1993 2019 2010 1993 1993 1994 1994 1995 A morning mass The Balloon Fiesta The Thursday afternoon The World Gas Balloon The Balloon Fiesta ascension on the fi rst hosts the world’s Special Shape fl ight is Championships are held founds its own gas day of the Special Shape oldest air race, the replaced by an evening in Albuquerque. This balloon distance Rodeo becomes part of Coupe Aéronautique Balloon Glow; within series of races involves race, the America’s the event. Gordon Bennett for gas a couple of years precision fl ying to Challenge; the team of balloons, the fi rst time this event is named targets. Richard Abruzzo and the race has been held the Special Shape David Melton wins the in the United States “Glowdeo.” race. since 1933. The Balloon Fiesta also hosts the Gordon Bennett in 1999, 2005, and 2008. 2011 2010 2005 2005 March 5, 2005 The Balloon Fiesta The “Morning Glow” on The combined launch of The Anderson The New Mexico State celebrates its 40th year; mass ascension days the Gordon Bennett and Abruzzo Albuquerque Legislature designates the commemorative becomes part of the America’s Challenge International Balloon the hot air balloon as the book, The World Comes event. races is one of the Museum opens offi cial state aircraft. to Albuquerque, wins largest gas balloon multiple book awards. events ever held in Additional books are North America and published in 2016 and features record-setting 2022. fl ights. 2013 2015 2015 2016 2017 Darius Rucker headlines The Sid Cutter Pilots’ Albuquerque’s Troy The Balloon Fiesta The inauguration of the fi rst Music Fiesta Pavilion opens its Bradley and Russia’s hosts the U.S. Balloon Fiesta Live! on the last Saturday of doors and becomes Leonid Tiutkhtyaev Women’s National allows enthusiasts Balloon Fiesta. pilot headquarters for set new distance and Championships. from around the world Balloon Fiesta duration world records to see professional, during the Two Eagles livestreamed and transpacifi c balloon archived broadcasts fl ight from Saga, Japan of all Balloon Fiesta to Baja California. sessions. 2018 2017 2013