THE 1970s: 1972-1979 1973 he world came to Albuquerque in 1973, as 38 of the planet’s best aeronauts competed in the First World Hot Air competed in the First World Hot Air Balloon Championships. Impressed by the city’s Tenthusiasm for balloons at the 1972 KOB event and how well the pilots were treated, Balloon Federation of America President Don Kersten persuaded Sid Cutter to bid for the event – not bothering to tell Sid that Albuquerque was the only bidder! The eight-day event, February 10-17, was actually even longer, because it was preceded by a separate competition to determine the four pilots who would represent the U.S. The World Championships and a separate rally for “Fiesta” fl yers were held at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, which aff orded seating and amenities for spectators, but did not allow them to go onto the launch fi eld among the balloons. The event was huge, considering that less than a year before the record for the largest U.S. balloon rally ever was 21. Thirty-eight world U.S. balloon rally ever was 21. Thirty-eight world competitors and 90 Fiesta fl yers thrilled visitors. competitors and 90 Fiesta fl yers thrilled visitors. The championships turned out well for the home team: Denny Floden – “Captain Phogg” – took home the very fi rst world trophy. The international and out of town visitors had a great international and out of town visitors had a great time. Many of the Albuquerque volunteers who time. Many of the Albuquerque volunteers who helped with the event were hooked and became helped with the event were hooked and became balloonists themselves, providing both balloons balloonists themselves, providing both balloons and expertise to support future Balloon Fiestas. and expertise to support future Balloon Fiestas. ® 64 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta