Every weekday morning, balloonists compete in challenging events. For example, in the key grab event, they need to launch at least one mile away from the launching field, and then fly back and navigate to the location where the envelope holding a key to a brand-new car is attached to a tall pole. The pilot who grabs the envelope first wins the vehicle.<\/p>\n

The Dawn Patrol<\/h3>\n

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The Dawn Patrol first started in 1978 when two balloonists from California came up with position lighting systems that allowed them to fly during the nighttime. Since then, the Dawn Patrol balloonists take off before sunrise and fly until the daylight. They observe other balloons taking off and examine the morning weather\u2019s conditions for wind speed and its directions at different altitudes.<\/p>\n

Artistic Vision<\/h3>\n

A great number of local Albuquerque artists enjoy using the huge hot air balloon cupolas as their canvases. Each year, they turn hundreds of hot air balloons into splendid paintings.<\/p>\n

Balloon Glows<\/h3>\n

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A lot of hot air balloons use their propane burners and get illuminated at night. Illuminated, these balloons stay still and do not take off during this event. Balloon enthusiasts fill the launch field each year to watch the illuminated balloons of every color, size and shape launching against the dark sky.\u00a0 In addition, there is the Glowdeo event \u2013 special shape rodeos. This is a night glow for the balloons that have special shapes. Flowers, bumble bees, dinosaurs, and other animals fill the sky above the city and its surroundings each year.<\/p>\n

Mass Ascensions<\/h3>\n

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This is one of the biggest events of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. All participating balloons take off in two waves. It is a spectacular experience to watch hundreds of hot air balloons filling the morning sky above Albuquerque. Launch directors coordinate the take off so balloons launch in a safe and synchronized manner. Don\u2019t be surprised if you hear someone referring to Launch directors as \u201czebras\u201d \u2013 it is because of the black-and-white outfits they are wearing.<\/p>\n

Special Shape Rodeo<\/h3>\n

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Each year, a great number of unusually shaped balloons register for the event. This is the most popular part of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta among children, as they enjoy watching balloons shaped like a wagon coach, milk cow, soda pop cans and many other originally designed balloons.<\/p>\n

Special Events and Competitions<\/h3>\n

Additional events at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta include the Fiesta Challenge, where pilots attempt to drop their markers the closest to designed targets. Furthermore, there is America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race, which began in 1995. In this race, the long-distance hot air balloons are launched. Normally, the winner of this game is the balloon that travels the furthest. You\u2019ll be astonished to learn that some of these long-distance balloons traveled as far as Canada.<\/p>\n

There is also the Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension, with different nation balloonists launching one at the time, waving their nation\u2019s flag.<\/p>\n

However, the most exciting part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for most of its visitors is the fact that spectators are allowed to walk among the balloons as they are getting inflated and preparing to launch. Moreover, visitors are welcome to ask questions and take pictures with the pilots.<\/p>\n

Nearly 750,000 visitors attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta each year, so make sure to plan your New Mexico trip to join the fun and experience this one-of-a-kind event.<\/p>\n