Matt W. Guthrie, President, AIBF

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

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and hundreds of Navigators (volunteers)

I welcome you to the 49th

Albuquerque International

Balloon Fiesta. If you are a fi rst-time visitor, you are in for a beautiful experience and if you are a returning guest, thank you for standing with us over the diffi cult and uncertain past year and welcome back!

As a native of Albuquerque,

I have been amazed by balloons since my fi rst exposure in 1972 at Coronado

Center. To this day, I still get that same excitement whether watching or fl ying balloons.

Over the years Balloon Fiesta has had an amazing group of dedicated individuals working behind the scenes to ensure a spectacular event year after year, and 2021 will continue that tradition.

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

Balloon Fiesta offers a multitude of entertainment for all to enjoy with Balloon Glows and fi reworks in the evening sessions, hot air balloon competitions throughout the week, the 32nd Special Shape Rodeo, and the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race. Enjoy the sights and sounds of each event, as they all offer a unique experience for your Balloon Fiesta adventure.

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

Matt W. Guthrie President, Albuquerque International