Ask long-time Balloon Fiesta guests All of a sudden, the launch site was a place people and pilots about the change they feel really wanted to be – to have picnics and family get- 2002had the greatest impact on people’s togethers, to tailgate, to hang around for shopping perception and enjoyment of the event, on Main Street. And it kept the balloons from getting and most so dusty. It’s a seemingly little thing, but oh, what a will point to diff erence it made! something After the trauma of 2001, the Balloon Fiesta felt a that happened little more “normal” in 2002. Security was more visible in 2002. This than ever before, but that made people feel safer. is the year Behind the scenes, an alphabet soup of federal, state, the 78-acre and local agencies worked together to keep it that Balloon Fiesta way, an interagency eff ort that continues to this day. Park launch There were no big new events, just the magic of special fi eld was fully shapes, glowing balloons, and mass ascensions – and grassed for in a year where the theme said it all, the need for the the fi rst time. people of the world to unite, that was enough. In its early years, the Balloon Fiesta was never able to do much to enhance its 2003amenities for guests. The event was a guest itself, on whoever’s property the launch site was located, and could not install much in the way of permanent infrastructure. That, of course, changed when the current Balloon Fiesta Park opened. Sponsors had always received VIP treatment in a catered tent on the fi eld, presided over by the Balloon Fiesta’s longtime hospitality doyenne, Jacqueline Hockey. But there had never been anything available for Balloon Fiesta guests who were not affi liated with a sponsor, but wanted a luxury experience. That changed in 2003 with the opening of the Gondola Club, an exclusive, expansive area with catered gourmet dining, special close-in parking, shuttle service around the fi eld, and – best of all! – (portable) fl ush toilets! Gondola Club tickets are still in high demand today, as are the Balloon Fiesta’s new Concierge tours, “Glamping” accommodations on a nearby ball fi eld, and RV spaces in the President’s Compound overlooking the park. In 2009, the Chasers’ Club was created to off er meals and seating for guests at a lower price point. ® 204 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta