra Zawkiewicz, Paul Zimmer, Jesse Zimmer, Rachel Zimmerman, Angelynn Zimmerman, Corey Zimmerman, Sierra Zink, Nancy Zozobrado, Lois

...And thousands of Chase Crew!

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Top Collegiate Golfers Featured at

Matchplay Tournament during Balloon Fiesta Week ®

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PHOTO CREDIT: KIM VESELY

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COURTESY NB3 FOUNDATION

nationally televised by NBC Sports via Peacock isitors to the Albuquerque and the Golf Channel.

International Balloon Fiesta, be they This new and unique event features men participants or guests, can always and women golfers representing four Division 1 look forward to a wealth of things to universities – Stanford University, the University see and do in between flights and of Texas, the University of New Mexico, and balloon glows. This year, a new event will be New Mexico State University – in match play held during Balloon Fiesta week that promises competition. The Stanford women will bring the fun for the entire family and a special treat for reigning National Champions to New Mexico golf enthusiasts. while both the Stanford and Texas men’s teams The inaugural NB3 Collegiate Matchplay at have each won a national title in the past five Twin Warriors Golf Club Presented by the Pueblo years. Such a strong field guarantees a high of Santa Ana will be played on Tuesday, October level of competition that will take place amidst 8 and Wednesday, October 9. This scenic Notah Begay III the backdrop of the 2024 International Hot Air course is part of the Tamaya Resort complex Balloon Fiesta. on the reservation just outside of the town of The event is hosted by professional golfer and NBC golf analyst Bernalillo. Spectator admission is free and there will be an autograph area for high school and junior golfers to meet some Notah Begay III (NB3), who is from Albuquerque and is of Pueblo of San Felipe, Pueblo of Isleta, and Navajo/Diné heritage. Begay of the finest collegiate golfers in the country. The event will be says, “This will be the largest and most prestigious golf event to be contested in New Mexico since UNM hosted the NCAA championships.

The support of Pueblo of Santa Ana and its enterprises provides a unique opportunity to showcase the scenery and culture of New Mexico. Everything that I love about my state will now be on full display to the entire nation! A truly unique and exciting opportunity.”

The NB3 Matchplay at Twin Warriors is proud to direct proceeds from the event toward the work being done on behalf of Native American youth by the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation. The NB3 Foundation is a national, award winning Native-led nonprofit that funds Native-driven, culturally centered programs in an effort to provide direct opportunities for Native youth to live healthy, active lives.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2024 Official Program

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