The annual Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque is a "bucket list" item, in my opinion, and getting to attend the 2003 Fiesta is still one of the highlights of my RVing career. No matter how you see it, however, I highly recommend it.
Our travel club made all the arrangements, so there was minimal effort on our part...just send in a check and show up on the scheduled day. Being part of a group added to the fun, with joint meals and cocktails being part of it. We parked our rigs in the "VIP" section right next to the balloon launch area, which made it convenient to walk through and watch preparations and scheduled "glow" sessions at night. Parking here, with no hook-ups, cost $65 per day (now $100). There was a hook-up area that cost $125 per day (now $200 or more). During our four days there, we got an up close and personal view of hundreds of balloons taking off, some landing in our part of the field and the enjoyment of sharing it all with friends.
Before the Fiesta got underway, we paid a visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that is operated by the 19 Pueblos (tribes) of New Mexico. These are the descendants of the Anasazi Indians who left so much rock art and cliff houses all around the Four Corners Region. The center is intended to maintain their culture and inform visitors of their history and traditions through exhibits and events. In addition to the museum, we enjoyed ceremonial costumes, music and dancing.
Of the hundreds of participating hot air balloons, many were custom designs costing from $75,000 on up, depending on the size and complexity. Some promoted businesses, while others were just modeled after whimsical characters selected by their owners. Each balloon requires a "chase team" to assist with the launch and follow the balloon to its eventual landing and pack it up for return.
The "glow" sessions at night allowed us to closely observe the process of firing up and inflating the balloons, a special treat available only to those staying on the grounds.
One pilot landed his balloon right behind us to make some adjustment before taking off again. This was a special opportunity to talk with him. He commented that he had seen a woman in the shower as he came right over the top of our rigs. Everyone thought this was funny, except for the lady who said she had just finished her shower.
One night, the balloons went up after dark, putting on a spectacular light show.
This event closed out our 2003 travel season. Following this, we decided there was one way to top it...by going to Alaska, which we did in 2004.
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