CELEBRATING 50 YEARS The “International” in Balloon Fiesta rom its earliest days, the Albuquerque The Balloon Fiesta’s international character was International Balloon Fiesta has been the established almost from the beginning. Two of the crossroads of world ballooning, an event where fi rst four Balloon Fiestas included the World Hot Air teams from across the planet get together Ballooning Championships, where 38 of the world’s top to respectfully compete, reunite with old pilots tackled diffi cult competitive tasks in pursuit of friends and make new ones, and share in the the title. Although Americans won both events – Denny F fellowship of the sport. They are joined by the many Floden (Cap’t. Phogg) in 1973 and David Schaff er in 1975 guests from around the world that come to Albuquerque – the international teams had a great time. When they every year to experience for themselves the magic of went home, they told their friends how much fun fl ying in Balloon Fiesta. Albuquerque was. Countries Participating in the Balloon Fiesta since 1972: Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil ,Canada, Catalonia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Crimea, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Lux- embourg, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America ® 108 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta