CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Welcome from the President, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® n behalf of the Board of Directors, Most of all, meet and greet the balloonists and crews our hundreds of Navigators from all over the world who make the Balloon Fiesta so (volunteers), and our super staff , it spectacular. is my great privilege and honor to We have come a long way from our small, modest welcome everyone to the greatest beginning in the Coronado Mall parking lot in 1972, ballooning event in the world. This when 13 balloons infl ated for the fi rst Balloon Fiesta. It O year, we celebrate a historic milestone, “50 years of is so important that we remember our history, but most Balloon Fiesta”, and we have prepared an exciting and importantly, that we remember the people who got us wonderful event for you. here. Over the years, many directors, volunteers, pilots This is the time of year when the air gets crisp and and crews, and members of staff have worked tirelessly cool, the smell of green chile being roasted infects the and selfl essly to put on this great event. Please take the air, and “Gentle Giants” appear by the hundreds. The time to say “thank you” when you see them for all their colors are bright and fantastic as they can be only at eff orts and successes. Balloon Fiesta time in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the A big ballooning “Thank You” goes out to everyone “balloon capital of the world.” attending the 50th Albuquerque International Balloon Come enjoy our events, from mass ascensions Fiesta. and nighttime glows to the unique gas balloons, and Again “Welcome and Enjoy.” onward to our spectacular special shapes. Enjoy our balloon fl ying competitions during the week, where you can cheer on your favorite balloon or pilot to victory. Visit our vendors; try unique cultural foods from New Mexico. Thank our sponsors for their part in making the Al Tetreault Balloon Fiesta possible. While in the Albuquerque area, President, Albuquerque International visit our local businesses, attractions, and restaurants. Balloon Fiesta ® 12 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta