Community Chat

[Kachina624]

Today is the opening day of the Golden 50th Anniversay celebration of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  We kicked it off at dawn this morning with the mass ascension of almost a record of 700 balloons from 22 countries.  It was the perfect morning for the occasion with crystal blue skies, just a slight 54°chill in the air and almost no wind.  There was a huge crowd and everyone, visitors and locals alike, is very excited.

Here are some highlights.

Splash 'n Go in the Rio Grande

Balloon Glow

Peek-a-boo

[phoenixbrd]

@Kachina624 A spectacular sight!  Thanks for the share, one day we would love to attend.  Enjoy!

[Kachina624]

@phoenixbrd    Get it on your bucket list!

[SharkE]

These days I'd be afraid of snipers.

[Kachina624]

@SharkE    If you want to have any fun, you can't go through life being afraid of everything.  Snipers have not infrequently shot people in their cars but never in a balloon.  A bullet hole wouldn't affect the envelope of a balloon.

[HisElk1]

@Kachina624 , thanks for sharing those beautiful pictures.

Many years ago, we used to have a balloon fest along with some craft vendors.  We had good times and took a blanket to sit on and watch in the evening for the "glow".

Unfortunately, they don't have them anymore.

[ChiliPepper]

@Kachina624 

WOW!!!

So beautiful, I can't even imagine!

I get so excited to see one balloon, I can't imagine what hundreds would be like!!!

Thank you for sharing, I hope to get there some day.

[desertrat8]

@Kachina624  What a magnificent site!!!!

[Kachina624]

@ChiliPepper    The news media are always interviewing visitors who are world travelers.  They often say this is one international event that never disappoints.  It's consistently exciting and colorful year after year.  We can't wait to see the clever new balloons each year.

[ChiliPepper]

@Kachina624 

Well, they are all GORGEOUS, but my favorite so far is the tiger!

Are the "character " balloons able to go way up high like the regular balloons?