2020 2017 1993 1996 1997 1997 2000 2000 The Balloon Fiesta The “Flight of the The fi rst Dawn Patrol The Special Shape The Balloon Fiesta celebrates its 25th Nations,” honoring Show, a choreographed Rodeo and Glowdeo hosts “1,000 in 2000,” year and moves to the international pilots infl ation and pre-sunrise reach their current form, with more than 1,000 current Balloon Fiesta on the Wednesday of launch, is held. with morning mass balloons participating. Park. Balloon Fiesta week, is ascensions and evening It is the largest Balloon inaugurated. Glows on both days of Fiesta and probably the the event. largest ballooning event ever held in the world. But in subsequent years, in the interest of safety, the number of balloons is scaled back to 750 and later 550. 2003 2002-2003 2001 2001 2001 The Gondola Club, a Balloon Fiesta Park Albuquerque Aloft, The New Mexico In the wake of the 9/11 V.I.P. experience for is fully grassed; the on the Friday before Challenge, a distance terrorist attacks and the Balloon Fiesta guests, change makes the fi eld Balloon Fiesta, brings race for hot air balloons, grounding of all general is created, and is later a pleasant place for balloonists to local is held; the event lasts aviation, the Balloon joined by the Chasers guests to linger and elementary schools to only a few years. Fiesta comes close to Club and, most recently, turns the Balloon Fiesta educate, infl ate and fl y. cancellation. The ban on a “glamping” experience. into a true destination balloon fl ights is lifted event for families. in time for the Balloon Fiesta and the America’s Challenge race to continue as scheduled. 2017 2020 2021 2022 In winning the America’s The COVID-19 pandemic The Balloon Fiesta The Balloon Fiesta Challenge, Swiss forces the postponement returns with additional celebrates its 50th balloonists Nicolas of the 49th Balloon COVID precautions in year/50th anniversary Tièche and Laurent Fiesta, but “Fiesta place and celebrates its and the 25th America’s Sciboz smash the Siesta” merchandise 49th year. Challenge and publishes all-time competition sells like hotcakes and a commemorative book, distance records Balloon Fiesta Live! 50 Years of Balloon for 1,000 meter gas provides nine days of Magic. balloons. streamed highlights from past Balloon Fiestas. 2015 2001 2005