2024 Official Program of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Net zero greenhouse in New Mexico brighter energy

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 more about what we’re doing today for a brighter energy future tomorrow

Follow us to learn more about what we’re doing for a brighter energy future tomorrow.

Follow us to learn more about what we’re doing for a brighter energy future tomorrow.

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!

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

Welcome 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

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

Welcome 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.

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

zero greenhouse in New Mexico brighter energy

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 more about what we’re doing today for a brighter energy future tomorrow

Follow us to learn more about what we’re doing for a brighter energy future tomorrow.

Follow us to learn more about what we’re doing for a brighter energy future tomorrow. ExxonMobilNewMexico ExxonMobilNewMexico

Welcome from the Governor, State of New Mexico

Welcome 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

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

Dear 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

Balloon Fiesta Inaugurates

“New Mexico Day”

Are 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

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.

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

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

*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.

Balloon Fiesta

Events

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.

Embrace The Sky

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

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.

Evening Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

Points of Interest

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.

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.

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

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

MAIN STREET STAGE

Daily Entertainment

PARK HOURS

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

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

- Amelia Earhart

Survival Map

GATES

ENTERTAINMENT

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OFFICIAL PARK LOCATIONS

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SPECIAL AREAS

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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.

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, 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.

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

LOCASH

Kyle Martin & Co.

2024 Officers

2024 Board Of Directors

Judith K. Nakamura PRESIDENT

Neil Jackson VICE PRESIDENT

Mark Sullivan SECRETARY

Jeff Lawrence TREASURER

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

Marge Ruppenthal Remembering

This 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.

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:

Marge Ruppenthal (left) Pat Barz (right)

2024 Staff

2024

Shamaine Giannini , Paul Smith

Fiesta Live! Hosts and PA Announcers

Art

& Ted

Media Representatives

Lloyd, Jr.

Maes

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

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Staff Not Pictured

Amanda Brady TRANSPORTATION MANAGER Mary Chando BOOKKEEPER

Cameron Clements ASSISTANT FACILITIES MANAGER

Curt Dahlquist FACILITIES MANAGER

Jennifer Garcia EVENT DIRECTOR

Martha Gonzales CONTROLLER

Erica Hahn CONCESSIONS & ARTISANS MANAGER

Tracey Hawkins NAVIGATOR AND BALLOON

Chani Kaibetoney MERCHANDISE ASSISTANT

Cavell Miller RECEPTIONIST Lisa Mulder MERCHANDISE MANAGER

Miranda Portillo PILOT COORDINATOR

Stephanie Prendergast SPONSORSHIP SALES DIRECTOR

Jennifer Schurman RV MANAGER

Jory Slingeland SPONSORSHIP SALES ASSISTANT

Ken Tuley VIDEO PRODUCER

Field - Historic wood process now “cuts” with a younger, hungry vibe. Go there

Tracey Hawkins NAVIGATOR AND BALLOON DISCOVERY CENTER MANAGER

2024 Officials

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

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

Launch Directors

Michelle Healy, Chief of Launch

Susan Kinnard

Lyn Kirkwood

Bob Lucero

Becca McConaghy

Jurgen Rimac

Karin Rimac

Sharon Welz

Harry Wilson

Pamela Wilson

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

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

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

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

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

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

Embrace The Sky 29

#balloonfiesta

Balloon Fiesta®

Photography Tips

Have Fun and Be Unique

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

Dawn Patrol

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

Pro 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.

Mass Ascension

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.

Now That You See What A Pilot Sees

Going on a balloon ride? Get your camera in either Auto or P (Program) Mode so you can focus on your aerial experience instead of the camera settings.

Pro Tips: Now would be a great time 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.

Balloon Glow

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.

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.

Bring water. Stay hydrated throughout the day.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Cover your coughs and sneezes.

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

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

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

Education Connection

Lifting Gases

By Wally Book for the Balloon Fiesta Heritage Committee

Most 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

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

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.

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

Lifting Gases

Acetylene

Ammonia

Coal Gas

Diborane

Ethylene

Heliox

Helium

Hot Air

Hydrogen

Hydrogen Fluoride

Hydrogen Cyanide

Methane (natural gas)

Neon

Water Vapor

Not all are used with balloons

LEFT: First balloon inflation in Albuquerque

PHOTO COURTESY DICK BROWN

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.

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

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.

1 M = 3. 28 ft = 39. 37 in

1 M3 = 35. 31 ft3 = 1. 308 yd3

article.

Ultra long duration high altitude balloon using Helium.

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

Honoring Sid Cutter

Memory snippet from Jewel Cutter

Speaking 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.

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”. Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

A Tailgater’s History of Ballooning

Fact, Folklore, or Fiction?

By Kim Vesely for the Balloon Fiesta Heritage Committee

On 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

scruffier brother)

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 ….

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

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

Joseph-Michel Montgolfier (the

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

Early unmanned Montgolfier balloon: note smoke.

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.

“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.”

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

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.

“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.

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.

STEAM Night

Floating with Buoyancy

Thursday, October 10, 5:30-7:30

Lectures and hands-on activities throughout the week. Visit cabq.gov/balloon for our full schedule of events.

Monday, October 7

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 Regular Hours: Tues-Sunday, 9am–5pm

Albuquerque, NM 87113

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

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MacLean, Tristan ENCHANTED HORIZONS Glendale, AZ United States

Kuller, Tim TECHNI-KULLER Mesa, AZ United States

Laxton, Kyle  RAINBOW RYDERS Avondale, AZ United States

Little, Jacob FIDELITY Glendale, AZ United States

Mancini, JJ MR. SPRINKLES Albuquerque, NM United States

Lard, Anthony RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM United States

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

Lombardi, Steven GRANDE FINALE Edgewood, TX United States

Marshall, Jimmy MORNING GLORY Sonoma, CA United States

Carol BIVROST Albuquerque, NM

Lescarbeau, Alan  RAINBOW RYDERS Phoenix, AZ United States

Long, Joradan RAINBOW RYDERS Canaan, CT United States

Eric HOTSHOT Indianola, IA United States

Larotonda,

Martens,

Don DAWN SONG III Albuquerque, NM United States

Donald US

Louisville, KY United States

Peggy STARLITE Santa Paula, CA United States

United States

Martinez, Frank RAKS BALLOON Los Lunas, NM United States

McClung, Collin FREEDOM BREEZE Longview, TX United States

Melton, Dave PURPLE HAZE New Harmony, UT United States

Terry

Centralia, MO United States

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

II, Tom ZIA Albuquerque, NM United States

Meyer, Mark ON THE FLY Vass, NC United States

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

Robert PITA’S KISS Albuquerque, NM United States

Chris

Albuquerque, NM United States

Steve PINNACLE PROPANE Albuquerque, NM United States

Greg

Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

United States

Gary  OSLIVE VZDUCHO Lafayette, CA United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

Martindell,

Mass,

Mast, Squid RAVEN

Maxwell, Zack ONE UP Albuquerque, NM

McClinton,

BANK

McConnell

McCord,

FRUITLOOP

Mcevoy, Andrea CHROMA CHAMELEON McMinnville, OR

McGrew, Scott TEQUILA SUNRISE Colorado Springs, CO

Meinke,

Mezzancello,

Michalek,

Miller, Rusty STARS AND STRIPES Atmore, AL

Mitchell, Steve COCA-COLA Chagrin Falls, OH

Montague,

PATCHES

Morrison,

RAINBOW RYDERS

Moughan, Gavin REBEL ANGEL

Mumm, Karalyn GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE Reno, NV

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

Myers, Cody  MAR’S ROVER Pagosa Springs, CO

Myers, Marissa NIZHONI PAGOSA Pagosa Springs, CO

Nakamura, Judy BOUNCE Placitas, NM

Naylor, Jesse ALL IN Albuquerque, NM

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

O’Brien, Bob SEEDQUEL Waupaca, WI

Odom, Gary  MASTER BLASTER Valparaiso, FL

Olguin, Paul  SILVER LINING Chandler, AZ United States

Olivier, Orvin SERENITY V Sioux Falls, SD United States

Olstad, Rich BILLY BOB Hot Springs, SD

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

Paulin, Mathew UNWIND Yuma, AZ

Peete, Lichelle SILVER LINING Albuquerque, NM

Pendleton, Craig SPIRIT TOO! Albuquerque, NM United States

Perrote, Juan  95.9 STAR Belmont, ONTARIO Canada

Polito, Tony RIO GRANDE

SYNDROME NETWORK Scottsdale, AZ United States

Randall, Tom ENCHANTED ESPERANZA Placitas, NM United States

United States

Petrehn, John  ULTRAMAGIC RACER Missouri City, TX United States

Poole, Fred JOY Meridian, MS United States

Raper, Robert FALLEN ANGELS North Bend, OR United States

Deborah

Houston, TX United States

Petrehn, Paul  VISIT ALBUQUERQUE Howell, MI United States

United States

Raya, Shawn SULLAIR Highland, MI United States

Brandon, SD United States

Philpott, Martin AUSPICIOUS Bixby, OK United States

LA United States

Reed, David TWISTER Lenexa, KS United States

United States

Bruce MISS

Rock Springs, WY United States

Bethany STARBURST OF DESTINY Oakdale, MN United States

United States

Pivic,

WYOMING

DOWN

Price, Kelly PRIMARY COLORS Rio Rancho, NM

Pulaski, Bob SKI LIFT Pineville,

Ramirez, Alejandro HU Apizaco, TLAXCALA Mexico

Reuter,

Rice, Brad RAINBOW RYDERS ZIA Rio Rancho, NM

Rice,

FOXTROT

Richardson, Molly DREAM CATCHER TOO

Richardson, Robert DOUBLE TROUBLE Rio Rancho, NM

Richardson, Shane WILDTHANG! Henderson, NV

Rightley, Michael BREAKING WIND Albuquerque, NM United States

Rodden, John SONRISE Owasso, OK United States

Römeling, Nils URS THE BAVARIAN IBEX Augsburg, BAVARIA Germany

Overland Park, KS United States

Riley, Theron CHERRY BOMB Columbia, MO United States

Roesch, Jon JITTERBUG Gilbert, AZ United States

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

Richard

Henderson, TX United States

Robey, Samuel CROSSWIND Gladewater, TX United States

Rogers, Randolph BEAUTIFUL WORLD Albuquerque, NM United States

Rucker, John LATE NITE DISCUSSIONS

Genoa City, WI United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Robinson, Cody GRAND BANANA Kansas City, MO United States

Jesse

Peoria, AZ United States

Russo, Thomas SPIRIT

Monroe Twp, NJ United States

Los

NM United States

Matt STRAIGHT UP Fort Worth, TX United States

Brent

Carlsbad, CA United States

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

NM United States

Robison,

Roholt,

RAINBOW RYDERS

Rolland,

IRIDIS

Sabia, Chris WONDER BREAD

Sabin,

SEA BREEZE

Salazar, Alfred IPCC

Salazar, Katelyn PIXIE SPIRIT

Lunas,

Sanchez, Ron WEGO Albuquerque,

Sandlin, Tony RAINBOW RYDERS Fishers, IN United States

Schwemmer, Kasey MOON PIGEON Wichita, KS United States

Seghers, Jos SKY STAR Breendonk Belgium

Michael THISTLE DOWN III

Brookshire, TX United States

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

Seay, Samuel DIVINE APPOINTMENT

Albuquerque, NM United States

Seghers, Stijn AIRE MARC TOO Lippelo, Antwerp Belgium

Smart, Chris DREAM RACER Roanoke, IN United States

Schmitz, Jon 5280 FLYER Littleton, CO United States

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

Seymour, Joe JOYOUS PLEASURES Indianola, IA United States

Smart, Rex AIRPLAY

Albuquerque, NM United States

Schoone, John MIDNIGHT SUNRISE Prinsenbeek, Nederland Netherlands

Glenn ITSZEE Overton, NV United States

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

Smith, Al NORTHERN LIGHTS

Grass Lake, MI United States

Schultz, Marvin CITI RADIO Belmont, Ontario Canada

Anthony CAROLINA TWIST Travelers Rest, SC United States

Dennis CHAMPAGNE COWBOY Broken Arrow, OK United States

Neal INDECISIVE

Albuquerque, NM United States

See,

Seeger,

Short,

Shouse,

Smith,

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Smith, Patrick MARYLAND ONE Walkersville, MD United States

Squires, Richard HIGHER DESIRE

Albuquerque, NM United States

Stokoe, Steve KNIGHT RIDER Lutz, FL United States

Sullivan, Amanda STARDUST

Fort Worth, TX United States

Smith, Paul SINCERELY Albuquerque, NM United States

Stanke, Natasha WONDER WOMAN

Albuquerque, NM United States

Stone, Mike ORANGE! Boise, ID United States

Sullivan, Dave CHECKRIDE

Fayetteville, GA United States

Soffera, Janet VACATION Rio Rancho, NM United States

David IT’S ABOUT TIME!

Albuquerque, NM United States

Strasmann, David BLASER SWISSLUBE BERN Switzerland

Sullivan, Mark  CODE RED

Albuquerque, NM United States

Speicher, Shawn GUT-WRENCHING

Albuquerque, NM United States

Tom SUNSET GLOW Crestwood, KY United States

Strickland, David SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Columbus, OH United States

Sullivan, Patrick THAT’S SO 70’S

Spencer, MA United States

Spinello, Michael EYE OF ENCHANTMENT

Albuquerque, NM United States

Stevens, Patrick RAINBOW RYDERS Phoenix, AZ United States

Suckow, Dave AIMLESS DRIFTER Rio Communities, NM United States

Takach, Keith TAKACH ANOTHER BREEZE

Albuquerque, NM United States

Steidley,

Steinbock,

Talbert, Elisa S.O. Albuquerque, NM United States

Thompson, Jon RAINBOW RYDERS Phoenix, AZ United States

Trillanes, Mark  PHAT STUFF Albuquerque, NM United States

Vandehoef, Cynthia LITTLE COLORADO Broomfield, CO United States

Tatum, Daryl YELLOW BRICK ROAD Canton, GA United States

Thompson, Phil LINDSTRAND BALLOONS Galena, IL United States

Turner, Geoff RISEN Ashville, NY United States

Vandehoef, Ed COLORADO 2 Broomfield, CO United States

Taylor, Brian BLUE RIBBON Columbia, MO United States

Thornton, Floyd THUNDERCLOUD Worden, IL United States

Van Dyck, Chris ZEPHYR Albuquerque, NM United States

Sandra VOLCANIC MOTION Albuquerque, NM United States

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

Thornton, Ron PEANUTS 4EVER Littleton, MA United States

Van Sant, Kurt  BURNING DESIRE Albuquerque, NM United States

Will GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE Reno, NV United States

Thomas, George TIGER PAW EXPRESS Hallsville, MO United States

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

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

Travis UNM Bloomington, IN United States

VanWye,

Vavra,

Vencel,

Vereb, Fred GOTTAFLYFUN Tampa, FL United States

William

Albuquerque, NM United States

Watson, Barney COOL BEANS!! Placitas, NM United States

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

John

Edgewood, NM United States

Watters, Philippe SUNDANCE BALLOONS Belmont, ONTARIO Canada

United States

Mike CRYPTONAUT Albuquerque, NM United States

United States

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

United States

United States

United States

United States

United

United States

Voorhees,

Vyver, Zende SUNDANCE BALLOONS Belmont, ONTARIO Canada

Wadley, Mike  TEXAS SUN Weldon Spring, MO United States

Wadsworth,

RICKY BOBBY

Wahl,

KOLIBRI

Wall, Cameron GRANDMA’S LEGACY Enumclaw, WA

Wallace, Marilyn RAINBOW THRU HEAVEN Santa Monica, CA

Walsh, Dan LAST CHANCE Redlands, CA United States

Welz, Zerek GUILTY Albuquerque, NM

West, Kay SUNDOG Sioux Falls, SD

States

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

Whisenhunt, Jake DUB-L UP Rio Rancho, NM

Whitby, Gary  DEJA BLU Columbia, MO

White, Cheri TOUCHSTONE RACER Austin, TX

Whiteman, Kimberly FLAME BUOYANT Kamas, UT

United States

United

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

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

States

Zielinski, Alan  FEATHERLIGHT II Niles, IL United States

Zimmer, Jesse KANDY LAND Rio Rancho, NM United States

Zvada, Joe TAPESTRY SUPREME McAllen, TX United States

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

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

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

Special Shape Directory

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

11. On Field – A good active, SE cornerview to contest W’s and L’s. Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

Special Shape Directory

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United

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

Ballinger, Barry IN THE BUFF Lubbock, TX

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

Brown, Toby KERMIE THE FROG Denver, CO

Burdue, Brad SPACE COWBOY Whitehouse, OH

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

Cassell, James BEAGLE MAXIMUS Albuquerque, NM

Cavin, John  YELLOW HAWK Indialantic, FL

Cesnik, Luke FREEDOM FLIGHT V Caldwell, ID

States

Chase, Brian BILLY THE KID Moscow, PA United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

Gebhart, Aaron TINY FIRE DOG Indianola, IA United States

Davison, Neil BALLOONAFUL SUNRISE Phoenix, AZ United States

United States

Graham, Colin THE BRAIN Belgrade, MT United States

United

United States

United

United States

United States

United States

Cox, Jordan CHRIS P. BACON Carmel, IN

Cox, Justin IVO Carmel, IA

DeGraff, Trudy CUTIE DINK Corrales, NM

Dieringer, Aaron SUSHI Reno, NV

Dillbeck, Ricky ARMADILLO-SHERIFF Interlachen, FL United States

Dunrud, David LAWRENCE BEAR Geyserville, CA

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

Fogue, Vicki BUZZY Columbia, MO

Ford, Mike AMELIA BEARHART Fort Worth, TX

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

Haliczer, Jeff OFF THE WALL Gallup, NM

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

States

Jennings, Rex BABY T-REX Vernal, UT

Johnson, Mike SNOBIRD Mitchell, NE United States

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

Special Shape Directory

United States

Kinser, Bill

Edmond, OK United States

Belgium

United States

United

United States

United

United States

Lopes,

Brazil

São

Brazil

United Kingdom

Brazil

Karlsson, Diane BANDIT Chandler, TX

MILKYWAY

Kirson, Damian XFINITY Albuquerque, NM

Klawitter, Mike WALLY Hatley, WI

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,

Lapointe, Wil KEYSTONE WILLY Indio, CA

States

Lawhorn, Richard HUMPTY DUMPTY Louisville, KY United States

Lawton, Jeff FREDDIE THE FOX Godalming, Surrey

Kingdom

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

Little, Rollie MANGO THE SEAHORSE Glendale, AZ

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

Macedo, Warley DRAGON BALL X Boituva, São Paulo

Markowitz, David JUST FUN CAT Maryland, NY United States

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

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

Paulo, São Paulo

Naccarato, Francisco RATCHEESE Ribeirao Preto, SP

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

Overwalle, Peter PRINCESS NELLY Nazareth, Oost Vlaanderen Belgium

Padulla, Jow CANDY

Cravinhos, São Paulo Brazil

United States

United States

Paunovski, Borche GNOME Skopje, Skopje North Macedonia

United States

Semler, Jack LITTLE D Westfield, IN United States

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

Brazil

Belgium

Richard

DRUM Annville, PA United States

Richardson, Sean

NC United States

United States

United Kingdom

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

United States

HOUSE

Piendel,

BLASER

Pugh, Rich SPLASH Trowbridge, Wiltshire

Randell, William LULU Coopersburg, PA United States

Reichert, Sheryl PARTY! El Cajon, CA

Reineke, Dave PEG LEG PETE Mahomet, IL

Ribeiro, Fabricio CAPITAO CARVERNA Barueri, São Paulo

POKEY THE TURTLE Kannapolis,

Romaneschi, Bob BETTY JEAN BUTTERFLY Peoria, AZ

Schuler, Jay PENCIL BOY Reno, NV

Sevrin, Sidney VAMPIRELLA Villers La Ville, Brabant

Shrum, Tamie TE AMO Box Elder, SD

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

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

International Pilots

Almeida, Ricardo MACAW RED Boituva, São Paulo Brazil

Ary, George STEGGY

Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo Brazil

Assis, Luiz JOTA BALLOON

Cesário Lange, São Paulo Brazil

Audenaert, Filip HUG A BEAR

Waasmunster Belgium

Bard, Alain MÉTÉO Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Bowles, Philip DUMA

Chippenham, Whiltshire United Kingdom

Burrows, Paul BELLA THE BULLDOG

Failand, United Kingdom

Ferland, Jean TICO THE SLOTH

Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec Canada

Gaidzik, Alexandra ONDY

Bad Wildungen, Hessen Germany

Holly, Andrew PICO Somersetn United Kingdom

Hooper, Lee ASTRO THE ALIEN Radstock, Somerset United Kingdom

Justo, João Do MACAW BLUE

Torres, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil

Lajoye, Laurent BELZEBUTH Scy, Grand Est France

Lambert, Benoit MASTER YODA BALLOON Court Saint EtiennenBelgium

Lawton, Jeff FREDDIE THE FOX

Godalming, Surrey United Kingdom

Lin, Yuan MAZU

Taitung County, TAIWAN (R.O.C.)

Taiwan (Republic of China)

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

Macedo, Warley DRAGON BALL X Boituva, São Paulo Brazil

Martin, Ian BUSTER THE BULLDOG

Wotton Under Edge, South Gloucestershire United Kingdom

Moore, Ashley WES THE WOLF Bideford, Devon United Kingdom

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

Padulla, Jow CANDY HOUSE

Cravinhos, São Paulo Brazil

Paunovski, Borche GNOME

Skopje, Skopje North Macedonia

Pugh, Rich SPLASH

Trowbridge, Wiltshire

United Kingdom

Ribeiro, Fabricio CAPITAO CARVERNA

Barueri, São Paulo Brazil

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

Sevrin, Sidney VAMPIRELLA

Villers La Ville, Brabant Belgium

Siebel, Thomas D-OHTB

Freudenberg, NRW Germany

Souza, Jose COCKOO MAG

Barueri, São Paulo Brazil

Souza, Reginaldo FRANK BOY

Santo Antônio De Jesus, Bahia Brazil

Strauf, Marcus CLOWN Waldbröl, NRW Germany

Taveira, Valdemir LITTLE DOG

Osasco, São Paulo Brazil

Taylor, Josh TBC

Hartshorne, Derbyshire United Kingdom

Toledo, Paulinho TURTLE

Guarujá, São Paulo Brazil

Viner, John HYLA THE FROG

North Muskham, Nottinghamshire 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

Globitos Directory

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

The Sky

13. On Field – not fishing, but could potentially fish out some golf balls... Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Burns, Stephanie BURNS

Corrales, NM United States

Albuquerque,

United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Byrd,

Albuquerque, NM United States

Los

United States

Anger,

Belden, MS United States

Rio

NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque,

United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Rio

United States

Las

NM United States

Los

NM United States

South

United States

United States

United States

United States

Accardi, Lysa RINGMASTER Gulfport, MS

Aherns, Carlette DUOCORN

Frank DARTMOUTH

Bond, Melissa BUSCUIT

Boston, Blythe SUNSET STALLIONS

Jordan, UT

Brault, Robert TAKE NOTICE

Broemmer, Luke PIXELED

Browning, Kate STARS OVER MY HEAD

Rancho,

Browning, Tyler PEQUENO PEPPERS

Rancho, NM

Burns, Sarah NOTMAX Lexington , KY

BRIGHT

James WANDERING STARLET

Carrillo, Francisco A BALLOOOON

Cowder, Dale PATCHES

Cruces,

Davis, John DIAMOND PRINCESS Evergreen, CO

Duff, Dylan MINI HAZE

NM

Flynt Manus, Suzi LITTLE BANDIT

Lunas, NM

Glenn, Janell QUIET DESTINY

NM

Gurule, Gabriel TRUE FREEDOM

Lunas,

Guthrie, Matt NEW BEGINNINGS TOO Corrales, NM

Halderman, Dan SIDE SHOW

Kissimmee, FL United States

Baird, TX United States

Lopez, Scott AIRIEL

Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Halderman, Jessica GYPSY

Albuquerque, NM United States

Michael

Albuquerque, NM United States

Mascone, Kristopher DEZZ Los Lunas, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM

United States

Hanbicki, Deiter PENGUINETTE

Albuquerque, NM United States

Fairplay, CO United States

Maung, Mike PORTHOLE

Corrales, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

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

Albuquerque, NM United States

Mauzy, Kevin WYLIE B Bloomfield, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Marshalville, OH United States

Herrera, Toby SANDIA SUNSET

Holman, Cliff ROCK’N OAK

Kerns,

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER

Kipp, Jr., James DAUNTLESS ENDEAVORS

Komadina, Steve FREEDOM

Lama, Preston JUDY’S DREAM Roanoke, IN

May, Terri PEPPERMINI DREAM

McCord, Christopher ENDEAVOR

Mckay, Matt HOTSPOT

Mckay, Sophie SKITTLES

Merry, Lawrence KOKO ROJO II

Midura, Melissa ALMOST

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

Albuquerque, NM United States

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

Albuquerque, NM United States

Myklebust, Diana SKY CANDY JR

Rio Rancho, NM United States

Rio Rancho, NM United States

Salinas, Sergio VISIT LAS CRUCES

Las Cruces, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Katelyn LITTLE GLORY

Colorado Springs, CO United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Sanford, Michelle

Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Chuck

Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Pamela

Rio Rancho, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

Albuquerque, NM United States

El Paso, TX United States

Winston Salem, NC United States

Ragsdale,

Raskob,

PETER PORKER

Raver, Skyler TWIST OF LIME

Rice, Ginger BELLA SKY

Rice, Jessica MINI HEARTS

Rice, Judi PATRIOT

Rice, Kevin CASPER

Richards, Ursula BABY BURD

FREEDOM

Scalco,

DOLLY THE DONKEY

Smatana, Bernard SPECTRUM

Smatana, Christopher FRED THE LADYBUG

Stanke, Natasha BABY BOBBER

Steward, Brad CORK THE PUPPY

Steward, Michael STEGGY THE DINO-SOAR

Stukas, Jake CAROLINA COLORS

Sullivan-Brown, Alyssa OTEKAH Senoia, GA United States

Teran, Bruno SOARING DREAM

Rio Rancho, NM United States

Welz, Caryn A LITTLE GUILTY

Albuquerque, NM United States

GLOBO GRANDE GLOBO

Albuquerque, NM United States

Suttle, Penny LIL SHAMROCK Strasburg, OH United States

Teran, Francisco PIGGY

Rio Rancho, NM United States

Whitney, Ryan RIP CURL Corrales, NM United States

Taylor, Edy BIT-O-MISCHIEF

Albuquerque, NM United States

Villa, Elijah BILLY CRANSTON

Albuquerque, NM United States

Wright, Jeremy MINI CHAIN GANG

Albuquerque, NM United States

Taylor, William ?RED OR GREEN?

Rio Rancho, NM United States

Bradford

United States

Yob, David MINI VIVA Colorado Springs, CO United States

Albuquerque, NM 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

Taylor II, William MUFFIN

Vinson,

SAFFY’S RIDE Lake Oswego, OR

Welz, Cadence PINKY Albuquerque, NM United States

A Race to Remember

L 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.

The 66th Gordon Bennett at the 2023 Balloon Fiesta

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

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 fi rst weekend of Balloon Fiesta and attracts some of the world’s fi nest 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.

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

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

Austrian competitors Christian Wagner and Steffi Liller make final preparations.

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

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

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.

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

Director of Sales/Golfweek/ USA Today Sports

Eric Smooke esmooke@golfweek.com

Senior Director

Claire Collins ccollins@usatoday.com

Director of Sales/ Golfweek Custom Media

Ted Mersch 941-201-9953 tmersch@golfweek.com

Operations Manager

Jeff Habjan jhabjan@golfweek.com

Colorado Springs has wide open spaces, stunning views and fun for the whole family. Explore trendy hot spots and discover unique hidden gems.

With 300 days of sunshine, miles of beautiful trails and fresh mountain air, the only thing missing is you! Start planning your adventure today.

Harmonizing Old and New:

The Drone Show at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

By Wyndham Kemsley

In 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

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: JAMES BECK

PHOTO CREDIT: SCOTT HUGHES

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

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. Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

PHOTO CREDIT: TRISTON GARCIA

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

Committee

/=kalendar/ | noun A chart showing the days, weeks and months of a particular year.

The 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;

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.

Mayor

Balloon Fiesta Heritage

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.

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.

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

Starry Night

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

Every 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

roadrunner somewhere in the image

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

hidden

(can

The 2024

The 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

19. On Field – One spot - so many talents – one Patriotic consistent at 5:00 a.m. happens here! Tag us in your photos #balloonfiesta

Heritage Award

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

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

2024 Navigators

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

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

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

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

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

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

Embrace The Sky 111

Rimac, Jürgen Scroggie, Jaquelyn Walker, Yolanda

Top Collegiate Golfers Featured at

Matchplay Tournament during Balloon Fiesta

Week

Visitors to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, be they participants or guests, can always look forward to a wealth of things to see and do in between flights and balloon glows. This year, a new event will be held during Balloon Fiesta week that promises fun for the entire family and a special treat for golf enthusiasts.

The inaugural NB3 Collegiate Matchplay at Twin Warriors Golf Club Presented by the Pueblo of Santa Ana will be played on Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9. This scenic course is part of the Tamaya Resort complex on the reservation just outside of the town of Bernalillo. Spectator admission is free and there will be an autograph area for high school and junior golfers to meet some of the finest collegiate golfers in the country. The event will be

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

This new and unique event features men and women golfers representing four Division 1 universities – Stanford University, the University of Texas, the University of New Mexico, and New Mexico State University – in match play competition. The Stanford women will bring the reigning National Champions to New Mexico while both the Stanford and Texas men’s teams have each won a national title in the past five years. Such a strong field guarantees a high level of competition that will take place amidst the backdrop of the 2024 International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

The event is hosted by professional golfer and NBC golf analyst Notah Begay III (NB3), who is from Albuquerque and is of Pueblo of San Felipe, Pueblo of Isleta, and Navajo/Diné heritage. Begay 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.

Notah Begay III