The Albuquerque International Balloon Festival is a Must See
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is on many people’s bucket list but not many people from this area have taken the four hour drive to experience the hundreds of air balloons that are released at sunrise.
Earlier this month, I got the chance to see the different color air balloons fill the morning sky. This year was the largest balloon fiesta to date with over 700 balloons being flown by people all over the United States. Many of the balloons were advertisements for companies or there are balloons that were made just for people’s enjoyment.
Just before sunrise the first balloon lifts to assure that the weather is ideal for the release of the balloons. Once its been verified, the balloons start to slowly fill and take turns being released. From sunrise until 10 a.m. over 700 balloons had been launched into the air.
The balloon fiesta isn’t just known for the air balloons, they also have a week long list of events. From sunrise to sunset there is activities taking place such as, competitive games and live bands. The fiesta also has over 50 food vendors which offer breakfast, lunch and dinner along with many shops selling merchandise.
While enjoying the fiesta, you have a backdrop of the mountains and the 78-acre launching field which is equal to 54 football fields. Plan to walk the field and keep your face turned up to the sky while enjoying the fall crisp air.
If beautiful air balloons, mountains, food, and fun activities interests you, then you should go to the Albuquerque balloon fiesta, but you have to start planning now. The hotel’s book up nearly a year before and cost twice as much. Also, plan to wake up at 4 a.m., wait 2 hours to get in the gate, and pay $10 a person, but in my opinion the Balloon fiesta is a site everyone should see.
Gretta Alumbaugh is a senior, and this is her first year on the newspaper staff. Alumbaugh said she wanted to join newspaper because it would look good...
Theodore Ruzicka • Jan 10, 2020 at 1:55 pm
I think that your opinion is valid, but it’s not really worth the four hour drive. It doesn’t feel like a must see, all you do is use up a lot of gas, pay for hotels, food on the road, etc. It’d still probably be cool to see it if you lived there/had family there.
Karli Lakey • Jan 10, 2020 at 11:00 am
Dear Gretta,
I have heard many people say how amazing the balloons are, but personally, I would not enjoy waking up to feel the cold air feel as if it was biting you. I am waking up early as it is to go play tennis int he freezing cold and to stand there and see balloons floating till ten. It is just not my ideal experience, but I have no doubt you enjoyed it.
Sarah Hope • Jan 9, 2020 at 4:47 pm
Gretta,
I have to disagree with because yes while it may be beautiful not everyone likes getting up in the morning, or the mountains, or sunrises. While this festival may be fun to go to and nice to cross off a bucket list, a good amount of people would be perfectly content with dying and not been to see the balloons.
I think that maybe that suggesting to see this festival would have appealed to more people. but many people would be ok without going to this festival.
Andrew • Jan 9, 2020 at 4:30 pm
I do agree with your opinion because I myself have been to see the balloon festival. There is so much that the festival has to offer, and is truly an experience of a lifetime. Your tips on the expense and travel of the trip are absolutely true. When we decided to go see the festival we went to the last minute and paid almost double the cost versus at another time.
luke • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:36 pm
This does not appeal to everyones enjoyment. While it may be fun and interesting to some, others may not enjoy this or have a good time.
I personally would not enjoy the early waking up, standing in line for two hours, or the crowds of people.