Community Chat

[Kachina624]

The 2016, Albuquerque  International Balloon Fiesta kicked off this morning with perfect turquoise skies and a balmy 57°, much warmer than normal.  There are 550 balloons registered this year, the maximum allowed, and they take off in carefully managed waves until they're all in the air at the same time.  A few were doing a dip and dash in the Rio Grande River which is only about a mile from the Fiesta grounds.

Tonight right after sunset, they'll do a balloon glow where the tethered balloons hit their burners synced to music, appearing to be huge light bulbs.  There are over 100 "special shapes" in attendance and they'll be there too.  Then the evening will end with fireworks.

You'll note that the Albuquerque Fiesta is one of the few where visitors are free to mingle with the crews doing the inflating and can even help if they wish.  You have to keep an eye on what's going on around you.  Other ballooning events do the inflation behind fences.

Come join us or at least put this event on your bucket list...it's Spectacular!

[3suwm5]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

The 2016, Albuquerque  International Balloon Fiesta kicked off this morning with perfect turquoise skies and a balmy 57°, much warmer than normal.  There are 550 balloons registered this year, the maximum allowed, and they take off in carefully managed waves until they're all in the air at the same time.  A few were doing a dip and dash in the Rio Grande River which is only about a mile from the Fiesta grounds.

Tonight right after sunset, they'll do a balloon glow where the tethered balloons hit their burners synced to music, appearing to be huge light bulbs.  There are over 100 "special shapes" in attendance and they'll be there too.  Then the evening will end with fireworks.

You'll note that the Albuquerque Fiesta is one of the few where visitors are free to mingle with the crews doing the inflating and can even help if they wish.  You have to keep an eye on what's going on around you.  Other ballooning events do the inflation behind fences.

Come join us or at least put this event on your bucket list...it's Spectacular!

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@Kachina624  You are killing me here.  Actually, we're headed there in a couple of days!!  Haven't been there in 23 years, can't wait!!!

[SoX]

Maybe next year ... [sigh ...]

[just bee]

I watched from my driveway on the Westside.  Perfect day for flying, but I didn't see the bees.  The good news was that Airabelle flew today.

[Kachina624]

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@3suwm5 wrote:

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@Kachina624 wrote:

The 2016, Albuquerque  International Balloon Fiesta kicked off this morning with perfect turquoise skies and a balmy 57°, much warmer than normal.  There are 550 balloons registered this year, the maximum allowed, and they take off in carefully managed waves until they're all in the air at the same time.  A few were doing a dip and dash in the Rio Grande River which is only about a mile from the Fiesta grounds.

Tonight right after sunset, they'll do a balloon glow where the tethered balloons hit their burners synced to music, appearing to be huge light bulbs.  There are over 100 "special shapes" in attendance and they'll be there too.  Then the evening will end with fireworks.

You'll note that the Albuquerque Fiesta is one of the few where visitors are free to mingle with the crews doing the inflating and can even help if they wish.  You have to keep an eye on what's going on around you.  Other ballooning events do the inflation behind fences.

Come join us or at least put this event on your bucket list...it's Spectacular!

---

@Kachina624  You are killing me here.  Actually, we're headed there in a couple of days!!  Haven't been there in 23 years, can't wait!!!

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@3suwm5  I've checked the weather forecast through next week-end and it looks good except for Monday which may be too windy.  A cold front is supposed to arrive chilling things down.  It will be quite cold early in the morning next week so bring gloves and warm jackets.

[just bee]

Darth and Yoda went up today.

[Kachina624]

@just bee  I watched on TV and also didn't not see the bees.  They're always so popular.  I live in Rio Rancho and can't see anything from my house but don't have to go far to see the whole valley.

[chickenbutt]

Ooh, that bird is awesome.  He is new to me.

I will never forget having attended the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.  We have an event here but, back when I attended it numerous times, it was only about 100 balloons.  Yours is just spectacular!  Plus they have more cool events with it than the one here does.

[just bee]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

@just bee  I watched on TV and also didn't not see the bees.  They're always so popular.  I live in Rio Rancho and can't see anything from my house but don't have to go far to see the whole valley.

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It's starting to get a little windy so I wonder if tonight's glow will be canceled.  We'll see!

[alliswell]

                        WOW!