CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Welcome from the Mayor of Albuquerque ’m so happy to welcome folks from all over While in Albuquerque, make sure to take some time the world to our city for the 50th Annual to enjoy the culture that is so unique and celebrated Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. What here. It’s a joy every year to welcome guests to special a milestone. From a small celebration by a local places like Old Town and the Hispanic and Indian radio station, featuring 13 balloons in 1972, to Cultural Centers to experience the rich history and now the largest Hot Air Festival in the world, it is heritage of our town. The Balloon Fiesta is a great I truly a sight to see. opportunity to take in all that Albuquerque has to The visuals in store, from the imaginative special off er; cuisine, local art, unique museums of all kinds, shapes balloons to the spectacular evening Glowdeo, fl ame roasted green chile, the great landscapes of New can’t be found anywhere else. Starting before the sun Mexico, and more. rises with the Dawn Patrol balloonists, followed by a Thank you for taking part in this special tradition, mass ascension of more balloons than you can count, and for celebrating 50 years of the Albuquerque the fi esta is a showcase of Albuquerque’s unique International Balloon Fiesta with us! culture and personality. Thanks to our renowned Albuquerque box wind patterns, balloonists travel from all over the globe to put on an incredible show that can be seen from all over our city. Enjoying the Balloon Fiesta includes diff erent activities for everyone, whether it is enjoying the sights Timothy M. Keller from afar, like from the top of our Sandia Peak Tramway, or Mayor right in the thick of the action at the Balloon Fiesta Park. ® 18 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta