Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA
"CHASING RAINBOWS"
OCTOBER 5 - 14, 2007

INSIDE THE PARK

DAWN PATROL SHOW
The beautiful Dawn Patrol Show is a choreographed display of color in motion. Dawn Patrol balloons participate in a pre-dawn show that also helps the pilots determine winds aloft conditions. Come a little early and help send the Dawn Patrol Pilots off with a cheer.

MASS ASCENSIONS
The premier morning event. Hundreds of balloons will launch from Balloon Fiesta Park in two waves. The dazzling barrage of colors filling the sky is overwhelming. Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday mornings.

AMERICA'S CHALLENGE
America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race was first held in Albuquerque in 1995. Gas balloonists from around the world competed in a race witht he challenge to "Go the Distance!" The inaugural race broke distance records dating back to 1912.

WELLS FARGO SPECIAL SHAPE RODEO (GLOWDEO)
Halloween comes early in Albuquerque. The Balloon Fiesta showcases such intriguing shapes as a pair of bees, a stagecoach, a daisy, a snowman, a pink dragon, evan a cow and Noah's Ark.

BALLOON GLOW AND NIGHT MAGIC GLOW
Two of the most widely anticipated events. Just before dusk, several hundred balloons are tethered and inflated. The balloonmeister then orders ignition and the burners fill the balloons and the sky with a kaleidoscope of brilliant color as guests wander around the field. All this is topped off by a fabulous fireworks show.

AFTER GLOW FIREWORKS
After enjoying a Balloon Glow, Night Magic Glow or Glowdeo, sit back for an incredible fireworks extravaganza.

FLIGHT OF THE NATIONS MID WEEK MASS ASCENSION
This premier event, "Flight of the Nations", showcases participating countries in a mid-week flight. Each country will be represented by selected pilots carrying their country's flag in the memorable flight, which precedes the Mid-week Mass Ascension. This is the only mass ascension between the two weekends.

FIESTA DEL VINO WINE TASTING
New Mexico's soil and climate produces some wonderful wines. Come sample the variety and take your favorite bottles home. Fiesta del Vino is a 2-day event this year, Saturday, October 6th from 10:00am until 6:00pm, and Sunday, October 7th from noon until 6:00pm. Separate admission of $10.00 is required.

THE GONDOLA CLUB
Enjoy Balloon Fiesta from one of the most picturesque locations at Balloon Fiesta Park. The Gondola Club is a reserved area with special parking, private seating, delicious food and luxury bathrooms just for our members. Membership lets you get away from the crowds and enjoy a great buffet. For more information, please call the Balloon Fiesta office at 505-821-1000 or 888-422-7277 or, during the Balloon Fiesta, stop by the Gondola Club located at the SW corner of the launch field.

MAIN STREET
A delicious 1/3 mile of food, merchandise, exhibits, and the Balloon Discovery Center - where kids learn the basics of ballooning in a fun environment. No Balloon Fiesta is complete without a walk down Main Street.

COMPETITIONS

JUDGE DECLARED GOALS
A competition where balloon flights must travel to designated points one mile away from the Launch Field. This event tests even the best pilots' skills.

FLY-IN TASK
It seems so simple - just drop a weighted marker on a specified target with Balloon Fiesta Park. The drop heights range from just inches to 200 feet above the ground. Variations of tasks include Balloon Fiesta Golf, Minimum Double Drop, X marks the spot.

BALLOON FIESTA HOLD'EM
In this competition, each pilot has 5 common cards, the Ace, King and Queen of Hearts and 9 and 10 of Clubs. The pilots will be issued two special markers to drop on any 2 of 15 different cards in the target area to complete their Hold'em hand. The highest hand wins.

FIESTA CHALLENGE
Fiesta Challenge is a "roadrunner-coyote" competition that will take place from Balloon Fiesta Park. The objective is to see which pilot can drop a marker closest to the center of a target where the "roadrunner" lands. If the balloons are unable to fly due to weather or other conditions, an illumination will be held at the park.

PRIZE GRAB
The most popular and most difficult competition. Balloons launch from one mile away at specified points and fly to the Field. The pilots must navigate to five tall poles with rings attached to them. Each ring contains a fabulous prize. Who will be the Lord of Balloon Rings?

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5