THE 1980s: 1980-1989 Change was in the air as the Balloon Fiesta began 1980in 1980. Balloonists arrived to fi nd the fi eld rearranged, with concessions moved from the east to the west side of the fi eld. On the east side – surprise! – a construction site! Building of the industrial park that now occupies the area northwest of Jeff erson and I-25 was underway. The loss of space of course translated to a loss of launch sites and a slightly smaller Balloon Fiesta, with ‘just’ 312 balloons. In 1980, the Navy Leapfrogs parachuted into the launch fi eld in part due to the eff orts of Ron Caldwell, the balloonmeister that year and a proud Navy guy. This began a tradition of non-balloon aerial entertainment that continues to this day: the Army Golden Knights, Misty Blues, and most recently Team Fastrax are among the groups that have thrilled Balloon Fiesta guests. Another tradition beginning that year is the involvement of the Kiwanis, whose volunteers have collected parking fees and directed traffi c in Balloon Fiesta parking lots for four decades. ® 118 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta