S O BENNIE B Y O B T PHO Balloon Fiesta Park North of Alameda Blvd. and east of the North Diversion Channel It seems hard to believe that the Balloon Fiesta has now enjoy VIP experiences through the Gondola Club now been held in this former gravel pit in far north and Chasers' Club, and balloon enthusiasts worldwide Albuquerque for the past quarter-century. After can now view live event broadcasts through Balloon much negotiating and a lot of hard work, the City of Fiesta Live! Albuququerque acquired the property for use as a city As the Balloon Fiesta moves into its next half-century, park; the Balloon Fiesta has exclusive use of the park our adventure is just beginning. Come join us! during September and October of each year. The other 10 months, the park is used for a golf driving range, sports events, community concerts and celebrations, WHAT: 25th -50th Albuquerque International and of course as a balloon launch and landing site. Balloon Fiesta While some new events have been added, including WHERE: Balloon Fiesta Park, north of the Flight of the Nations, additional Balloon Glows, Alameda Rd. and east of the North Diversion enhanced fi reworks displays, Albuquerque Aloft, and Channel Music Fiesta, much of the focus has been on adding WHEN: October 1996-present permanent amenities for guest comfort and safety NUMBER OF BALLOONS: 500 – 1,000+ and to improve the safety of fl ight operations. A balloons (in 2000) golf center and restaurant on the property are used NEW EVENTS/AMENITIES: Fully grassed for event hospitality during the Balloon Fiesta. Two launch site, Dawn Patrol Show (1996), other permanent buildings – a public safety/fi rst aid additional Balloon Glows, Albuquerque Aloft, center and the Sid Cutter Pilots' Pavilion, used as pilot Gordon Bennett held here in 1999, 2005, headquarters and as a community center, are now on and 2008, Flight of the Nations, Sid Cutter site. The fi eld is now fully grassed – much appreciated Pilots' Pavilion and other permanent facilities, by both pilots and guests – and the adjacent Anderson Gondola Club, Music Fiesta, Balloon Fiesta Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Live!, more to come! provides additional amenities for guests. Guests can ® 132 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta