2022 Balloon Fiesta Program

Net zero greenhouse gas emissions in New Mexico by 2030 delivers a brighter energy future. ExxonMobil is honored to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Golden Anniversary of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, taking our support of this world-renowned tradition to new heights. As a leading energy producer in New Mexico, we are focused on responsibly developing the state’s resources and doing our part to help realize New Mexicans’ aspirations for a prosperous and sustainable future. This includes our aim to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions for our unconventional operations in the state by 2030. Follow us to learn more about what we’re doing today for a brighter energy future tomorrow. ExxonMobilNewMexico

y dl ou r P ORING SPONS 3 NEW MEXICO O 3709 Ellison Rd NW LOCATIONS O 2270 Wyoming Blvd NE O 2670 Coors Blvd NW • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • VISIT US AT OUR BOOTH ON MAIN STREET • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

® PHILLIPS 66 IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE 2022 ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA. ® DOWNLOAD THE MY PHILLIPS 66 APP TO RECEIVE SAVINGS ON GAS. Phillips 66® is a registered trademark owned by Phillips 66 Company. ©2022 Phillips 66 Company. All rights reserved. DOWNLOAD THE MY PHILLIPS 66 APP.

Proud to call Albuquerque home today. And every day. Today is an opportunity to start another great chapter in the story of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Let’s make it count. pnc.com ©2022 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC CON PDF 0618-0106

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS “With the advent of this, the First Annual KOB International Balloon Festival, a new, tremendous, spectacular tourist attraction has been added to the wonders of Albuquerque and New Mexico. For today is just the beginning” . . . o begins the very ﬁ rst article in the very ﬁ rst guy,” an aviator and aeronaut with big dreams and (1972) Balloon Fiesta program, an eight-page, extraordinary vision -- it happened, and changed mimeographed (this was before copiers!), Albuquerque and New Mexico forever. quickly-assembled guide to what today is Before 1972, October was just another month in known as the ﬁ rst Albuquerque International Albuquerque. For local business people, it was time for Balloon Fiesta®. For a quarter, spectators a breather between the hectic State Fair crunch and the S could snap up their very own copy. gear-up for the holiday rush. Weekends might be spent As you will learn in these pages, this ﬁ rst gathering of in the mountains looking at the changing leaves or taking balloons from around the nation was thrown together advantage of the apple and chile harvests. In the clear, in less than two weeks. KOB, one of the ﬁ rst radio crisp early morning skies there was nary a balloon in stations in the US when it began broadcasting in 1922, sight. was celebrating its 50th anniversary and wanted to What a diﬀ erence 50 years makes! October in create something memorable. With the help of the Albuquerque is now synonymous with balloons, Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (the hundreds of them, a canopy of color, a child’s fantasy local balloon club), members of the community, and of bunches of balloons suddenly released into a clear most notably Sid Cutter -- that “chamber of commerce blue sky. On the business side, it generates hundreds most notably Sid Cutter -- that “chamber of commerce of millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses in Albuquerque and New Mexico. We don’t have a record of who wrote that ﬁ rst article in 1972, but whoever it was had a pretty good crystal ball. “It is our hope,” they wrote, “that this will become an annual event…the culmination of a week of activities… perhaps a golf tournament… a ball… a queen contest… a perhaps a golf tournament… a ball… a queen contest… a ﬁ esta... all gathered into one week of great attractions.” All of these have been part of the Balloon Fiesta at one time or another. The author went on to say, “Tomorrow, we begin our next year. We welcome ideas, participants, and interest from every civic-minded individual and organization…” As we begin our next 50 years, we echo that sentiment. We have had the privilege, over the past ﬁ ve decades, of living the magic and telling the story of the Balloon Fiesta. We invite you, through these pages, to discover that magic, and hope you’ll be inspired to become part of the story for the next 50 years. Kim Vesely Editor Wally Book, Dick Brown, John C. Davis, IV, Jennifer Garcia, Jacqueline Hockey, Charlotte Kinney, Rod May, Tom McConnell, M.D., Lisa Mulder, Lynne Newton, Sam Parks, Stephanie Prendergast, Paul Rhetts, Dick Rice, Harry Season, John Sena, Paul Smith, Mark Sullivan, Al Tetreault, Ken Tuley, Ty Young: program authors and members of the AIBF Heritage Committee ® 6 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS WELCOME LETTERS From the AIBF President ............................. 12 From ExxonMobil ......................................... 14 From the Governor of New Mexico ............16 From the Mayor of Albuquerque ................18 OF INTEREST Schedule of Events ......................................20 Survival Guide Map......................................26 2022 Sponsors ............................................28 AIBF Timeline ...............................................48 How A Hot Air Balloon Works ...................134 Music Fiesta is Back! Poem: La Fiesta de Los Globos ................ 173 22Featuring Cole Swindell, Lainey Wilson and Restless Road. Public Safety .............................................. 208 Safety Tips ..................................................212 1972 Oﬃ cials ....................................................... 213 34The Balloon Fiesta that tarted It all. Board of Directors .................................... 229 2022 Staﬀ ...................................................231 Meet Sid Cutter Worlds of Fiesta ......................................... 246 36Founder of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Balloon Museum ....................................... 250 Photo Tips ...................................................251 The Original 13 People Who Make It Happen ................... 262 52In 1972 Sid Cutter agreed to organize a southwestern-style Hare-and-Hound Heritage Award.......................................... 269 balloon race that he dubbed Roadrunner-Coyote balloon race. Today we know Stats/Fun Facts .........................................270 it as the ﬁ rst Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. In Memoriam ..............................................272 THE DECADES One Mile Up and Still On the Ground The 1970s .....................................................32 62What was it like to ﬂ y in the very ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta? One of the “Original The 1980s ....................................................116 13” tells his story. The 1990s ...................................................154 The 2000s .................................................200 Lights in the Darkness The 2010s .................................................. 232 70 On a cold October day in 1978, in the pre-dawn darkness, two California The 2020s ................................................. 254 balloonists made history – and no doubt startled a few Albuquerque early risers – by ascending into the sunrise on the ﬁ rst ﬂ ight ever of the Dawn Patrol. DIRECTORIES 2022 Balloon Directory ...............................73 The Women of Balloon Fiesta Participating Pilots.....................................104 112 Since the beginning of Balloon Fiesta there have been hundreds of women, Additional Pilots .........................................106 mostly behind the scenes, who have helped ensure a successful and International Pilots .................................... 110 memorable event. Special Shape Directory ...........................145 Fields of Color 25TH AMERICA’S CHALLENGE 126 Each of the Balloon Fiesta’s launch sites had its own personality and each Gas Directory .............................................180 played a distinct role in the event’s history. Gas Oﬃ cials & Records.............................182 The Making of the America’s Challenge .184 Ballooning: A Spectator Sport Epic Flights .................................................188 133 Flying a balloon may be easier than watching one. About Gas Ballooning ...............................190 How a Gas Balloon Works .........................194 Getting into Shapes: The Special Shape Rodeo Pilot Retrospectives...................................196 140 To realize the signiﬁ cance that the Special Shape rodeo has had on the Balloon Fiesta, you need to go back to 1986. ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 8

Where there is Wonder Joy will Follow! www.WonderBread.com

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS There’s Nothing Like Being There 164 Reprinted from the 1992 Balloon Fiesta Program About Our Photographers Balloon Fiesta Navigators On a list of the most photographed 168 Let your inner compass guide you to be a Balloon Fiesta Navigator. events in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is right up Balloon Faces of Balloon Fiesta there. Some studies have named Balloon 174 Thousands of hot air balloons have ﬂ own in the Albuquerque Internation- Fiesta as the most photographed event, al Balloon Fiesta over the years, all beautiful, many unique and creative. besting such classics as the Tournament But through the years, some became especially identiﬁ ed with the event, of Roses Parade. What’s sure, for ﬁ lm- as Balloon Fiesta historian Tom McConnell recounts. shooting classicists and cell phone selﬁ e photo bombers alike, the Balloon Fiesta is The Chase Crew irresistible. 176 Don’t leave home without them! This visual impact has been a great thing when it comes to documenting the Balloon Zebras Grazing Fiesta’s development over the last half- 214 Launch Directors – aﬀ ectionately known as “Zebras” because of their black- century. We’re proud to display the many and-white uniforms – are perhaps the Balloon Fiesta’s most visible ambas- photographs taken over the years by our sadors. incredibly talented oﬃ cial photographers (three of whom – Paul DeBerjeois, Marlon Red Jacket Oﬃ cials Long, and Cindy Petrehn – have sadly left 218 us). The Balloon Fiesta’s new book, 50 Oft overlooked ﬂ ight operations teams. Years of Balloon Magic, contains some of Games Balloonists Play their best work, and you can get your copy 224 through the Balloon Fiesta’s online store. Balloon Fiesta competition history. However, for photos of the Balloon Fiesta’s earlier history, we’ve relied on a Voices & Video: Field Announcers and Balloon select group of balloonist/photographers 240Fiesta Live! whose work is invaluable to documenting There’s nothing like being on the ﬁ eld in person, but for those who can’t get the history of the event and of ballooning to Albuquerque, Balloon Fiesta Live! is the next best thing. in New Mexico. Balloon Fiesta historians Dick Brown, Tom McConnell, and Kim Pins, Patches and Other Daubles of Aﬀ ection Vesely all contributed photos from their 252Updated from the 2010 Balloon Fiesta program. personal collections. But we especially want to acknowledge our fellow balloonist Fiesta de Los Globitos, the “Mini Balloon Fiesta” and friend the late Bill Flynt, from Roswell. 260Sam Parks, Balloon Fiesta’s Director of Operations and former While ﬂ ying in events across the country, Balloonmeister, describes how this new event for remote-controlled (RC) Bill took amazing photos; creating probably hot air balloons began and is becoming the Balloon Fiesta’s latest – and the most complete visual history of this popular! -- attraction. exciting time. Our thanks to Suzi Flynt Manus, Bill’s widow and herself a ﬁ ne balloon pilot, for allowing us to use some of his photos, and to balloonist Eric Hodges, the custodian of Bill’s collection, for making For an enhanced experience, scan the QR codes on these them available to us. icons throughout the program to access additional information and content! ® 10 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Welcome from the President, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® n behalf of the Board of Directors, Most of all, meet and greet the balloonists and crews our hundreds of Navigators from all over the world who make the Balloon Fiesta so (volunteers), and our super staﬀ , it spectacular. is my great privilege and honor to We have come a long way from our small, modest welcome everyone to the greatest beginning in the Coronado Mall parking lot in 1972, ballooning event in the world. This when 13 balloons inﬂ ated for the ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta. It O year, we celebrate a historic milestone, “50 years of is so important that we remember our history, but most Balloon Fiesta”, and we have prepared an exciting and importantly, that we remember the people who got us wonderful event for you. here. Over the years, many directors, volunteers, pilots This is the time of year when the air gets crisp and and crews, and members of staﬀ have worked tirelessly cool, the smell of green chile being roasted infects the and selﬂ essly to put on this great event. Please take the air, and “Gentle Giants” appear by the hundreds. The time to say “thank you” when you see them for all their colors are bright and fantastic as they can be only at eﬀ orts and successes. Balloon Fiesta time in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the A big ballooning “Thank You” goes out to everyone “balloon capital of the world.” attending the 50th Albuquerque International Balloon Come enjoy our events, from mass ascensions Fiesta. and nighttime glows to the unique gas balloons, and Again “Welcome and Enjoy.” onward to our spectacular special shapes. Enjoy our balloon ﬂ ying competitions during the week, where you can cheer on your favorite balloon or pilot to victory. Visit our vendors; try unique cultural foods from New Mexico. Thank our sponsors for their part in making the Al Tetreault Balloon Fiesta possible. While in the Albuquerque area, President, Albuquerque International visit our local businesses, attractions, and restaurants. Balloon Fiesta ® 12 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Time FLIES when you’re having fun Congraulaion Albuquerque nernaional alloon Fiea® on your 0 Annierary€ ‚ ƒ oma o lman, Managing Parner 8900 Pan American Freeway, N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Welcome from the New Mexico Production Manager, ExxonMobil Welcome to the 2022 Albuquerque International energy producer here, we are focused on developing Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil. We are honored the state’s resources responsibly and in a manner to serve as the Presenting Sponsor for one of New that supports the preservation of its environment and Mexico’s most well-known and enchanting traditions. unparalleled natural beauty. Our ambition, like those Since 2019, we’ve had the honor of supporting this early balloonists, are equally bold: to achieve net zero world renowned event and are excited to take our greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) for sponsorship to new heights as we join the ballooning our unconventional operations in the state by 2030. community, New Mexicans, and visitors from around Balloon Fiesta – perhaps better than any other the world in celebrating Balloon Fiesta’s golden event – showcases the true beauty of the Land of anniversary. Enchantment. On behalf of our employees who work From its modest beginnings in 1972 with just 13 pilots and live in New Mexico, I’d like to oﬀ er our sincerest launching from a shopping mall parking lot, Balloon thanks to the Fiesta staﬀ , balloonists, volunteers Fiesta has grown over the past 50 years into the largest and local businesses for making this special event a and most photographed hot air balloon festival in success. We look forward to another truly spectacular the world, attracting hundreds Fiesta and wish you the most of thousands of visitors annually memorable experience as the who come to experience not just 50th anniversary lifts oﬀ ! the magic of the Fiesta but also the charm that New Mexico has to oﬀ er. This 9-day series of festivities now plays a vital role in fueling the local and regional economy, and we are honored to help power this Rick Cannon Rick Cannon incredible economic engine. Production Manager Energy plays an important role ExxonMobil New Mexico in New Mexico, and as a leading ® 14 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Welcome from the Governor of New Mexico ienvenidos and Welcome to the Land of Whether you call New Mexico home or you’re a New Enchantment! Mexican at heart, I invite you to indulge in everything There’s no better way to describe a visit that our state has to oﬀ er. Visit a new restaurant to try to New Mexico than Adventure Steeped in some red or green chile (or both!). Take a stroll down Culture – it’s what makes us New Mexico any of our trails or open spaces. Get an early jump on True. your holiday shopping by supporting our local artists B This year, we are especially grateful to celebrate and merchants. Make it an adventure by visiting some the 50th anniversary of New Mexico’s signature event truly one-of-a-kind New Mexico destinations. and the very deﬁ nition of New Mexico True -- the Thank you for joining us and I hope Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. you have a memorable experience here you have a memorable experience here For 50 years, people from around the globe have in New Mexico. in New Mexico. traveled to New Mexico each October to watch the world’s largest gathering of balloonists take to the skies above Albuquerque. This year, we are happy to welcome you back with open arms and a friendly spirit. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ® 16 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Welcome from the Mayor of Albuquerque ’m so happy to welcome folks from all over While in Albuquerque, make sure to take some time the world to our city for the 50th Annual to enjoy the culture that is so unique and celebrated Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. What here. It’s a joy every year to welcome guests to special a milestone. From a small celebration by a local places like Old Town and the Hispanic and Indian radio station, featuring 13 balloons in 1972, to Cultural Centers to experience the rich history and now the largest Hot Air Festival in the world, it is heritage of our town. The Balloon Fiesta is a great I truly a sight to see. opportunity to take in all that Albuquerque has to The visuals in store, from the imaginative special oﬀ er; cuisine, local art, unique museums of all kinds, shapes balloons to the spectacular evening Glowdeo, ﬂ ame roasted green chile, the great landscapes of New can’t be found anywhere else. Starting before the sun Mexico, and more. rises with the Dawn Patrol balloonists, followed by a Thank you for taking part in this special tradition, mass ascension of more balloons than you can count, and for celebrating 50 years of the Albuquerque the ﬁ esta is a showcase of Albuquerque’s unique International Balloon Fiesta with us! culture and personality. Thanks to our renowned Albuquerque box wind patterns, balloonists travel from all over the globe to put on an incredible show that can be seen from all over our city. Enjoying the Balloon Fiesta includes diﬀ erent activities for everyone, whether it is enjoying the sights Timothy M. Keller from afar, like from the top of our Sandia Peak Tramway, or Mayor right in the thick of the action at the Balloon Fiesta Park. ® 18 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

RIDES DAILY YEAR ROUND Loved by Locs for 40 Years OFFICIAL RIDE OPERATOR 800-725-2477 RAINBOWRYDERS.COM ALBUQUERQUE PHOENIX SCOTTSDALE COLORADO SPRINGS The World’s Premier Balloon Event

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Schedule of Events FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 6:00 pm 8:00 - Noon MONDAY, OCTOBER 3 7:00 a.m. America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 6:00 am Albuquerque Aloft Race Launch 9:00 am Dawn Patrol 6:00 pm Fiesta of Wheels Car Show 7:00 am SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 Twilight Twinkle Glow™, (located on north end of Launch Double Balloon Launch and presented by Albuquerque Field) Competition 5:45 am Journal 10:00 am Aerial Light Show, sponsored by 8:00 - Noon Sandia Resort & Casino 7:30 pm Chainsaw Carving Auction Chainsaw Carving Exhibition Team Fastrax™ Skydiving 11:00 am 10:00 am 6:00 am 7:45 pm Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Chainsaw Carving Auction Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Aerial Light Show, sponsored by Tour Tent north end of Main Resort Sandia Resort & Casino Street) 8:00 pm* 3:00 - 6:00 pm TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 6:30 am AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show Chainsaw Carving Exhibition COCA-COLA DAY Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 6:00 am 6:45 am 5:00 pm Dawn Patrol Opening Ceremonies SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 Team Fastrax™ Skydiving 6:00 pm 7:00 am 7:00 am 5:45 am Double Balloon Launch and Mass Ascension Aerial Light Show, sponsored by Balloon Glow, powered by Competition Sandia Resort & Casino ExxonMobil 8:00 - Noon 7:30 pm 8:00 - Noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 6:00 am Chainsaw Carving Exhibition Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Team Fastrax™ Skydiving 10:00 am Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV 7:45 pm 10:00 am Chainsaw Carving Auction Resort Aerial Light Show, sponsored by Chainsaw Carving Auction 2:00 pm 6:30 am Sandia Resort & Casino America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 8:00 pm* Inﬂ ation AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show 3:00 - 6:00 pm 7:00 am Mass Ascension Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 7:30 – 11 am 5:00 pm Fiestas de Los Globitos (Remote Team Fastrax™ Skydiving Control Balloons Exhibition) ® 20 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5 6:00 pm SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 – 7:45 pm 6:00 am Special Shape Glowdeo™ ExxonMobil Day Aerial Light Show, sponsored by Dawn Patrol Show, presented by 7:30 pm 5:45 am Sandia Resort & Casino Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Team Fastrax™ Skydiving Aerial Light Show, sponsored by 8:00 pm* Resort 7:45 pm Sandia Resort & Casino AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show 6:30 am Aerial Light Show, sponsored by 6:00 am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow Sandia Resort & Casino Dawn Patrol Show, presented by SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 7:00 am 8:00 pm* Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV 5:45 am Flight of Nations Mass Ascension, AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show Resort Aerial Light Show, sponsored by presented by New Mexico True 6:30 am Sandia Resort & Casino 7:30 – 11 am FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 Krispy Kreme Morning Glow 6:00 am Fiestas de Los Globitos (Remote 6:00 am 7:00 am Dawn Patrol Show, presented by Control Balloons Exhibition) Dawn Patrol Mass Ascension, powered by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV 8:00 - Noon ExxonMobil Resort Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 7:00 am 8:00 - Noon Special Shape Rodeo™ 6:30 am 10:00 am Chainsaw Carving Exhibition Krispy Kreme Morning Glow Chainsaw Carving Auction 7:00 am 10:00 am Double Balloon Launch and 7:00 am Competition Chainsaw Carving Auction Farewell Mass Ascension, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 KIDS’ 7:30 – 11 am 11:00 am sponsored by News Radio 770 DAY presented by KOB- TV Fiestas de Los Globitos (Remote Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group KKOB 4:30 am Control Balloons Exhibition) Tour Tent north end of Main 8:00 - Noon Kids’ Day Goodie Bag Distribution Street) Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 8:00 - Noon 1:00 – 5:00 pm begins (South of Main Street Chainsaw Carving Exhibition Stage) Music Fiesta * AfterGlow™ ﬁ reworks shows 10:00 am 3:00 - 6:00 pm 6:00 am Chainsaw Carving Auction will begin as soon as the launch Dawn Patrol Chainsaw Carving Exhibition ﬁ eld is clear of balloons, thus the 3:00 - 6:00 pm 5:00 pm starting times are approximate and 7:00 am Chainsaw Carving Exhibition Special Shape Rodeo™ Team Fastrax™ Skydiving subject to change without notice. 5:00 pm 6:00 pm Additionally, local police will modify 7:00 am Team Fastrax™ Skydiving traﬃ c ﬂ ows to utilize all traﬃ c lanes Double Balloon Launch and Night Magic™ Glow, powered by Competition 6:00 pm ExxonMobil for outbound traﬃ c only at the Special Shape Glowdeo™ 6:00 pm conclusion of each Glow event. So if 8:00 - Noon 7:30 pm you want to watch the AfterGlow™ Chainsaw Carving Exhibition Fiestas de Los Globitos Glow ﬁ reworks shows from the Park, plan Team Fastrax™ Skydiving (Remote Control Balloons 10:00 am 7:45 pm Exhibition) to arrive at the Park in time for that Chainsaw Carving Auction Aerial Light Show, sponsored by evening’s glow event. 3:00 - 6:00 pm 7:30 pm Sandia Resort & Casino Team Fastrax™ Skydiving Chainsaw Carving Exhibition 8:00 pm* 5:00 pm AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show Team Fastrax™ Skydiving OFFICIAL PROGRAM 21

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS MUSIC FIESTA IS BACK! FEATURING COLE SWINDELL • LAINEY WILSON • RESTLESS ROAD f you’re a country music fan, Balloon Fiesta Park is the place to be on the second Saturday in October! Over the years Music Fiesta, which premiered in 2013, has welcomed amazing musical I artists such as Darius Rucker, Old Dominion, Chris Young, the Band Perry, and more, and this year promises to be just as much fun! Plan to stay afterward for the Night Magic Balloon Glow and AfterGlow Fireworks! Cole Swindell Grammy-nominated multi-Platinum superstar Cole Swindell has played on some of the biggest stages in the world -- including making history as part of the ﬁ rst-ever live radio and TV broadcast from the 57th ﬂ oor terrace of 4 World Trade Center, overlooking the Freedom Tower, where he performed his hit “You Should Be Here.” Swindell has played high-proﬁ le national performances on some of ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 22

television’s most popular shows (“Today”! “The Ellen Degeneres Show”! “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”! to name a few). He toured with some of the biggest stars in country music including Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, and Dierks Bentley before becoming a star in his own right, headlining his own dates. In the seven years since his debut on Warner Music Nashville, Swindell has racked up an impressive 10 No. 1 singles, 11 No. 1 singles as a songwriter, and a one billion+ audience-reaching single (“You Should Be Here”), nine certified Platinum singles (two singles at 2x Platinum); a Platinum-certified debut album (Cole Swindell) and a Gold-certified sophomore album (You Should Be Here). His massive No. 1 hit “Break Up In The End” was named the NSAI Song of the Year (2019). Swindell recently released his 12th career single “Never Say Never,” a duet with his friend and Music Fiesta performer Lainey Wilson. Lainey Wilson Academy of Country Music (ACM) New Female of the Year 2022 winner, Louisiana native Lainey Wilson is a fresh, fierce voice, one of Nashville’s hottest and most buzzed-about new artists. Already, she’s won over legions of fans with her signature Bell Bottom Country sound and aesthetic, which blends traditional country with a modern yet retro flare. Lainey is on nearly every “Artist to Watch” list, winning MusicRow Magazine’s Discovery Artist of the Year award and being crowned Billboard’s “Top New Country Artist of 2021.” Nearly ten years to the day after leaving her small farming community in a camper-trailer to chase her dreams, Lainey landed her first No. 1 with her Platinum-Certified ACM Song of the Year, “Things A Man Oughta Know,” and she’s had many more hits since then. She’s a prolific and sought-after songwriter, has performed around the globe with some of the most notable names in country music, and her current single, “Never Say Never” with Music Fiesta headliner Cole Swindell, is making a fervent climb up the charts. Restless Road Made up of the three different but complementary voices -- Zach Beeken, Colton Pack, and Garrett Nichols -- country band Restless Road is “one of the most intriguing and exciting acts of the year” (Wide Open Country). The trio’s powerhouse harmonies and soul-baring lyrics put them on numerous 2021 “Ones to Watch” lists, with all signs indicating Restless Road is a contender for best new vocal group. Zach and Colton originally joined forces after meeting on a singing competition, and when Garrett came onboard in 2015, they knew they had something special. Their hits include “Take Me Home,” featuring Kane Brown, “Took One Look At Her Momma,” which American Songwriter praised for its “captivating melody and lyrics”, and “Growing Old With You” a chart-topper they also performed as a feature on ABC’s “The Bachelor”. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 23

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE Saturday, October 1 6:45am – National Anthem: The Choir from the Cathedral of St. John 9:00am – 10:00am – Mountain Top Rock 5:00pm – 6:00pm – USAF Academy Band 5:00pm – 7:00pm – Various Strolling Performers along Main Street 8:00pm – 9:00pm – Tylor Brandon Sunday, October 2 7:00am – National Anthem: USAF Academy Band 9:00am – 10:00am - USAF Academy Band 5:00pm – 6:00pm – Black Pearl Band 5:00pm – 7:00pm – Various Strolling Performers along Main Street 8:00pm – 9:00pm - Cellicion Traditional Dancers (Zuni Pueblo) - Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Monday, October 3 7:00am – National Anthem: Bobby Garcia Tuesday, October 4 The fun begins at 1 PM, and Music Fiesta fans may choose from among a wide 7:00am – National Anthem: The New MexiChords variety of ticket options, including our “Dance Box”, a grassy area right in front of the stage for those who want to kick oﬀ their shoes and dance all afternoon! Full Wednesday, October 5 details and tickets are available at Balloon Fiesta gates or through the Balloon 7:00am – National Anthem: Ambrosia Romo Fiesta website, www.balloonﬁ esta.com. Thursday, October 6 7:00am – National Anthem: New Mexico Philharmonic Young Musician Initiative 9:00am – 10:00am - Sky City Buﬀ alo Ram Dancers (Acoma) - Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 5:00pm – 6:00pm - Big K & Blue Train 5:00pm – 7:00pm – Various Strolling Performers along Main Street 8:00om – 9:00pm - Entourage Jazz Friday, October 7 7:00am – National Anthem: Brittany Graham 9:00am – 10:00am - Nathaniel Krantz MUSIC FIESTA TICKET OPTIONS 5:00pm – 6:00pm - The Panhandlers 5:00pm – 7:00pm – Various Strolling Performers ABQ “Dance” Box $75 along Main Street Ticket required for persons of all ages 8:00pm – 9:00pm - Mirage - A Santana Experience Reserved Seating A and C $65 Saturday, October 8 Ticket required for persons of all ages x 7:00am – National Anthem: 44th Army Band 9:00am – 10:00am - 44th Army Band Reserved Seating E $60 5:00pm – 7:00pm – Various Strolling Performers Ticket required for persons of all ages along Main Street 8:00pm – 9:00pm - Brandon Saiz Reserved Seating D and F $55 Ticket required for persons of all ages Sunday, October 9 Premier Lawn Area $30 7:00am – National Anthem: UNM Concert Choir (Children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult) General Admission $15 (Children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult) ® 24 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

WINNER Rio Rancho’s Premier Life Plan Community Your Choice · Your Life · Your Plan Award Wining: ✴Independant Living ✴Memory Care ✴Assisted Living ✴Short Term Care Tour the community and receive a 2 night stay next time you are in town. (505) 994-2296 Just 20 minutes from Age and income qualified. Must be within the yearA ge and income qualified. Must be within the year Balloon Fiesta Park Not-for-profit affiliate of Haverland Carter LifeStyle Group

GATES TICKET BOOTHS ENTERTAINMENT 1) MAIN STREET STAGE 2) CHAINSAW CARVERS 3) ARTISANS TENT 4) MUSIC FIESTA OFFICIAL PARK LOCATIONS A) GONDOLA CLUB B) SPONSOR HOSPITALITY C) CORPORATE VILLAGE D) SID CUTTER PILOTS’ PAVILION E) CHASERS’ CLUB F) GROUP TOURS HOSPITALITY G) PNC BANK BALLOON DISCOVERY CENTER H) FIESTA SKY BOX M) OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE TENTS SPECIAL AREAS A) VISIT ALBUQUERQUE MEDIA TENT B) BALLOON MANUFACTURERS C) VISIT ALBUQUERQUE & NEW MEXICO TRUE VISITOR INFORMATION D) BALLOON RIDES TENT INFORMATION

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Sponsors Presenting Sponsor Sponsors Goodbye Laundry! Realty One of New Mexico ExxonMobil 505 Southwestern, LLC Graybar Electric Company, Inc. RESPEC Company, LLC A Virtual Receptionist, Inc. Greystar Rio Grande Down Syndrome Abba Technologies, Inc. HollyFrontier Reﬁ ning & Network Oﬃ cial Sponsors AKIMA Marketing, LLC Ronald McDonald House 96.3 News Radio KKOB-FM Albuquerque Journal Holmans USA Corporation Charities of New Mexico Voice of Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque Youth Symphony Hueman People Solutions Route 66 Casino Hotel & RV Albertsons Market Program Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort Resort Supermarket AMERIND Beneﬁ ts, LLC & Spa RPS ANM Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Siarza Social Digital Albuquerque Journal Intel Corporation Sola Salon Studios ABQ Twilight Twinkle Glow™ Arizona Tile Arkansas Tourism Development J & A Oilﬁ eld Services, LLC Solaray Vitamins by Better Being Bank of the West Foundation Jabil Healthcare Company Bank Baca’s Trees, Inc. Kampgrounds of America, Inc. Sullair, LLC Coca-Cola Banterra Aircraft Finance Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque TBC General Contracting Soft Drink BNSF Railway Company KOB-TV Team Texas Bobby J’s Yamaha Krispy Kreme Telemundo of New Mexico, LLC Creamland Dairies KRQE News 13/FOX New Mexico The Balloon Training Academy Dairy Bubba’s 33 Cabela’s, LLC Kubicek Balloons The Garrity Group Public Cuervo La Mesa RV Center, Inc. New Mexico Relations, LLC Tequila Call 811.com Cameron Balloons La Vida Llena The Maez Group Dos Equis Cavender’s LeafFilter North, LLC The Neighborhood in Rio Rancho Import Beer Central New Mexico Community Lennox TLC Plumbing & Utility Dunkin’ College LightHouse Business Information T-Mobile USA, Inc. Coﬀ ee Chalmers Ford, Inc. Solutions, LLC TORC Robotics General Mills Champion Xpress Carwash Lindstrand Balloons, USA TransPerfect Global, Inc. Cereal Chick-ﬁ l-A, Inc. Lone Mountain by Jubilee Los UltraMagic, S.A. City of Page, Arizona Lunas United Rentals Harvest Hosts Los Suenos Veterinary Group United States Air Force VIP West RV Lot City of Taipei, Taiwan Civil Air Patrol Indiana Molson Coors United States Coast Guard Isleta Resort & Casino Coronado Center Morgan Stanley University of Kansas Jayhawks Launch Field Pylons Cosmic Crisp National Distributing Company, Inc. UNM Health Sciences Center Jameson Irish Whiskey Cottonwood Mall National Park Service US Bank Whiskey Curb North, Inc. Network Chiropractic of USI Southwest Krispy Kreme Curves by Haalo, Ltd. Albuquerque VLCM Technologies Krispy Kreme Morning Glow Dell Technologies New Mexico Gas Company Waste Management of New Mexico Digitool, USA New Mexico Mutual Group WERA Lovelace Health System Niagara Bottling, LLC Westwind Computer Products, Inc. Healthcare Provider Donate Life - New Mexico Donor Services New Mexico State University Wonder Bread Phillips 66 NUPAC of New Mexico Xﬁ nity Gasoline Dreamstyle Remodeling Farmers Insurance, Rod Baca Occidental USA, Inc. Zia Diagnostic Imaging, LLC PNC Bank Agency Optiv Balloon Discovery Center Federal Bureau of Investigation Optum New Mexico Sandia Resort & Casino Fiesta Auto Group, LLC Phillips 66 Company Aerial Light Show Fiore Industries, Inc. PlainsCapital Bank | Hilltop University of New Mexico First Financial Credit Union Securities Sports Properties Fortis Construction, Inc. Preventive Pest Control, LLC Balloon Trading Cards Friends of Coronado Rainbow Ryders, Inc. Frost Mortgage Banking Group RAKS Building Supply Visit Albuquerque Re/Max Marketing Fund, LLC Visitors Golden Corral ® 28 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

A century of caring. A lifetime of love. Celebrating 100 years. 1922 - 2022 A century ago, Dr. William R. Lovelace brought a vision of improving health and life to New Mexico. It’s a story of caring, while continuously improving the practice of medicine. A story of change and progress. Of innovation and medical breakthroughs. But to us, it’s more than just a story. It’s a lifetime commitment to do what we do best — provide compassionate care to people when they need it most. To schedule with a Lovelace provider, call 505.727.2727. Or, visit one of our ERs where you can see a provider in about 30 minutes or less. lovelace.com

THE 1970s: 1972-1979 ® 32 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The 1970S he first balloons flew in the first Albuquerque International Balloon Fiestas® as the city and the nation transitioned from the turmoil of the 1960s and the anti-war protests of the early 1970s through Watergate and the T end of the Vietnam War. The Beatles broke up, Elvis left the building, and Saturday Night Fever set in as people danced to the new rhythms of punk and disco. Society was changing; women’s lib and gay lib began to move into the mainstream. Down in southeast Albuquerque, two young entrepreneurs, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, working with a small hardware developer called MITS, were busy creating a new company: Microsoft. Those early years, for Balloon Fiesta and ballooning in general, were years of learning and experimentation. Pilots sometimes discovered balloons’ limitations and the impact of weather the hard way. But it was also a free-spirited era when balloonists dreamed big dreams and set records, and freely welcomed wide-eyed newcomers into their ranks who became balloonists themselves, growing future Balloon Fiestas. PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL YNT OFFICIAL PROGRAM 33

THE 1970s: 1972-1979 11979722 he Balloon Fiesta that started it all came The pin shown here is of the Cutters’ personal together in an astonishing ten days. Sid balloon, Betsy Ross. There was a program Cutter, asked by KOB Radio if he’d bring – an eight-page publication listing the his balloon to their 50th anniversary participants scheduled to be there, describing celebration, recruited 21 pilots from the “Roadrunner/Coyote” race, and thanking Taround the country in the hopes of the sponsors. The program also included an holding the biggest ballooning event ever staged up article describing Sid’s hopes for an “annual until that time. Thirteen of the balloons actually made it event, the culmination of to Albuquerque, and thousands of people turned out to a week of activities . . . a see the show. The articles on pages 36, 52 and 62 tell Festival to end all Festivals.” Festival to end all Festivals.” the full story. The writer didn’t call it a Given that Sid, the local balloon club, KOB, and “Fiesta,” but got the rest of “Fiesta,” but got the rest of Albuquerque had only ten days to organize the event, it just about right. What a there was no time to really produce any memorabilia ﬂ ight it’s been! Come – no pins, no patches, no bumper stickers (the ’72 along for the ride! aaalllooonnnggg fffooorrr ttthhheee rrriiidddeee!!! event is the only one to not have a bumper sticker). ® 34 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

THE 1970'S: 1972-1979 MEET SID CUTTER FOUNDER OF THE ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA® O T nnccee upon a time (and supon a time (and sttill till toodadayy)),, May of 2011, but not before Albuquerque possessed all PHO he got to see what he started Y the necessary ingredients to AMIL ﬂ ourish and become a bucket- become the “ballooning capital list item for balloonists and of the world”. The area provides balloon enthusiasts around the plenty of open areas for ﬂ ying UTTER F world. O C world. and landing, a cadre of devoted enthusiasts, fair Sid was born on May 9th, weather, and following winds with over 300 days 1934, to Virginia Dillon Cutter 1934, to Virginia Dillon Cutter of sunshine every year. Above all (and above it and William P. Cutter. Sid’s and William P. Cutter. Sid’s all!), Albuquerque provided a visionary man who father, William P. “Barnstormer” father, William P. “Barnstormer” was able to pull it all together. Sid Cutter is the Cutter, settled in Albuquerque Cutter, settled in Albuquerque man who breathed ﬁ re into the burgeoning sport and married Virginia, the former and married Virginia, the former of hot air ballooning. governor’s daughter, (Richard C. governor’s daughter, (Richard C. Sidney Dillon Cutter, known to most as Sid, is the man Dillon, was Governor of NM 1928- to whom every balloonatic -- pilot, crew or spectator -- is grateful for bringing hot air ballooning to the city of Albuquerque. Regrettably, Sid left us too soon, in Above:A very young Sid Cutter BY WALLY BOOK WITH DR. TOM MCCONNELL FOR THE AIBF HERITAGE COMMITTEE ® 36 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

OIS JE DEBER UL A O: P T PHO OFFICIAL PROGRAM 37

O T PHO Y AMIL UTTER F C 1931). Flying was, and still is, the basis of the family primary location at West Mesa Airport in Albuquerque. In business. Sid’s father started Cutter Flying Service (also addition to basic ﬂ ight training, many pilots were trained known as Cutter Aviation), a general aviation ﬁ xed base for glider operations, and the U.S. Navy designated of operations (FBO) in 1928. The FBO sold fuel, provided Cutter Flying Service as a Naval Air Training School, part maintenance, and oﬀ ered charter services to and from of the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP). outlying ranches in rugged New Mexico and Arizona. Sid joined the Air Force in 1955 at age 21. As a 2nd It later became a long-time Beechcraft dealer. Cutter Lieutenant, he logged ﬂ ying hours in diﬀ erent locations Aviation is now America’s oldest continually family- around the world, in single owned and operated FBO network. engine Republic F-84F jets It’s not surprising that Sid learned to ﬂ y airplanes and 4-engine McDonald PHO sitting on his father’s lap, had his ﬁ rst oﬃ cial lessons at Douglas C-133 cargo aircraft. O: DICKT 9, and ﬂ ew solo at 16, the youngest age a soon-to-be pilot In 1960, leaving the service as was allowed to ﬂ y alone, before earning his license. He a 1st Lieutenant, he rejoined KENT secured his commercial license at 18. his family’s aviation business. From 1941 to 1945, with the onset of World War II, Fast-forward to June of much of General Aviation came to a halt. In order to 1971. Sid and his brother Bill stay in business, Cutter Flying Service became a pilot wanted to celebrate their training provider for the United States military at its mom, Virginia’s, 63rd birthday mom, Virginia’s, 63rd birthday in a big way, and while they were at it to promote Cutter Flying Service’s 43 years in Above: A young Sid Cutter outside Cutter Flying Service. business. They decided to throw a party in the company Right: At the famous party, Virginia Cutter with her boys: hangar at the Albuquerque International Sunport. The Bill on the right and … is that Sid on the left? theme was World War I aviation, with Sid playing the role ® 38 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

of “Snoopy” and Bill, the “Red Baron”. The centerpiece gave check rides to literally hundreds of pilots, certifying would be a hot air balloon. them for private and commercial balloon ratings. The party was a huge success and in the excitement There is a great story about one of the early ﬂ ights. of the moment (maybe fueled by a couple of beers?), Sid and Bill would often launch from the family business promises were made to ﬂ y the balloon soonest. at the airport. There was always plenty of crew because Accordingly, the next morning at 6:30, Sid inﬂ ated the early-arriving employees would happily volunteer on balloon the way he had been taught when he picked it their way into work. Joe Jackson, the general manager up at the Raven Industries factory, put his mom in the of Cutter Flying Service and heading up the chase crew basket, and took her up with the balloon tied to the end that morning, took a look at the high-ﬂ ying balloon and of a 150 ft. tether rope as he acquainted himself with declared that they would be up for a while and the crew the use of the burner and balloon systems. Then Mom should go and have some breakfast. When they came got out, brother Bill got in, and whether by design or out, the balloon was nowhere in sight. Hours later the by accident, the tether came loose, and the brothers Cutter duo were found enjoying brunch at a watering launched from the parking lot of Cutter Flying Service. hole near 12th St. and Candelaria. They had landed It was even legal, because Sid and Bill both had safely in Albuquerque’s North Valley, packed up the balloon ratings on their pilot licenses. In those days, balloon, and with no crew in sight, they walked to the if you had a ﬁ xed-wing license, you could get a Lighter nearest tavern to celebrate their ﬂ ight. Those ﬂ ights than Air (LTA) endorsement C following the grand birthday party cemented following the grand birthday party cemented simply by asking for one, UTTER F Sid’s lifelong love aﬀ air with lighter than air. Sid’s lifelong love aﬀ air with lighter than air. and the Cutters, mother In November 1971 Sid convinced eight and sons, had gotten AMIL friends and associates to start a balloon friends and associates to start a balloon theirs in the late 50s or Y club; they named it the Albuquerque club; they named it the Albuquerque early 60s. Later, when PHO Aerostat Ascension Association. The buy-in T Sid was appointed an FAA O fees bought them a share in a club balloon Designated Examiner, he called Roadrunner with pilot training thrown in, a great deal that grew the sport in Albuquerque by making it possible for many of Albuquerque’s earliest pilots to The party centerpiece (right) aﬀ ordably get started in ballooning. – and the centerpiece in Not surprisingly, the balloon was a ﬂ ight (below). huge hit, attracting attention whenever WN O BR O: DICK T PHO OFFICIAL PROGRAM 39

it flew. Among those taking notice were the folks at 770 KOB Radio who were looking for a way to promote the 50th anniversary of their station. They asked Sid for help with the idea, and together they brainstormed a plan for Sid and KOB radio to host a balloon race that, with 21 balloons, would be the largest balloon gathering ever held in the United States at the time. A storm in the Midwest prevented the shipment of some of the YNT balloons, but 13 made it. The show, on April 8, 1972, attracted an estimated 10,000-20,000 spectators to the ON FL T launch site on vacant land surrounding the Coronado AL Mall in northeast Albuquerque. In anticipation of a W small attendance, the city police had provided only O: BILL a couple of officers on horseback for crowd control! T That race is now considered the first Albuquerque PHO International Balloon Fiesta. Already Sid was realizing In 1974: Tom Rutherford and Sid Cutter, center and right, the opportunities ballooning would offer up! with Wally Book. Sid went on to host the First World Hot Air Balloon Championship in February of 1973. Thirteen countries were represented by 38 balloons, with non-competing “Fiesta” fun flyers bringing the total number of balloons to 142. 1974 saw another Albuquerque International Sid’s Right Hand, Balloon Fiesta in February. In 1975 (the year of two events) there was a Cloudbouncer Rally held in February, and the Second World Hot Air Balloon Championship Tom Rutherford was held in October with 170 balloons taking to the air in the even-better fall flying weather. In 1972, Albuquerque radio station KOB (now KKOB) wanted to celebrate its golden anniversary in grand style. The stories vary about who at KOB first OIS approached Sid Cutter about bringing his balloon to JE the big event – some say it was the station’s general manager, Dick McKee, and others a young guy doing DEBER UL promotions for the station, Tom Rutherford. A What is certain is that Tom played a large role in O: P T bringing to fruition the balloon rally at Coronado Center PHO which is now known as the first Albuquerque Inter- national Balloon Fiesta. What’s more, the experience changed Tom’s life. He became Sid’s close friend and partner in World Balloon Championships, the company Sid founded to conduct the First World Hot Air Balloon Championships. Over the years, the company evolved into one of the largest corporate balloon operators in the world, and Tom and his then-wife Linda (the Balloon Fiesta’s first Executive Director) became well-known as pilots of the Budweiser balloon. Tom, a lawyer by training, later served 12 years as a New Mexico State Senator and two terms on the Bernalillo County Commission. He became a respected lobbyist in Santa Fe and a tireless advocate for balloon- ing, the Balloon Fiesta, and the Balloon Museum. To the public, as a TV commentator and (with Glen Moyer) event announcer for more than a quarter-century, he was the golden voice of the Balloon Fiesta. Tom retired from active involvement in the event several years ago due to ill health, but remains a fondly-remembered face and force in the Balloon Fiesta’s history. ® 40 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL YNT Above: The 1974 Balloon Fiesta today (quality over quantity), because as Albuquerque Opposite: Sid Cutter statue grew, and there was more construction on previously vacant real estate, there were fewer landing sites available. The Balloon Fiesta has grown in more than Sid Cutter produced and ran the first three Balloon size, as new events were added featuring balloons Fiestas before handing the reins to a citizen’s committee in different ways. There are special shapes, evening which eventually evolved into the non-profit Albuquerque balloon glows, dawn patrol, a variety of competitions, International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. However, he and his and even a long-distance gas balloon race. Guests enjoy new business, World Balloon Championships (which Main Street shopping, New Mexico cuisine, a variety of became World Balloon Corporation), remained actively demonstrations and events, and entertainment including involved in the event. Sid served on the Balloon Fiesta Music Fiesta, an outdoor concert featuring the hottest Board of Directors, was for a time the official ride new country acts. concessionaire, and flew himself through the 2010 So, grab your wife, kids, camera and wallet, come Balloon Fiesta, the last one before his death. spectate, take a ride, buy some souvenirs and great Meanwhile, the event continued to grow, and in food, and join us in taking some of the estimated 25 2000, the “1000 in 2000” year, was the largest-ever million photographs taken annually at the Albuquerque gathering and launching of balloons. Post-2000 the International Balloon Fiesta! Come enjoy Sid Cutter’s number of entries was slowly reduced to the 600 seen vision and legacy. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 41

THE 1970'S: 1972-1979 SID STORIES COLLECTED BY WALLY BOOK AND KIM VESELY IN A LIFETIME OF FLYING, IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT SID CUTTER HAD HIS SHARE OF ADVENTURES IN BOTH AIRPLANES AND BALLOONS, AND THROUGH THEM TOUCHED MANY LIVES. A WORLD COMPETITOR, TWO-TIME NATIONAL HOT-AIR BALLOON CHAMPION (1978 AND 1986), AND PROMINENT CORPORATE PILOT, HE WOULD SOMETIMES GET APPROACHED TO DO UNUSUAL THINGS WITH BALLOONS. SOME WORKED OUT BETTER THAN OTHERS. HERE ARE A FEW WALLY BOOK COMPILED IN CONVERSATIONS WITH SID’S WIFE JEWEL AND OTHER CO-CONSPIRATORS. n the early 1970s Sid contracted with the pilot, Greg Navy to assist with a couple of jobs associated Wilson, took the with repairing cables on the east side of the 105,000 cubic Hawaiian island of Oahu. The first involved ft. Roadrunner inspecting and repairing a Very Low Frequency II balloon. Sid antenna cable stretched across the Lualualei and a Navy tech I valley on the east side of the island. Sid and his on a 1600-foot sidekick for this mission, Roadrunner balloon chief UTTER tether completed C WEL inspection/repair JE of the antenna Y S installation using a TE UR large resonance/ O impedance sniffer S C O probe. Rumor T has it that Richard PHO Nixon was there to celebrate the completion of the project. Also, according to a historical Navy record, there was a “manned tethered balloon” used to remove the remains of orange warning marker balls from a very low frequency antenna cable stretched across Horseshoe Canyon of the Pali Mountains at 1600 ft., a project which likely involved Sid’s business partner Tom Rutherford. ® 42 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

nce upon a time, until experiences like this one made it clear it was Some of Sid’s a lousy idea, there were balloon races from the Bahamas to Florida. Accomplishments According to Sid, who told the Ostory at a Balloon Fiesta Heritage and Awards: Committee meeting, the idea originated on a not- entirely-sober night at a Budweiser distributorship in Florida. At any rate, during one Florida. At any rate, during one of these races, Sid and his then- of these races, Sid and his then- • Founder of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta girlfriend Jewel Bickford (who YNT girlfriend Jewel Bickford (who • Organized the First and Second World Hot Air Balloon later married him anyway) took later married him anyway) took ON FL Championships oﬀ from Cat Cay, Bahamas, T AL W in the Jolly Roger. (We’re not • Founded the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association kidding. You can’t make this BILL (AAAA), the largest local balloon club in the world stuﬀ up.) When they had to Y O B • Accumulated 18,000+ hours in airplanes and helicopters and put down in the ocean for T more than 5,000 hours in hot air and gas balloons lack of breeze, and then fuel, PHO before making land, there • Served in the U.S. Air Force and ﬂ ew jets, large cargo aircraft was a Coast Guard vessel and helicopters nearby. The balloon basket • Formed and operated World Balloon Corporation, running stayed more or less buoyant a repair station, and ﬂ ying commercial balloons all over the because the empty tanks acted as ﬂ oats. because the empty tanks acted as ﬂ oats. world for a lengthy list of sponsors such as Anheuser Busch, The envelope, however, ﬁ lled with water and sank, so Kraft and Black Angus. the balloon inverted. While Sid was contemplating what to do about getting the equipment to shore, • Federal Aviation Administration Designated Examiner; taught the Coast Guard received an emergency call and and certiﬁ ed hundreds of balloon pilots told Jewel and Sid that they needed to board or stay • U.S. Hot Air Balloon Champion in 1978 and 1986 behind. They chose to hitch a ride, rather than hang • Finished second in the World Hot Air Balloon Championships out near the Bermuda Triangle. in 1979 Later Sid rented a boat and made his way back to the balloon. They had to slit the balloon open in • U.S. National Team Championship (with Mark Sullivan and several places to allow the water to escape as they Troy Bradley), 1995 slowly pulled the balloon on board. They eventually • Designed and built two of the world’s largest thermal airships got the craft back to Albuquerque, repaired it, and it for Anheuser Busch (larger than Goodyear’s gas airships at ﬂ ew for a few more years. (This story as told by Jewel that time) Cutter and Kim Vesely). • Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, awarded to pilots in all Jim Ahern worked for Sid at World Balloon from forms of aviation who have demonstrated professionalism, 1978-1985 as Operations Manager. Sid brought skill and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for in the money, Sid’s vice-president Paul Woessner 50 or more years. budgeted the money, and Jim spent it. He also did • Diplome Montgolﬁ er, ballooning’s highest award. the hiring of pilots and scheduled the contracts, jobs, balloons and pilots. • Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (World Air Sports Federation) Hall of Fame he day after his wedding to Jewel in May • Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame of 1980 in Las Vegas, Sid was taking • New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame part in a Kool Pro Tour hare and hound balloon race. Sid was zeroing in on the • Balloon Federation of America Hall of Fame hare Kool Balloon. He came in high and • Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Hall of Fame was descending at a good clip with a T good line on the target. As he brushed down the Kool • 2002 Olympic Torchbearer representing Albuquerque and Balloon, the basket of the Baby Busch balloon he was ballooning ﬂ ying snagged the ﬂ oating load tape of the side vent • 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 2011 of the Kool balloon and inverted. Sid fell from above dedicated to Sid Cutter mid-balloon, 30 ft or so. Fortunately, he recovered from his broken ribs and other severe injuries. In June of 1980, Jim landed the Bud balloon in an empty, fenced in, parking lot. They called the number on the locked gate and someone was sent to open the OFFICIAL PROGRAM 43

As you can imagine, Sid’s friends have some great stories to tell, and as Sid sometimes put it, “some of them are true.” Here are some about Sid, the balloonist and the man, that his friends and family shared with us: gate to let the Budweiser balloon out of what was, it turned out, the Coors plant. Also, in 1980 following a change in the command structure of Iran, a group of militants stormed the American embassy in Tehran and took about 70 employees and delegates hostage. The US wanted them back, of course. Sid contracted with the US Army for some balloon training for one of the rescue YNT scenarios that they envisioned. Sid put his Operations ON FL T guy, Jim, in charge of the training. The trainees, Ron, AL W Van and Jeff, we’ll call them, practiced assembling, inflating and taking-off within 5 minutes without an BILL Y inflator. They used a variety of balloons for the initial O B training and trashed 3-4 balloons in the process. T Towards the end of the training, they were using a PHO larger, higher capacity black balloon (to lower their visibility) that had been commissioned by the Army. Jim Ahern, Sid Cutter, and Paul Woessner, front, in their They were doing a no-lights training flight. Pilot World Balloon orange uniforms Jim and two of the special ops “Delta Boys” as they also was unscathed by the fall. Jim rode the deflating balloon, now in contact with the power lines, down to the ground and somehow also managed to escape electrocution or injury. Much of the west side of town lost power and rumor has it that for a time power was out all the way up into Colorado. This was one of the strategies that the Army explored for retrieving the Iran hostages, and somehow this adventure never made the news cycle. Investigations were initiated by insurance companies and others (?), but never seemed to gain traction. The recovery plan, should OIS this operation have ever gone into play, involved a JE helium balloon attached to the top of the escape DEBER balloon by a very long, strong cable. A specially UL equipped C-130 cargo aircraft with a “skyhook” A P was to snare the cable and haul the balloon and its Y O B passengers to safety. Can you say, James Bond and T PHO his lady Domino in Ian Fleming’s Thunderball? As Operations Mgr., Jim got to choose the branding A great love story – Sid and Jewel Cutter for World Balloon Corp uniforms. Sid was fond of the color blue, but, after considerable discussion, were sometimes called, were essentially flying blind. and much to Sid’s dismay, Jim chose orange as the They knew there was a huge power line out there predominant color because of its high visibility. somewhere and were keeping their eyes peeled for it as they made an approach for landing on a very dark Paul Woessner, two-time hot-air balloon world night. Then, during a burn, they saw the reflection of champion, worked for Sid as Vice President of World the fire bouncing off of the power lines. They had been Balloon Corp. from 1975-1981. He was hired after he venting hot air to initiate the descent but one of the made the first crossing of Lake Michigan in a hot air trainees jumped out of the basket without warning, hit balloon. Paul told some of his Sid stories to Wally the ground, bounced and stood up as if nothing had Book. happened. After losing weight, the balloon started back up so Jim opened the emergency descent panel • One of Sid’s flights involved a contract with just as the other trainee unexpectedly bailed out. He, Sandia Labs on Kirtland Air Force Base to repair ® 44 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

some cables 600 ft above ground level. They air out. It always impressed me because ballooning carried a tech aloft who left the balloon in a sort was never about him or for him, but rather a way he of boatswain’s chair and made repairs on some could make others happy. That’s one thing that I think kind of hush hush cable system. (Maybe Sid was really important to him, especially in his later needed to found another business? Sid’s Flying years when he could just sit on the ﬁ eld and enjoy Cable Repairs?) Balloon Fiesta, watching how balloons made others • Paul and Sid launched from the St Louis arch and happy. That’s something that really rubbed oﬀ on enjoyed uneventful ﬂ ights as part of the Kool Pro me when I got into ballooning, being me when I got into ballooning, being Tours in 1978-1980. Some of these launches took an ambassador for the sport, and place under the arch and, for eﬀ ect, were ﬁ lmed inviting the little ones to help with the inviting the little ones to help with the to look as though they ﬂ ew through it. deﬂ ation, because, to them, helping deﬂ ation, because, to them, helping • After Paul won his second hot air balloon world with a balloon was something that championship, Sid and the Smithsonian arranged they would remember for years to (with the proper permits) for a tether ﬂ ight at the come. D.C. mall near the Smithsonian to commemorate Paul’s success. Sid’s propensity for nurturing • Sid and Paul worked with Anheuser Bush on the sport in youths is evident several epic ﬂ ights for the movie Day of the in these stories from former Balloons, produced in 1975-76 for the Busch Balloon Fiesta president Ty Young. Balloon Fiesta president Ty Young. Gardens theme parks. Sid ﬂ ew Sky Chariot with He now has one of the most PHO T O: KIM VE SEL Y Darryl Gunter from the bottom of the Grand complete collections of Balloon Canyon, on the Havasupai reservation. They Fiesta memorabilia anywhere, landed on a ledge midway up the canyon wall and and Sid played a big role in getting it started: the balloon had to be helicoptered out. Another ﬂ ight sequence for the movie took place in New ﬁ rst met Sid when I was around 7 or 8 years York City. It was a free ﬂ ight from the east side old. At the time, I had no idea who he was nor of Manhattan, and was a quick, uneventful up the important ﬁ gure he was in the community. and down. That ﬂ ight was supplemented by an I was just starting to trade balloon pins and of unauthorized tether at Lexington and Broadway. course I approached him to see if I could get They inﬂ ated the balloon and “walked” it about Ione of his pins of his very well-known World a block to give the impression on camera of Balloon. He had just completed a morning of ﬂ ying at a free ﬂ ight. The authorities showed up, but the Balloon Fiesta and was surrounded by many of his they requested and were granted, forgiveness, family, friends and crew. When I ﬁ nally got the nerve because in theory they didn’t actually ﬂ y. to ask him if he would trade a pin with me, he stopped • Part of the Kool Pro tour included a tether in what he was doing and said, “follow me”. He took me Central Park, where they were interviewed by into his chase truck and pulled out his stockpile of "Good Morning America". pins that made my eyes pop wide open. He reached • Sid and Jewel tethered the Westinghouse balloon into a bag and laid out a number of diﬀ erent pins, in front of the twin [World Trade Center] towers. most of which I had never seen before. He asked me • Sid free-ﬂ ew the original World Balloon over what I was oﬀ ering and I showed him the only pin I had the Olympic Stadium in Lake Placid, NY to trade. He then took the time to explain what all his during the opening ceremonies at the 1980 diﬀ erent pins were and the balloons they represented. Winter Olympics. It wasn’t Sid’s only Olympic After he was done, he told me to pick out my favorite. experience; he was a torchbearer for the 2002 Of course, I picked out the one I was after…his well- Salt Lake City Olympic Games and took the torch known World Balloon. After he asked me to make sure aloft in a tethered balloon at an event at Balloon that was the one I wanted, he proceeded to gather up Fiesta Park. all the diﬀ erent ones in his hand and give them all to me, saying “you’re going to need some extras to get When Chris Cutter was invited to relate a favorite your collection started”. I couldn’t believe my luck moment with his grandfather Sid, he responded with and, as the years went by, I always made a point to the following: ﬁ nd him and give him one of my new pins each year. When I was 9 or 10 years old, one of my “must here’s not just one moment, but anytime have” pins, was one that Sid Cutter was wearing. we landed and there were kids nearby, Technically not a balloon pin, it was a pin of his he (Sid) would always invite them to famous Ambulance chase vehicle. I asked him from roll out the air from the balloon. Many time to time if he would trade with me. Eventually, he times, he would join them in rolling down pulled me inside his chase commander truck and said Tthe length of the balloon to squeeze the he’d trade something with me. He showed me what OFFICIAL PROGRAM 45

over some of New Mexico’s spectacular landscape - scenes that closely resembled the cartoon background. Sid’s choice for this awesome balloon design was perfect. Ballooning brought us together and memories keep us going. We will always treasure the great times with Sid. He changed our lives forever. Mark Sullivan, champion hot air and gas Above: Balloon pins are among the most popular balloonist, President of the FAI International collectibles Below: Ty’s ﬁ rst special gift from Sid: the Ballooning Commission, and Diplome Montgolﬁ er original World Balloon pin recipient bought my ﬁ rst balloon from Sid in January he was trading, and it was a pin I already had. Not 1983 and we became instant friends. Sid wanting to be rude, I happily gave him my pin took me under his wing and we shared many for a trade. He gave me the pin he had, great adventures but he also reached for another one. It together in the air, Iunder the water and O was the ambulance pin complete with T the trailer attachment. It’s one of my on the seas. PHO fondest memories of Balloon Fiesta Throughout the 1980s Y and Sid. and 90s we competed AMIL Sid was such a kind man. He against each other in the didn’t care if you were a millionaire, local Top Gun events so we UTTER F down to your last dime, an old man could qualify for the U.S. C in his dotage or a child as young National Championship. as I. His kindness is what I will Many years at the U.S. miss the most, but I’ll always have Nationals we teamed up to those pins as a reminder of when increase our odds against I ﬁ rst met Sid Cutter. the other competitors and in 1986 Sid won his Dick Brown, early Albuquerque balloonist, second U.S National title. Dick Brown, early Albuquerque balloonist, Montgolﬁ er Diplome recipient, and former editor of In 1995 Sid, myself and Troy Ballooning, the journal of the Balloon Federation of Bradley teamed up and America. Excerpted from the 2011 Balloon Fiesta won the 1st U.S. National program: Team Championship in Gwinnett Georgia. Sid y the fall of 1972, Sid was ﬂ ying a and I ﬂ ew together in the big balloon portraying Warner Bros’ U.S. National Gas Balloon Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote Championship, took 4th in cartoon characters. This balloon was the 1990 World Gas Balloon awkward and sluggish, but that was Championship in Tyndall, Bnothing compared to the Coyote’s SD and had two great Sid Cutter ludicrous contraptions from the ACME mail-order ﬂ ights in the American’s company. In those days, we were still learning how Challenge Gas Balloon to ﬂ y balloons and sometimes we burned the skirt Race. We caught tarpon, big mouth bass, ﬂ y ﬁ shed to a crisp, not unlike the fateful Coyote being burned for trout and scuba dived some of the best spots to a crisp when his elaborate plans to catch the in the world, always having great fun, many times ever-elusive Roadrunner failed. Sid made some hard laughing until our sides ached. Sid and Jewel were landings in the balloon but nothing like the Coyote’s always the leaders in ﬁ nding new and exciting things terminal descents and splats on the desert ﬂ oor. to do and I was truly honored to be included in so Each ﬂ ight became another win for our beloved state many of their adventures. bird - the Roadrunner. Big balloons need big crews If you are lucky you will ﬁ nd a friend like Sid once so we helped Sid with inﬂ ation, chasing and packing in a lifetime and I am proud to have called Sid my up. In return, Sid gave us our very ﬁ rst balloon ride best friend. ® 46 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS A Timeline ® of theAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta ® 48 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

socorronm.org Phone: (575)-835-8927

July 4, 1882 October 19, 1909 1965 June 5, 1971 June 6, 1971 Professor Park Van Tassel During the last of several The ﬁ rst modern hot- Cutter Aviation holds The next morning, Sid makes the ﬁ rst balloon gas balloon ﬂ ights in the air balloon comes to a party to celebrate its and Bill Cutter ﬂ y their ﬂ ight in Albuquerque in a early 1900’s, Joseph Albuquerque, one of a anniversary and co- “party centerpiece” from coal gas balloon. Blondin and Roy Stamm handful to appear in New founder Virginia Cutter’s the Cutter hangar to the launch from the New Mexico in the next few birthday. Son Sid Cutter UNM North Golf Course. Mexico Territorial Fair years. acquires a hot-air balloon and ﬂ y over the Manzano which is cold-inﬂ ated Mountains. It is the last in the hangar as a manned balloon ﬂ ight in centerpiece. Albuquerque for more than 50 years. 1978 1978 1976 October 1975 1975 The Balloon Fiesta holds Albuquerque’s Ben Sid Cutter retires The Second World Hot Air A “citizens committ its ﬁ rst Key Grab - now Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, from managing the Balloon Championships formed by Ma the Ring Toss - event and Larry Newman Balloon Fiesta to focus and the Fourth Kinney to assis (nobody won the car). complete the ﬁ rst on his businesses; Annual Albuquerque putting on and funding crossing by balloon of Mayor Kinney and International Balloon the Balloon Fie the Atlantic Ocean. The local business leaders Fiesta are held on a ﬂ ight makes headlines form Albuquerque new site, Simms Field, around the world and International Balloon northwest of Jeﬀ erson puts Albuquerque, and Fiesta Inc., a non-proﬁ t and I-25. ballooning, on the map. corporation which produces the Balloon Fiesta to this day. 1978 1979 1980 1981 1981 The world’s ﬁ rst Dawn On Christmas Eve, the Parachute Development closes Ben Abruzzo, Patrol ﬂ ight takes place ﬁ rst large-scale nighttime demonstrations become Simms Field, and the Newman, Ron Clark, at Balloon Fiesta. More balloon display (“balloon part of Balloon Fiesta. Balloon Fiesta moves Rocky Aoki complet than 10 years later, Dawn glow”) documented Teams participating in north to Cutter Field (the ﬁ rst manned tr Patrol becomes an oﬃ cial in the world is held in various years include the current Vista del Norte balloon ﬂ ight abo part of the event. Albuquerque’s Country Navy Leapfrogs, Army housing development.) Double Eagle V Club area in conjunction Golden Knights, the Misty The ﬁ rst air shows are with the annual Luminaria Blues (an all-female held as post-morning- Tour. team), and most recently, ﬂ ight events. Team Fastrax. 1882 1909 1972

June 6, 1971 November 1971 April 8, 1972 1972 February 10-17, 1973 The next morning, Sid Sid Cutter and eight KOB radio, in celebration Balloon Federation Albuquerque hosts and Bill Cutter ﬂ y their friends buy a balloon of its 50th anniversary, of America President the First World “party centerpiece” from together and form the asks Sid Cutter to Don Kersten, one of Championships, along the Cutter hangar to the Albuquerque Aerostat organize a balloon the participants in the with an additional “Fiesta” UNM North Golf Course.Ascension Association rally. Thirteen balloons 1972 KOB event, invites rally for non-competing (AAAA), today the world’s participate in the “First Albuquerque to bid for balloons, at the State largest local balloon club. Annual KOB Radio & the rights to hold the First Fairgrounds (now Expo Television International World Hot Air Balloon New Mexico). More than Balloon Festival,” now Championships. 100 balloons participate considered to be the in the two events. ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta, at Coronado Center. February 1975 February 1974 February 17, 1973 February 10, 1973 ens committee” is While planning is The third Balloon Ed Yost, the inventor The ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta y Mayor Harry underway for the Second Fiesta – by now known of the modern hot- Parade is held. Before the o assist with World Championships, as the Albuquerque air balloon and the parades are discontinued putting on and funding the AAAA holds a two-day International Balloon “Clerk of the Course” in 1991, they become the alloon Fiesta. balloon rally to maintain Fiesta® – is held. (chief oﬃ cial) of the biggest parades held in the presence of the World Championships, New Mexico. Balloon Fiesta. This event makes an exhibition gas is still held annually and is balloon ﬂ ight, the ﬁ rst in now known as the Friends Albuquerque since 1909. and Lovers Balloon Rally. 1981 1986 1987 1989 en Abruzzo, Larry The ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta The Balloon Fiesta is on The ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta Special shape balloons on Clark, and gas balloon race is held; the move again, this time Balloon Glow celebrates get their own showcase, oki complete the these competitions, to the ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta the 75th anniversary of the Special Shape Rodeo, t manned transpaciﬁ c which focus on accuracy Park located south of New Mexico statehood. held on Thursday and ight aboard in ﬂ ying to a target as Alameda Blvd. (now the These nighttime displays Friday of Balloon Fiesta agle V opposed to distance, RV park). are now among the week. The ﬁ rst few continue through the Balloon Fiesta’s most Rodeos are afternoon 1980’s. popular events competition ﬂ ying events. 1973 1979 1982

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

2020 2017 1993 1996 1997 1997 2000 2000 The Balloon Fiesta The “Flight of the The ﬁ rst Dawn Patrol The Special Shape The Balloon Fiesta celebrates its 25th Nations,” honoring Show, a choreographed Rodeo and Glowdeo hosts “1,000 in 2000,” year and moves to the international pilots inﬂ ation and pre-sunrise reach their current form, with more than 1,000 current Balloon Fiesta on the Wednesday of launch, is held. with morning mass balloons participating. Park. Balloon Fiesta week, is ascensions and evening It is the largest Balloon inaugurated. Glows on both days of Fiesta and probably the the event. largest ballooning event ever held in the world. But in subsequent years, in the interest of safety, the number of balloons is scaled back to 750 and later 550. 2003 2002-2003 2001 2001 2001 The Gondola Club, a Balloon Fiesta Park Albuquerque Aloft, The New Mexico In the wake of the 9/11 V.I.P. experience for is fully grassed; the on the Friday before Challenge, a distance terrorist attacks and the Balloon Fiesta guests, change makes the ﬁ eld Balloon Fiesta, brings race for hot air balloons, grounding of all general is created, and is later a pleasant place for balloonists to local is held; the event lasts aviation, the Balloon joined by the Chasers guests to linger and elementary schools to only a few years. Fiesta comes close to Club and, most recently, turns the Balloon Fiesta educate, inﬂ ate and ﬂ y. cancellation. The ban on a “glamping” experience. into a true destination balloon ﬂ ights is lifted event for families. in time for the Balloon Fiesta and the America’s Challenge race to continue as scheduled. 2017 2020 2021 2022 In winning the America’s The COVID-19 pandemic The Balloon Fiesta The Balloon Fiesta Challenge, Swiss forces the postponement returns with additional celebrates its 50th balloonists Nicolas of the 49th Balloon COVID precautions in year/50th anniversary Tièche and Laurent Fiesta, but “Fiesta place and celebrates its and the 25th America’s Sciboz smash the Siesta” merchandise 49th year. Challenge and publishes all-time competition sells like hotcakes and a commemorative book, distance records Balloon Fiesta Live! 50 Years of Balloon for 1,000 meter gas provides nine days of Magic. balloons. streamed highlights from past Balloon Fiestas. 2015 2001 2005

THE 1970’S: 1972-1979 Tips for Spectators From the 1973 Balloon Fiesta program 1. Keep your feet oﬀ the balloons. 15. Don’t harm the Roadrunners, they’re our state bird. 2. Buy a program so you know what’s up. 16. Don’t get caught speeding: you may spend the races in jail. 3. Bring lots of extra ﬁ lm. 17. Please give the balloons the right of way. 4. Don’t forget the camera. 18. Keep your pinkies oﬀ the balloons. 5. Wear old warm clothes. 19. Bring more money on the second day for the rest of those 6. Wear comfortable “broken in” shoes or boots. souvenirs you’ve always wanted. 7. Keep your big feet oﬀ the balloons. 20. Please don’t drive thru the farmer’s corn ﬁ eld. 8. Work out beforehand so you’re in good shape. 21. Please don’t knock down the fences. 9. Assist only when asked loudly by the pilot. 22. Don’t smoke around the balloons, especially when refueling. 10. Get a full tank of gas before the race. 23. Make sure your auto is insured and if you should have a 11. Keep one eye on the road and the other on the balloon. wreck, please don’t sue the balloon pilot (he’s broke). 12. And keep your grubby feet oﬀ the balloons. 24. Bring your own champagne. 13. Bring lots of money to buy the souvenirs. 25. KEEP YOUR BIG FAT FEET OFF THE BEAUTIFUL 14. When running after balloons, keep a sharp lookout for BALLOONS! arroyos and rattlesnakes. ® 50 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

THE 1970'S: 1972-1979 ® 52 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

THETTHHE E ORIGINAL OORRIIGGIINNAALL131133 131131113333 DICK BROWN IS THE FORMER EDITOR OF he year was 1972 and KOB 770 AM Radio BALLOONING, THE BALLOON FEDERATION was celebrating its 50th anniversary. With some coaxing from the station’s general OF AMERICA’S OFFICIAL MAGAZINE, AND HAS manager, Sid Cutter agreed to organize AUTHORED AND COAUTHORED THREE BOOKS a southwestern-style Hare-and-Hound balloon race that he dubbed Roadrunner- AND NUMEROUS ARTICLES ON THE BALLOON T Coyote balloon race. Today we know it as the ﬁ rst FIESTA. HE’S A RESPECTED HISTORIAN Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Sanctioned by ON THINGS BALLOONING AND HAS ALSO the Balloon Federation of America (BFA), it was to be the WRITTEN BOOKS ON HISTORICAL TOPICS largest ballooning event in North America. IN THE SOUTHWEST. HIS PROFESSIONAL Sid Cutter – Albuquerque, New Mexico. BACKGROUND IS IN ENGINEERING, AND HE’S A Sid was the younger son of civil aviation pioneers William PROUD FORMER U.S. NAVY SUBMARINER. and Virginia Cutter who founded Cutter Flying Service in 1928 to serve the ﬂ ourishing aviation community in the Southwest. At age 21 Sid joined the Air Force. First Lieutenant Cutter ﬂ ew single-engine jets and four- Pictured: Roadrunner ready to go as Don Piccard inﬂ ates engine cargo planes until 1960 when he joined the family Spirit of 76 and Karl Stefan inﬂ ates Star of Texas. business and served as the company’s president for STORY AND PHOTOS BY DICK BROWN, FOR THE AIBF HERITAGE COMMITTEE OFFICIAL PROGRAM 53

Don Kersten – Fort Dodge, Iowa. Don was a lawyer and an Air Force veteran (1948- 1952). He had been a licensed balloon pilot since 1965 and in this event flew a white Piccard balloon with two blue bands at the equator. Named Merope after his wife, this AX-6 Piccard balloon was fourth in the pack of Coyotes to launch. Incidentally, back then, everyone in the basket wore helmets. Don served as the BFA president from 1969 to 1971 and 1975 to 1977. As immediate past president and a delegate to the FAI in 1972, Don was tasked with searching for a site for the First World Hot Air Balloon Championships. He urged Sid and Tom Rutherford, at the time working for KOB Radio, to form an organization to bid Albuquerque as the host site. They formed World Balloon Championships, Inc. “It wasn’t until later that we learned that no one else had bid, or even been invited to bid for this event,” Tom recalled. Nevertheless, Albuquerque was secured as the host city for the 1973 championships. Sadly, Merope Kersten died in 1984, and Don died in 1998 at age 73. Above: Roadrunner clears the field, Coyotes soon to follow. Right: Don Kersten in Merope waves to the crowd at the City’s first modern hot air ballooning event. more than a decade. Beginning in 1971, he devoted the rest of his life to ballooning. Sid flew Roadrunner, a Raven AX-6, N1954R, the club balloon of the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (Quad A) that morning of April 8, 1972, from the northwest corner of Coronado Center. His co-pilot was Don Draper, Quad A’s president. Sid and Don of course launched first, and soon the chase began. At 7:30 a.m., Governor Bruce King fired the starting gun, and 12 competing Coyote balloons trailing advertising banners began lifting off before 20,000 spectators. Albuquerque’s first Balloon Fiesta was underway. Assisting as launch and chase crews were members of the fledging Quad A. As Roadrunner drifted north, Sid commented to his co-pilot, “Well, Don, we have finally seen a balloon race.” Sid held some of the highest aviation awards, including the 1975 Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s (FAI) Montgolfier Diplome for service to sport ballooning and the 2009 FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in flight safety. He founded the world’s largest local balloon club – the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association, or Quad A – in 1971, organized the first two World Hot Air Balloon Championships in 1973 and 1975, and won the National Hot Air Balloon Championships in 1978 and 1986. He was inducted into five Halls of Fame during the period 1983-2010. He was very proud of how Albuquerque took to ballooning like he did and how the community embraced an annual Balloon Fiesta. After a long battle with cancer, Sid passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 21, 2011. ® 54 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Above: Bill Cutter prepares to chase his younger brother in N1951R. Oscar Kratz – Tucson, Arizona. Bill Cutter – Phoenix, Arizona. Piloting another Coyote balloon was Oscar Kratz. He Flying another Coyote balloon was Sid’s brother Bill. flew a checkered Raven with red and white top, blue Upon request, the FAA issued Sid’s and Bill’s balloon pilot and white bottom. It can be said that he was indirectly licenses in 1962 and 1963, respectively. Their certificates responsible for one of Albuquerque’s first resident hot read “Free Balloon Pilot – Hot Air Balloons Only”. Bill was air balloons. In 1971, Sid wanted to rent a balloon as the an Albuquerque native and an Army veteran (1955- centerpiece for his mother’s birthday celebration at 1957). He had managed Cutter Flying Service in Phoenix Cutter Flying Service. Oscar owned the first certified since 1959. At the first Balloon Fiesta he flew Betsy Raven AX-8, but it was too big for the hangar and his Ross, N1951R, a patriotic red, white, and blue Raven rental fee was too high at $500. Instead, Sid bought a balloon with gold bunting and white stars against a blue new Raven that he planned to use to promote the party. top, and displaying a Cutter Flying Service banner on Thanks to Oscar’s high rent, N1951R became the first the envelope. At his mother’s birthday celebration, the modern hot air balloon to call Albuquerque home. balloon had a banner reading “This Ole Bag for Rent”. Oscar Kratz enlisted in the Air Force in 1954 and Bill was the third Coyote to take to the air. During served as an aircraft mechanic. He started a flying school an interview, Bill could not recall many details of that at Ryan Airfield near Tucson and was an early instructor first Fiesta. “At my age – I’m 75 – I’m not supposed to in hot air balloons. Oscar died in 1980 at the young age of have a memory.” Bill distinguished himself in balloon 47. His wife Patti represented him at the 25th anniversary competition in the early 70s, placing third in the 1972 gathering of the original pilots at Coronado Center. She Nationals, fourth in the 1973 Nationals, and second passed away in 2016 at age 80. in the 1973 World Hot Air Balloon Championships in Albuquerque. Bill died peacefully in 2018 at age 86. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 55

Above: Denny Floden launches while Gene Dennis, Bill Murtorff, and Don Piccard make final preparations. Dennis Floden – Flint, Michigan. Bill Murtorff – Corpus Christi, Texas. A stockbroker and financial consultant, Denny Bill was an Army veteran (1955-1958) and an became a licensed balloonist in 1969. At age 32, he won extraordinary aeronaut. While operating a water sports the 1971 Nationals in Indianola, Iowa, and piloted a red, store in Corpus Christi, he became infatuated with hot air white, and blue Raven balloon decorated with eagles ballooning. As a student of Derek Howard, Bill received and pennants in the first Fiesta as the reigning U.S. his pilot license in 1971. Derek remembered “Wild Bill,” Champion. In his early ballooning years, he flew under as he was affectionately known, as being so enthusiastic the pseudonym “Capt. Phogg”. Coincidentally, 1972, the about ballooning that he would be around for a long time. year of Albuquerque’s First Fiesta, was also the 100th Indeed, Bill and his wife Mary were regular participants in anniversary of Jules Verne’s fantasy novel Around the the first 25 Balloon Fiestas. World in Eighty Days with Capt. Phileas Fogg. On that special day in Albuquerque in 1972, Bill In 1973, Denny joined Bill Cutter, Tom Oerman, and was fresh from a victory in the Florida Balloon Bruce Comstock on the U.S. team at the First World Championships. His balloon, Smile, N22US, red with four Hot Air Balloon Championships. He won the title and blue bands, was the second Coyote balloon to launch. Bill the distinction of becoming the world’s first champion received Quad A’s Sid Cutter Award in 1977. He was BFA balloonist. Denny used to say, “It takes a little bit of skill President 1979-1981. He retired in Mexico where he died and a lot of luck to excel in balloon competition.” in 1998 at age 64, but his name lives in a place of honor Like Sid, Denny was a balloon sales distributor and in the BFA as the Bill Murtorff Spirit of Ballooning Award. successful commercial balloonist. He designed Kellogg’s first Tony the Tiger balloon and for 22 years led his Don Piccard – Newport Beach, California. Gr-r-reat Tony Balloon Team in the operation of one of Don was the son of Swiss pioneer aeronauts Jean and the first special-shape commercial balloons. Denny is Jeannette Piccard. He had been flying balloons since the now retired from the financial world and the world of 1940s and was a pioneer in his own right. During WWII, commercial and competitive ballooning. He says he was he served in the Navy as a balloon and airship rigger a “card-carrying Michigan snowbird” for some time but and again at Lakehurst, New Jersey, during the Korean now spends most of his time as a boater and real estate War. In 1947, he received the nation’s first Free Balloon investor in Bradenton Beach, Florida. Certificate. He made numerous epic balloon flights and was awarded the 1962 Montgolfier Diplome for his ® 56 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL YNT Gene and Denny had only one balloon between them. Both made it through the qualifying rounds, but a toss of the coin put Denny in the basket instead of Gene. After flying balloons with Denny, Gene adopted the name “Captain Phair Weather.” He claimed that the excellent flying conditions at the 1972 Fiesta were not the work of George Fischbeck, with his high-altitude millibar charts, but it was he who ordered the day’s good weather. Gene recalls lifting off with Tom Oerman as his passenger. Tom’s balloon never made it to Albuquerque because of a Chicago snowstorm. Gene’s flight connections through Chicago were also cancelled but he drove to Detroit and caught a direct flight to Albuquerque. Regarding the 1972 race, Gene said “My balloon was a Raven with red and white stripes, blue equator and yellow top. We landed somewhere in the boonies. The next day, several of us flew from the West Above: Surprisingly, there were only two mounted patrol- Mesa and drifted over the Rio Grande.” men for this crowd of 20,000. Gene placed sixth in the qualifying rounds for the 1973 World Championships, being edged out by Denny record altitude flight in a “poly-cluster” balloon. In 1963, Floden, Tom Oerman, and Bill Cutter. He returned to he and Ed Yost became the first men to pilot a hot air Albuquerque several times, flying in the Fiesta, visiting balloon across the English Channel from Great Britain to the Balloon Museum, and revisiting the 1972 Coronado France. Don is credited with many of the innovations we launch site where Macy’s is today. While he is no longer see today in modern hot air sport balloons. active, his two sons are avid balloonists. Although Don spent much of his life in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he also spent decades in Newport Beach, California where in 1964 he started a balloon manufacturing company. At the time of Albuquerque’s first Fiesta, he claimed Newport Beach as home. He remembered most of northeast Albuquerque was empty lots. Indeed, there was little development north of Montgomery where most of the Coyote balloons landed. Don was one of the last to launch but he flew Spirit of 76, N76US, an AX-8 Piccard, to a first-place finish, landing only 184 feet from the deflated Roadrunner balloon that Sid had left spread out as a giant target. Don had a ripout landing with a long drag across the East Mesa as Albuquerqueans rushed to grab his basket and as a helicopter hovered a few hundred yards away. That balloon was made for Burns, Burke and Morton of Gardena, California, with George Morton getting his first ride as the nation was getting psyched up for the American Bicentennial. “It had two giant burners and two rip panels,” recalled Don. “It was ideal for that flight. Dr. George, the met guy, was perfect, and I paid attention to him.” Don was referring to Dr. George Fischbeck, the popular Albuquerque weatherman on KOB-TV from the early 1960s. Don returned to Minneapolis in the 1980s and died in 2020 at the age of 94. Gene Dennis – Grand Blanc, Michigan. When Gene got into ballooning, he owned his own electrical contracting business that was geared to support the automotive industry in Michigan. His balloon instructor was Denny Floden, who also trained Bruce Comstock, just before Denny won the 1971 Nationals. Above: Matt Wiederkehr and Don Kersten rise in search of Roadrunner. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 57

Matt Wiederkehr – St. Paul, Minnesota. 206 feet from the Roadrunner. Don added, “It was a kick Matt served four years in the Navy during the Korean for us to take ﬁ rst and second.” Don and Willie relocated War. He was an engineer when he started ballooning to Minneapolis where Willie survives her husband of 50 and in fact was one of the ﬁ rst ten hot air balloon pilots years. As a tribute to Don, she said, “His most powerful in the country. He and wife Bobbie operated a balloon legacy is in helping to develop the sport of hot air sales distributorship and staged the hot air balloon ballooning and making it aﬀ ordable for families to enjoy.” competition at the annual St. Paul Winter Carnival. Matt Now 91 years of age, she still resides in Minneapolis. and his daughters, Denise and Donna, set over 40 world ballooning records. Brent Stockwell – Daly City, California. The ﬁ rst Coyote balloon to launch was Matt’s blue and As a licensed commercial balloonist since 1970, white balloon, Raven One, N1926R, with co-pilot Denise Brent participated in many hot air and gas balloon races and a long Melloy Datsun banner trailing below the around the world. At the time of Albuquerque’s inaugural basket. They made a classic ripout landing among cholla ballooning event, he had been working on establishing cactus on the East Mesa, stopping dead in their tracks in the ﬁ rst FAA-approved balloon ﬂ ight school in the nation. a matter of seconds. Matt’s wife Bobbie recalled, “At ﬁ rst Beginning in 1974, Brent operated an FAA-certiﬁ ed everyone thought we won the race. Suddenly the wind balloon repair station. He was active in the BFA for changed and the Piccards won, even though they were decades and received numerous BFA and FAA awards. oﬀ course until the end.” Matt and Denise ended up in At the ﬁ rst Fiesta, his small AX-4 balloon, Firebird, third place. We lost this veteran aeronaut in 2019 when N14US, trailing a Rich Ford banner, was one of the he passed away at age 90. last Coyotes to launch. Other sponsors included Cactus Realty, Galles Chevrolet, Horizon Corporation, Wilma Piccard – Newport Beach, California. Melloy Datsun, Pedal ‘n Spoke, Vickers Petroleum and Don’s wife, Willie, is an accomplished balloonist. Watchworld. Brent’s balloon ran out of fuel before The two met when Don hired her as a seamstress at reaching the target Roadrunner balloon. He and his wife, Piccard Balloons. Willie set the A-1 distance record for Christine Kalakuka, authored several ballooning books male and female using a single-cell mylar balloon. As while operating their ﬂ ight school and repair station in the only female pilot in the ﬁ rst Fiesta, Willie ﬂ ew solo Manteca, California. Sadly, Christine passed away in in Gypsy, N10TA, a Piccard AX-6 which later went to 2007. Brent passed away in 2021 at age 90. (See Brent Bruce Comstock and helped him win the Nationals. Don Stockwell’s account of his ﬂ ight, reprinted from the 1991 recalled, “It was a super balloon, especially for the time, Balloon Fiesta program, following this story.) and gave Willie no trouble.” She placed second, landing Below: Matt Wiederkehr, Carter Twedt and Denny Floden inﬂ ate at Coronado Center. ® 58 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Above: Mike-Mike and Spirit of 76 on their way. Carter Twedt – Carson City, Nevada. made many commercial flights. Nevada Skydivers Carter, an American Airlines pilot, with his crew chief, showed a special interest in Mike-Mike. Carter claimed, Pat Arthur, lifted off in a yellow Raven AX-6 with a red “The whole club wanted to jump so there have been at band at the equator sporting a string of white stars. A least 50 jumps from the old balloon.” He and Peggy sold banner, also promoting Rich Ford, dangled from the Mike-Mike years ago, but it was still being inflated on basket. This was the balloon that was used in Walt special occasions. Disney’s “High Flying Lowe” movie about Professor Thaddeus Lowe, the Civil War aeronaut who conducted Karl Stefan – Palestine, Texas. aerial reconnaissance for the Union Army. N4MM or Karl was a graduate of the Naval Academy, Class of Mike-Mike as Carter called the balloon (M-M for Mickey 1940, and a WWII veteran, having retired in 1960 after Mouse), was made up to look like a gas balloon for the 20 years in naval aviation. He made his first gas balloon 1972 Disney movie. flight in 1956 and his first hot air balloon flight in 1961. As for the 1972 race, “We brought our entire crew and After teaching Chauncey Dunn how to fly balloons in the envelope in two Cessnas, but we had to ship the Colorado in the early 1970s (Karl was working at the gondola,” said Carter. They placed sixth overall. Carter National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder at and Pat made a high-wind landing on the Sandia Pueblo the time), they flipped a coin to see who would attempt Reservation and ended up hauling the balloon out piece a new altitude record. Karl won and reached 31,000 by piece. feet before his oxygen mask froze. Three days later, Carter retired from American Airlines in 1994 but Chauncey, with a heater in his oxygen mask, set a new continued to fly – not jets, not balloons, but paragliders. AX-8 record by reaching 33,000 feet. His wife Peggy was also a licensed balloon pilot and Karl received the coveted Montgolfier Diplome for the OFFICIAL PROGRAM 59

Above: Bill Murtorff, Willie Piccard, Oscar Kratz on the ground, Karl Stefan in the air. year 1971 for service to ballooning. With Tracy Barnes 25th Anniversary Reunion and Dodds Meddock, this aeronautical engineer helped On September 28, 1996, at Coronado Center, there co-found The Balloon Works, a highly successful balloon was a special reunion of The Original Thirteen. Willie manufacturing company in Statesville, North Carolina. Piccard was unable to attend, and Oscar Kratz was Karl did not recall serving as the Safety Officer in 1972, represented by his widow Patti. but he distinctly remembered trailing a very long banner. Tom Dunn, KOB Radio producer, director and morning Of his rapid ascent in his skirtless AX-6, Star of Texas, show host, once said of the first Balloon Fiesta, “When N1930R, to deploy his banner, he said, “I kept climbing disc jockeys put on a show you can expect a windbag and so turned the burner off, but I could still hear its roar. promotion.” And what a promotion it was – not just for I then looked over the side and realized the roar was from KOB but for ballooning in Albuquerque. The story of this the crowd below.” Karl’s flight ended with a ripout landing inaugural ballooning event was carried by that evening’s punctuated by two hard bounces. Albuquerque Tribune as front-page news, and that was For well over a decade, he served as the U.S. delegate just the beginning as planning commenced for the 1973 to the FAI Ballooning Commission and had the pleasure World Hot Air Balloon Championships. As the forerunner of announcing Montgolfier awards to many other of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, American balloonists. He also served as FAI Ballooning that first “windbag promotion” has become known as Commission President from 1984 to 1994. Sid Cutter the first Balloon Fiesta and those balloon pilot pioneers succeeded Karl as the U.S. Delegate. For many years, have landed themselves in ballooning history books as Karl and his wife Lucy lived in Fort Collins, Colorado. Lucy “The Original Thirteen.” passed away in 2015 at age 92; Karl followed in 2018 at All images by Dick Brown from the eastern side of the age 102. launch field, using a single-lens reflex camera loaded with Kodachrome-25 slide film. ® 60 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

THE 1970'S: 1972-1979 1972 One Mile Up, and Still on the Ground By Col. Brent Stockwell From the 1991 Balloon Fiesta program, reprinted with permission from Ballooning, the Journal of the Balloon Federation of America here I was, altimeter indicating 5,000 balloons from eight states had entered the race. Some feet, with some guy standing next to the withdrew or merely failed to appear; some aeronauts basket yelling, "Get ready; you're up soon, were caught in an unseasonal snowstorm in Chicago, get ready to take oﬀ ." What in the world but twelve aeronauts representing California, Arizona, was happening? Today was the day I had Iowa, Michigan, Texas, Minnesota, Nevada and of course Tplanned to plant a second crop of lettuce New Mexico, made the launch site. If all nineteen in my tiny, San Francisco-fog-enshrouded backyard entries had appeared, Albuquerque could have claimed vegetable garden. Who was this man and why was he the largest balloon gathering in the United States, telling me to take oﬀ while I was already one mile up (and exceeding the seventeen balloons at last year’s National still on the ground)? Championships at Indianola, Iowa. This episode was no aeronaut's mushroom-inspired Radio station KOB, Albuquerque's NBC aﬃ liate, was fantasy, but the Albuquerque International Coyote and celebrating its 50th anniversary in broadcasting. Their Roadrunner Balloon Race, a hot-air balloonist's dream on network aﬃ liation inspired Don Piccard to dub the a mile-high plateau in New Mexico. California contingent 'The CBS Team", representing of On very, very short notice (due to some Madison course, the California Balloon Society. Another Piccard Avenue-type brainstorming, I suspect), the Albuquerque pun, and another club was born. Aerostat Ascension Association had staged a Aeronauts arriving in Albuquerque were treated like professional, BFA-sanctioned race in a one balloon town. visiting brass. In fact, each pilot was commissioned Well, it once was a one balloon town. "Colonel, Aide-de-Camp" on the Staﬀ of the Governor of The amazingly short time in which this race was the State of New Mexico by Governor Bruce King! New organized was matched by the short length of time Mexico now has a balloon air force. needed by aeronauts all over the country to organize Race day started at 6:00 a.m., calm and clear despite themselves and congregate on Albuquerque’s desert the fact that Albuquerque had just suﬀ ered a terrible plain. With notice of a bit over a week, nineteen pilots and sandstorm the previous week and natives pointed ® 62 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

I ﬁ nally managed to turn Firebird around, but it was too much and too soon. By the time Cutter landed Roadrunner, a sizable crowd gathered, and the contestants appeared to be landing in the middle of a parking lot full of cars. From an organizational standpoint, the race was most impressive. For instance, no sooner had Firebird and I hit the ground than we were checked out by a medic (my landing wasn't that bad!), greeted and interviewed by a lady radio announcer, and presented with a bottle of Cold Duck by another beautiful lady. Wow! Matt Wiederkehr, in Flying Raven 1, had an early starting time and dogged Roadrunner to the landing site to take an early lead. Wilma Piccard, however, soon maneuvered Gypsy to within 206 feet and took over ﬁ rst place. That looked like it, until last-place starter Don Piccard, Wilma's husband/mentor, swooped the giant Spirit of '76 to a mere 184 feet from the target, putting the Piccard pair into ﬁ rst and second places in the ﬁ nal results. ''Too bad the kids weren't ﬂ ying", kidded Piccard Above: Brent Stockwell, in Firebird, ready for launch in the between gulps of champagne, but fortunately for ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta. Photo from the original 1991 article. Wiederkehr there were no more Piccards in the air that day. out that April is the windiest month of the year in New With this outstanding race behind, an excellent eﬀ ort Mexico. ﬁ rst time out, the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Each pilot was driven to the airport and issued a Association is already planning for their second race, brand-new Chevrolet pick-up truck. I can almost hear "The First World Hot Air Balloon Championship.'' in the television commercial now: "Yessiree, friends and Albuquerque 11-17 February 1973. neighbors, Galles Chevrolet, in beautiful downtown Good luck and please invite me. Albuquerque, has twenty almost-brand-new pick-ups, driven only once through the desert by the little old wife Award-winning balloonist Brent Stockwell, one of of an aeronaut with a very light balloon." Each pilot was the “Original 13” (see article on page 52) ﬂ ew balloons also issued one driver/aeronaut-retriever/groundcrew/ for nearly ﬁ ve decades. He was the owner of Balloon slave. I was fortunate enough to get Bill Blackwell, Excelsior, a balloon ﬂ ight school and repair station, served a young, strong, handsome radio announcer from as an FAA designated examiner and aviation counselor, Albuquerque's classical music station who is a future and co-authored several books with his late wife Christine aeronaut and an excellent tour guide. Kalakuka, including 1998’s “Hot Air Balloons. Stockwell Albuquerqueans must be early risers, as the shopping passed away in 2021 at the age of 89. center launch area was crowded by 7:00 a.m.; the Albuquerque Tribune estimated the crowd at 20,000, and the New York Times reported, “The ﬁ rst traﬃ c jam the arid mesa northeast of town ever had.” ALBUQUERQUE RACE RESULTS Someone had very considerately supplied about 1,800 square feet of plastic sheeting for each balloon to inﬂ ate 1. Don Piccard, Newport Beach, Ca Piccard AX-8 Spirit of '76 on without getting too sandy or stuck in cactus. 2. Wilma Piccard, Newport Beach, Ca Piccard AX-6 Gypsy Beﬁ tting this western setting was a mounted sheriﬀ 3. Matt Wiederkehr, St. Paul, Minn. Raven AX-6 Flying Raven l whose horse did the most fantastic four-legged version 4. Karl Stefan, Palestine, Tex. Raven AX-6 Star of Texas of the Mexican hat dance every time a balloon burner came on, and western character actor Slim Pickens 5. Gene Dennis, Grand Blanc, Mich. Raven AX-6 stood on one foot and then the other, muttering "yep". 6. Carter Twedt, Carson City, Nev. Raven AX-6 The Hare and Hound even naturally was called the 7. Dennis Floden, Fenton, Mich. Raven AX-6 "Roadrunner and Coyote Race”. Roadrunner Sid Cutter, 8. Bill Cutter, Phoenix, Ariz. Raven AX-6 with Don Draper, lifted oﬀ at 7:45. The coyote balloons, * Bill Murtorﬀ , Corpus Christi, Tex. Piccard AX-6 Smile at 30-second intervals, followed ﬁ fteen minutes later. * Brent Stockwell, Daly City, Ca. Piccard AX-4 Firebird All followed except Don Kersten in Merope, who took oﬀ * Oscar Kratz, Tucson, Ariz. about forty-ﬁ ve degrees oﬀ course to the east, and I in * Don Kersten, Ft. Dodge, Iowa Piccard AX-6 Merope Firebird about forty-ﬁ ve degrees oﬀ course to the west. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 63

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

OFFICIAL PROGRAM 65

1974 didn’t feature a World three Balloon Fiestas, was coming to the realization Championship, but the budding Balloon he needed to devote more time to his own budding 1974Fiesta didn’t miss a beat. The ﬁ rst ballooning business. People loved seeing balloons, but “stand-alone” event – and the ﬁ rst to it was obvious a lot of changes were needed to assure oﬃ cially bear the name Albuquerque International the Balloon Fiesta’s long-term solvency and success. Balloon Fiesta – featured 111 balloons. The Balloon Fiesta once again was held at the State Fairgrounds, but it was becoming increasingly apparent that this wasn’t an ideal location. Balloons headed south inevitably encroached on the airport and Kirtland Air Force Base, and as Albuquerque grew, landing sites were becoming scarce – a refrain that impacts Balloon Fiesta to this day. Sid Cutter, who ran the ﬁ rst ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 66

The world competitors were back in Albuquerque 1975in 1975 for the second World Hot Air Balloon Championships. As in 1973, 38 of the world’s ﬁ nest balloonists competed over several days and through a series of grueling tasks. American competitor David Schaﬀ er emerged victorious. ﬁ rst time, spectators were allowed to walk among the Of more long-term importance, the Balloon Fiesta balloons on the launch site, a rarity for air shows, where as we now know it began to emerge in 1975. After the spectators are usually strictly separated from aircraft 1974 event, organizers had reached the conclusion that operations. This change was revolutionary and added both the time frame and the launch location needed to a rare and perhaps unprecedented level of involvement change. A weather study determined that early fall and and excitement for air show spectators. speciﬁ cally early October would be the best time for the But even as these plans were coming to fruition, the event. A new site uptown – Simms Field, near I-25 and very future of the Balloon Fiesta was in jeopardy, as Jeﬀ erson – provided easy access and plenty of space Sid Cutter withdrew from the day-to-day management for growth. With the move to the new ﬁ eld, for the to focus on his business. Fortunately, Mayor Harry Kinney realized the Balloon Fiesta created an incredible opportunity for Albuquerque to have a signature event that could bring revenue into the community. He recruited business leaders to form a Citizens Committee to run the event. This committee, over the next couple of years, evolved into the current non-proﬁ t Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. One more lasting development came out of all the 1975 changes. Local balloonists were worried, with the move to October, that people would miss seeing balloons in February. So they held a separate February balloon rally, called the Cloudbouncer Rally, at the state fairgrounds. This 40-balloon event is now considered to be the ﬁ rst Friends and Lovers Rally, still held today. And 1975 is sometimes referred to as the “year with two Fiestas.” PHOTO: BILL WALTON FLYNT After all the 1975 changes, the Balloon Fiesta began to settle into 1976a nice routine in 1976. With no world championships on the menu, balloonmeister Bob Ruppenthal set a diﬀ erent tone for the event, “He (and she) who has the most fun wins.” Fun competitions such as the Tumbleweed Drop were on the menu for the 150 participating balloonists. Meanwhile, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta completed its incorporation and oﬃ cially took over management of the annual event. During the 1976 Fiesta, a number of the participating balloons were involved in the ﬁ lming of “Day of the Balloons,” a multi-media ﬁ lm produced for exhibition at Busch Gardens. The ﬁ nal scene was shot in Albuquerque and at the Balloon Fiesta. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 67

1977 marked the ﬁ rst use of “The Big One” as 1977a catchphrase for the Balloon Fiesta. With 194 balloons that year, the event was getting big, especially by the standards of the time. The balloons were getting bigger, too. Within a year, Sid Cutter acquired a 400,000 cu. ft. Raven from the Great Adventures amusement park. Balloons this time being what it was, ﬂ ying it was a whole ‘nuther size are frequently seen at Balloon Fiesta today, but story for another time. Sid promptly dubbed his new back then it was a sensation, a good ﬁ ve times the size gentle giant, “The Big One.” of almost anything else in the air. The technology of the In 1978, ballooning and balloonists in Sid Cutter captured the 1978 National Hot Air Balloon Albuquerque were on an incredible Championship (his ﬁ rst of two). The Balloon Fiesta was 1978high. Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, really growing, for the ﬁ rst time topping 250 balloons and Larry Newman were worldwide (278, to be speciﬁ c). But even with 278 determined heroes, the ﬁ rst persons to successfully cross the pilots who were all sure they were going to win, nobody Atlantic by balloon (see page 188). That same week, won the Balloon Fiesta’s ﬁ rst key grab competition (today called the Ring Toss), where balloonists ﬂ y by a pole and snatch the keys from the top to win a vehicle. The souvenirs were getting more sophisticated, too. The ﬁ rst oﬃ cial Balloon Fiesta calendars appeared in 1976 and were hot items by 1978; they sell by the thousands today. ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 68

The wThe world’orld’ss balloonists continued balloonists continued to drop in in record 1979ttoo ddrroopp iinn iinn rreeccoorrd d numbers in 1979, with numbers in 1979, with a whopping 360 balloons registered a whopping 360 balloons registered to ﬂ y. With all the growth – not to ﬂ y. With all the growth – not just in balloons and pilots, but just in balloons and pilots, but also sponsors, concessions and also sponsors, concessions and more – the Balloon Fiesta began more – the Balloon Fiesta began to acquire the attributes of a to acquire the attributes of a permanent organization. The permanent organization. The Board hired Linda Rutherford, one Board hired Linda Rutherford, one of the country’s earliest female of the country’s earliest female commercial pilots (and at the commercial pilots (and at the time married to Tom Rutherford) time married to Tom Rutherford) as its ﬁ rst permanent employee as its ﬁ rst permanent employee and Executive Director. Linda and Executive Director. Linda and her stalwart volunteer staﬀ and her stalwart volunteer staﬀ moved into rented oﬃ ce space moved into rented oﬃ ce space on Princeton Ave. NE. on Princeton Ave. NE. Also that year, the very Also that year, the very ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta poster ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta poster appeared. ProCreations of appeared. ProCreations of New Orleans became the New Orleans became the event’s licensed purveyor event’s licensed purveyor of oﬃ cial posters, a distinction they held for distinction they held for three decades. Today, three decades. Today, many of the oﬃ cial posters sell for many posters sell for many times what people originally paid for them. originally paid for them. Balloonists also prize Balloonists also prize the oﬃ cial T-shirts printed during this era by Kevin White, the oﬃ cial T-shirt concessionaire for many years. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 69

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS n a cold October day in 1978, in the By the time they were ready to land, they would be pre-dawn darkness, two California able to see and avoid buildings, power lines, and other balloonists made history – and no obstructions on the ground. doubt startled a few Albuquerque early In order to receive certiﬁ cation, O’Connor and risers – by ascending into the sunrise Thornton had to develop aircraft warning lights on the ﬁ rst ﬂ ight ever of the Dawn acceptable to the FAA and submit a ton of paperwork. O Patrol. The ﬂ ight was the culmination of six month’s They got the ﬁ nal OK just before they were to leave hard work and the realization of a dream, in the words of their home base in Morgan Hill, California for the pilot Ron Thornton, “to be able to see the sunrise from a Balloon Fiesta. Now, they were ready to set sail into the couple thousand feet above ground and see the morning unknown. shadows recede from above”. When they came to the 1978 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Thornton and Ken O’Connor had just received the certiﬁ cation from the Federal Aviation Administration that would permit them to ﬂ y their balloons at night. Balloons are generally certiﬁ ed to ﬂ y in daylight only for a very practical reason: the pilot needs to be able to see the ground in order to land safely. O’Conner and Thornton’s idea was to take oﬀ at dawn and ﬂ y into daylight. OIS JE DEBER UL A O: P T PHO Above:A ® 70 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

and gold, breaking over the Sandia Mountains. Flying OIS from the dark into the light is a beautiful and challenging JE experience. DEBER Ken O’Connor and Ron Thornton never dreamed UL how this wonder of the night would evolve. Over the A years, the Dawn Patrol slowly evolved into an integral O: P T part of Balloon Fiesta and now includes the Dawn PHO Patrol Show, a coordinated ascension set to narration and music. Guests are delighted by the sight of the balloons ascending into the early morning dawn sky and majestically soaring over the still-shadowed ﬁ eld. Pilots watch the Dawn Patrollers closely and gratefully for a ﬁ rst indication of the winds they can expect when they ascend after sunrise. Kenny O’Connor is no longer with us – he passed away several years ago -- but Ron Thornton is still ﬂ ying. He 2016 Dawn Patrol ﬂ ight; note the aircraft warning lights still participates in the Balloon Fiesta from time to time, hanging below the baskets. and when he does still ﬂ ies the Dawn Patrol. In the pre-dawn, chilly darkness, the pilots inﬂ ated the PHO balloons and attached the new aircraft warning lights. T The passengers climbed aboard: Tom Christopher, a O: P A crew person and later a longtime Balloon Fiesta launch UL oﬃ cer, aboard as navigator since he was familiar with the DEBER local area, and Bill Tracy, a TV news photographer. Tom Christopher, in his account of this historic ﬂ ight, JE described– although not intended as such – what was OIS likely the Balloon Fiesta’s very ﬁ rst Balloon Glow: “…when [the pilot heats] the balloon with its burners, the balloon lights up like a low watt light bulb, on a tremendous scale … [the] results are spectacular.” Aloft in the darkness, O’Connor and Thornton and their passengers were awed by an incredible vista seen only by those lucky enough to ﬂ y the Dawn Patrol: the ground fading into oblivion under the balloon, pierced only by a glittering panorama of city lights, and the growing dawn, in shades of gray and pink To watch a video of the ﬁ rst Dawn Patrol ﬂ ight, scan the QR code. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 71

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 1:31

Loaded: 0.00%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 1:31

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 2022 BALLOON DIRECTORY OFFICIAL PROGRAM 73

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Abell, Jim Adams, Steven Adelsberger, Kurt Adie, Martin Aley, Dave KIPHAVEN MISS SHENANIGANS TRANSITION HOPSCOTCH AFTERNOON DELIGHT Alameda, CA Albuquerque, NM Mesquite, NV Edgewood, NM Belen, NM United States United States United States United States United States Ambeau, Robert Anderson, Allen Anderson, Denny Anger, Frank I WANNA WIN II PIXIDELIC J.A.B AMERICA Gonzales, LA Minden, NV Ankeny, IA Tupelo, MS United States United States United States United States Appelman, Scott Arkwell, Kathy Armstrong, Bill Ashworth, Jeﬀ rey Aubol-Hanks, Nancy DOS EQUIS CLYDESCOPE BAND OF GOLD SLÁINTE! GIGGLES AND GRINS Scottsdale, AZ Peoria, IL Goodyear, AZ Corrales, NM Bosque Farms, NM United States United States United States United States United States Baca, Rod Bacon, Frank Bair, Dave Bair, Ray CRUISE CONTROL SUN FLYER BAIRLY AWAKE KALEIDOSCOPE Los Lunas, NM Los Ranchos, NM Colorado Springs, CO Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States ® 74 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Baird, Andy Ballengee, Kelli Barnes, Kent Bartra, Alex Bauwens, Mike RED ROVER AIRRAGEOUS BELLESTAR AIRMOSA BETTY’S BABY GRAND Dexter, MI Placitas, NM Murray, UT Rio Rancho, NM Park City, UT United States United States United States United States United States Beebe, Ken Belgarde, Sonja Bennett, Brian Bertetto, Mike TORTUGA DEL FUEGO WILDFIRE DEJA VU NERFER Rio Rancho, NM Sun Prairie, WI Agency, IA Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States Biernacki, Buzz Blizzard, Will Boring, Gordon Boulger, John Bowie, Manning MORNING MAGIC ZEUS BOYNTON CRITTERS DAKOTA STAR RISING STARS Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Commerce Twp, MI Fargo, ND Martinez, GA United States United States United States United States United States Bowling, Dave Bowman, James Boyd, Gary Braden, Kris THE WIND WHISPERER DOT THE GRATEFUL RED RAINBOW RYDERS Parker, CO Oklahoma City, OK Albuquerque, NM Rio Rancho, NM United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 75

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Braden, Morgan Bradley, Troy Bramble, Curt Breﬀ eilh, Margaret Brennand, Mike HIGHBISCUS RAINBOW RYDERS STARS & STRIPES SAPPHIRE MILAGRO Lake Havasu City, AZ Albuquerque, NM Provo, UT Victor, ID Tijeras, NM United States United States United States United States United States Bristol, David Broker, Bill Brown, Tom Browning, Derek Browning, Jody ORANGE CRUSH EXCELLENCE TOMFOOLERY THIS END UP TATER TOT Sautee Nacoochee, GA Plano, TX Plainwell, MI Louisville, KY Rio Rancho, NM United States United States United States United States United States Brunner, Pierre Buckner, Jason Buesing, Jeﬀ Buesing, Russ Burdue, Bradley RAINBOW RYDERS HALE-LUCINATIONS RUSS BUSS LITTLE HOPPER RUBIK Yountville, CA Albuquerque, NM Colorado Springs, CO Centennial, CO Whitehouse, OH United States United States United States United States United States Burgess, Zach Burman, Leo Bussey, Bill Butler, Bill Byberg, Bruce RAINBOW RYDERS MONARCHS YEN YANG MONKEY BUSINESS AUTUMN DREAM Ashland, OH Montreal, Québec Longview, TX Alamogordo, NM Bloomﬁ eld, NJ United States Canada United States United States United States ® 76 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Caldwell, Clint Caldwell, Trent Candelaria, Joe Carlson, Brian Carlton, Ryan PATIENT ENDURANCE TRENT’Z K’IDD MR. BLUE SKIES DREAMS FULFILLED CAZOOEE Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Wakarusa, KS Danville, IL United States United States United States United States United States Carlton-Vish, Donna Carpenter, Michael Carreathers, Lonnie Carroll, Sean Carter, Buddy SUNNY SIDE UP SWEET CAROLINE II SPECTRUM TWISTED DRIFTER FLYING RAINBOW Danville, IL Rio Rancho, NM Rio Rancho, NM Marietta, GA Pleasant Garden, NC United States United States United States United States United States Cass, Gary Cathey, Phil Caton, Tom Centers, Ron Chando, Morghan RED HOT! SKITTLES TIME TRAVELER CAPT. AMERICA FLYAWAY2 Yuma, AZ Roswell, NM Byrnes Mill, MO Portage, MI Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States Chando, Pat Chase, Brian Chavez, Laurie Christensen, Dave Christian, Bret PATTURNS IN CZECH PINWHEEL JESSE’S GIRL TOO MOONSHADOW RESURREXION Albuquerque, NM Moscow, PA Albuquerque, NM Hot Springs, SD Indianola, IA United States United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 77

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Čižius, Jastin Clapp, Royce Clark, Richard Cline, Don PILKIUS GOOD MORNING OUR TREAT DAYBREAK II Elektrėnai, Vilnius SUNSHINE Calgary, Alberta Greensboro, NC Lithuania McCook, NE Canada United States United States Clinger, Phil Cliver, Bubba Cliver, Chris Cloyd, Tim Coan, Larry LIBERTY PTREE HAPPY HOUR SON LIGHT SUPERFLUOUS Battle Creek, MI Lewisville, TX Houston, TX Runnells, IA New Hudson, MI United States United States United States United States United States Cochran, Tony Coﬃ ng, Steve Converse, Karen Cook, Kelli COLORADO TWIST OF FATE PENUMBRA HIGH MAINTENANCE Broomﬁ eld, CO Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Denver, CO United States United States United States United States Cooper, Gary Cooper, Hal Copas, Jerry Cowen, Dave Crouch, Clayton RAINBOW RYDERS UPTUIT EZ-BALLOON ANGEL WINGS FINISH LINE Rio Rancho, NM Port Hope, Ontario Sellersburg, IN Corrales, NM Denver, CO United States Canada United States United States United States ® 78 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Curry, Ron Cusick, Jim Czerniawski, Jerzy Davenport, Richard 770 KKOB BOLT AVIPOL XMAXX Corrales, NM Marysville, OH Bialystok, Podlaskie Ormond Beach, FL United States United States Poland United States Davidson, John Davie, Ryan Dennis, Chad Dennis, Sean Derebey, Steve CHEZ RADIO TWILIGHT ZONE PHIVE NEIL GOT THE HOTZ Belmont, Ontario Rio Rancho, NM Grand Blanc, MI Grand Blanc, MI Rio Rancho, NM Canada United States United States United States United States Despres, Denise Dickey, Bill Dickey, Frank Dicks, Bob BOOBOULINA DIAMOND GIRL 2ND WIND FLECKFOLLY5 Cedar Crest, NM Corrales, NM Albuquerque, NM Churchville, PA United States United States United States United States Dimmitt, Bill Dinkler, Fred Dobbs, Bill Doll, Penny Donner, Nick SUNRISE ANGEL SKYLEIDOSCOPE EL TIGRE RACING WITH THE WIND SMILEY Los Lunas, NM Livingston, TX Kamas, UT Roeland Park, KS Louisville, KY United States United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 79

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Dougherty, Don Draughn, Ken Drganc, Luka Duer Jr., Darrell Duﬀ , Jeﬀ DARK SUNRISE XTREMELY CONTAGIOUS JACK FM CRIMSON FLAME SINCERELY Colorado Springs, CO Burlington, NC Belmont, Ontario Oklahoma City, OK Albuquerque, NM United States United States Canada United States United States Duﬀ , Ryan Dumke, Don Duval-Harbour, Jesse Dyer, JD Eakin, Sean IMPULSE DECISIONS FLO ST.-JEAN-SUR- FLYING FOR HEROES SHOTGUN RIDER Hallsville, MO Florence, WI RICHELIEU FIESTA Ammanford, Cameron, NC United States United States St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Carmarthenshire United States Québec, Canada United Kingdom Edwards, Don Edmiston, Fred Eichhorn, Dave Eldridge, Stacy Emry, Gordon HEAD SOUTH STARS MARAUDER’S MARK TEARDROP COWBOY FRESH AIRE III Soldotna, AK Maxwell, TX Corrales, NM Rio Rancho, NM Norfolk, NE United States United States United States United States United States Enloe, Stuart Evans, Tim Ewer, Dan Favero, Marcus Fenske, David HIGHNLOE CREW BALLOON FOOLISH PLEASURE LIFTIN’ SPIRITS CRIMSON STAR Woodstock, GA Cedar Crest, NM Tucson, AZ Smithﬁ eld, VA Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 80

Ferguson, Charles Ferguson, Ken Ferrall, Rick Fisher, Tom Fitch, Matt FREEDOM FLYER ITSA TOUCHIE SUBJECT STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN BREEZY RIDER PLUM FANCY Tucson, AZ Albuquerque, NM Oxford, MS Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States Fitzgerald, William Fleury, Mike Fogue, Pat Ford, Mike Forenz, Tom VOYAGER FLEUR DE TUCSON MIMOSA WHITAKER’S GIFT DA BLUES Lubbock, TX Red Rock, AZ Columbia, MO Albuquerque, NM Georgetown, CO United States United States United States United States United States Fortney, Wayne Francoeur, Danielle Francois, Jean-Michel Freedman, Neil Freeman, Cameron ROSIE PIXEL DRAGONFLY PSYCHO THERAPY ADVENTURE 3 Kingsport, TN Montreal, Québec Salles Courbaties, Albuquerque, NM Vail, CO United States Canada Québec, Canada United States United States Fricke, Barbara Fritze, Mark Gabaldon, Henry Gabriel, Jason Galaz, Yvette SPIRITS IN THE SKY FREEDOMFLYER BUCKEYE SPIRIT OF ‘76 SHELBY’S SUNRISE Albuquerque, NM Tallahassee, FL Albuquerque, NM Colorado Springs, CO Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 81

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Gallant, Mike Garcia, Greg Garcia, Jerry Garcia-Perrote, Juan Gardner, Tom IRIS AROSE ELLAVATION TENTAI THE SEQUEL CITI RADIO AJUUA DREAMER Columbus, IN Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Belmont, Ontario Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States Canada United States Gauthier, Guy Gauthier, Marty Gauthier, Travis Gebhart, Aaron HI VIZ AIR BENDER CORN NUTZ STEP-N-UP Henderson, TX Waterford, MI Waterford, MI Milford, IA United States United States United States United States Gebhart, Jim George, Peter Gilles, Jeﬀ Gindlesparger, Mark Glas, Richard STEP-N-UP GRAND BRITANNIA TCBALLOONTOURS PHENOM HEAD WEST AGAIN Milford, IA Oxford, Oxfordshire Traverse City, MI Murphysboro, IL Phoenix, AZ United States United Kingdom United States United States United States Glebe, Phil Gleed, David Glen, Bill Godlevsky, Curt INTEL PEGASUS HEAVENS QUILT SUNWALKER Fenton, MI Coldstream, Maricopa, AZ Littleton, CO United States British Columbia, Canada United States United States ® 82 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Goldbloom, Jenn Gonzales, Bob Gonzales, Michael Goosey, Rick Gordon, Edward WONDERFUL WHIRLED LOOK TWICE THE JOURNEY TJ’S TOY FREEDOM WON Norristown, PA Waco, TX Rio Rancho, NM Pleasant Hill, MO Austin, TX United States United States United States United States United States Gorenﬂ o, Mike Goss, Dick Gough, Tom Grace, Tamlyn AIR FLO LAST MANGO AIRE MARC TOO CALYPSO Albuquerque, NM Leander, TX Grand Canyon, AZ Longmont, CO United States United States United States United States Graf, Sandy Graﬀ , Gerry Graham, Sandy Grassbaugh, Derek Grauberger, Sheldon AMERICAN RACER LOFTY DAYBREAK INTERVENTION RAINBOW RYDERS Henderson, TX Albuquerque, NM Alta Loma, CA Albuquerque, NM Minden, NV United States United States United States United States United States Green, John Greenwood, Eric Griego, Jeﬀ Grogan, Patrick INTREPID ENCHANTED AMERICAN BEAUTY PAT-O-LANTERN Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Cleveland, NC United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 83

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Grote, Matthew Gunter, Ryan Gustafson, Gus Guthrie, Matt Haarhuis, Sanne JESTER UNWINDZ SKY CHARIOT FREEDOM FLIGHT IV NEW BEGINNINGS DUTCH DIRECT Rio Rancho, NM Albuquerque, NM Arden Hills, MN Corrales, NM Breda, North Brabant United States United States United States United States Netherlands Hackett, Myia Hahn, Allan Hickey, Mike Harbold, Clarke Hargrave, Ashley RIK RAK HEAVEN BOUND, TOO MIKE’S 2 IRRESISTIBLE IT’S A ZOO SOMETHING BORROWED Walla Walla, WA Aurora, CO McKinney, TX Charlotte, NC Mesa, AZ United States United States United States United States United States Harris, Mark Hartshorn, Sharon Harwell, Pat Haynes, Anthony Hays, Craig SEW GRATEFUL SEEKING NIRVANA MAVERICK ALMOST THERE BEAUTIFUL NOISE Denver, CO Amarillo, TX Keithville, LA Houston, TX Coppell, TX United States United States United States United States United States Head, Tarp Healy, Bob Heartsill, Joe Heartsill, Lucas Heartsill, Rhett HIGH OVER HEAD AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ TEXAS RACER TEXAS RACER 2 TEXAS STAR Helen, GA Albuquerque, NM San Angelo, TX Fort Worth, TX Fort Worth, TX United States United States United States United States United States ® 84 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Heavin, Gary Heﬀ ron, Mike Heideman, Mark Heiken, Paul Heinrich, Sally ALMOST HEAVEN BRIGHT IDEA DESERT FLYING VIKING SPHERICAL TURTLE PATIENCE Gatesville, TX Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Stockton, CA Phoenix, AZ United States United States United States United States United States Held, Adrian Hennigan, John Hernandez, Mike Hettich, David Heupel, Casey CUPID’S HEART RAINBOW RYDERS CALYPSO LONG RUN BACK TO THE FUTURE Lachen Indio, CA Largo, FL Centennial, CO West Glacier, MT Switzerland United States United States United States United States Hickey, Mike High, Mark Hill, Bryan Hillary, Garrett Hoch, Darcy MAKIN’ MEMORIES PEPPERMINT DREAM TOO BASKET CASE FORGET ME KNOT HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS League City, TX Albuquerque, NM Page, AZ Scales Mound, IL Milo, IA United States United States United States United States United States Hodge, Justin Hodges, Eric Hoeﬂ er, Greg Hofer, John Hofheins, Mark OPPULENCE KKISSES OF FIRE CAPRICE DU CIEL JYN’S TONIC THE VIKING DRAGON Los Ranchos, NM Rio Rancho, NM Chaillon, LORRAINE Chadron, NE Rio Rancho, NM United States United States France United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 85

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Hoge, Peyton Hoidahl, Jim Holmes, David Holmes, Jerry PHEISTY SQUIRREL JOSEPH’S COAT LIBERTY Louisville, KY La Luz, NM Rocheport, MO Fort Worth, TX United States United States United States United States Holt, Judy Hooper, Jerry Hora, Tomas Howell, Dustin Howes, Skip DESERT DRIFTER S.S. AMERICA G-DADDY BREEZY WILDFIRE Phoenix, AZ Corpus Christi, TX Praha Minden, LA Colorado Springs, CO United States United States Czech Republic United States United States Hueschen, Rick Humiston, Charles Humphreys, Ben Hungerford, Brenda TOOTS FLAMEBUOYANT 2 HAMMER HOT CHEX Cedar Crest, NM Albuquerque, NM Columbia, MO Dayton, NV United States United States United States United States Hunter, Seth Hurst, Matt Hutchinson, Scott Ibbotson, Mark Ibbotson-Sullivan, Amanda ZILTOID! THE CAPTAIN FLYING SQUID MARIAH STARDUST Avon, IN St. Peters, MO Albuquerque, NM Grand Prairie, TX Fort Worth, TX United States United States United States United States United States ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 86

Jackson, Neil James, Gay James, Rick Jennings, Rex FLYING CIRCUS WANDERER SUNDANCE TOO GOLDEN CORRAL Albuquerque, NM Orland, CA Judson, TX Vernal, UT United States United States United States United States Johnson, Colleen Johnson, Jeﬀ Johnson, Mike Johnson, Randy Jones, Chris MARY ALICE IN KISMET SKYTREK AIR SHE GOES SERENITY WONDERLAND Yuma, AZ Mitchell, NE Bosque Farms, NM Amarillo, TX Mitchell, NE United States United States United States United States United States Jones, Jason Jones, Joel Jones, Rick Jones, Steve RAINBOW RYDERS BLUE SPIRIT POLAR DAWN TEXAS MAGIC Overland Park, KS Seale, AL Concord, NH Gatesville, TX United States United States United States United States Karlsson, Diane Kaufman, Blair Keefe, Chris Keller, Kelli Keller, Tom AFTER MIDNIGHT HEARTS DESIRE NIFTY GADGET KC HEART AIR Chandler, TX Albuquerque, NM Cross Plains, WI Box Elder, SD Box Elder, SD United States United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 87

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Kelly, Mike Kennedy, Craig Kenworthy, Chris Keown, Brian Kerber, Junior PRIMARY DREAM CHICK FIL-A ON THE ROCKS ADVENTURE 6 SUNSHINE Albuquerque, NM Grand Island, NE Rio Rancho, NM Marina Del Rey, CA Saint Cloud, FL United States United States United States United States United States Keyser, Ralph Kimball, Jayson King, Mike Kious, Tom Kirson, Damian EOS OUT OF THE BLUE UPSY DAISY DREAM ON RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM Napa, CA Sandia Park, NM Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States Klein, Ray Kleiss, Betsy Klinger, Marc Knuth, Paul Koenig, David SKUBI RACER 4EVER39 OOCHIE 7 SOMETHING CAME UP BLULOON Scottsdale, AZ Champaign, IL Troutman, NC Crestwood, KY Menasha, WI United States United States United States United States United States Komadina, Mark Kostiuskevicius, Rokas Kross, Bob Kubicek, Petr Kugler, John NEVER FORGET MARIJAMPOLE MORNING MANNA KUBICEK DEMO K STILL FLAMING Rio Rancho, NM Marijampolė Rapid City, SD Brno McCook, NE United States Lithuania United States Czech Republic United States ® 88 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Lambertson, Marsha Lang, Dale Lard, Anthony LaRotonda, Carol Lavoie, Michael COCA-COLA JELLY BEAN RAINBOW RYDERS AEROTONDA SCHMEDLEY Statesville, NC Taber, Alberta Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM West Ossipee, NH United States Canada United States United States United States Lavorgna, Bruce Laxton, Kyle Lee, Bill Lescarbeau, Alan Libel, Steve AERODACTYL RAINBOW RYDERS TRUE-LEE NEW MEXICO RAINBOW RYDERS AIRHAWK Austin, TX Phoenix, AZ Gallup, NM Phoenix, AZ Naples, FL United States United States United States United States United States Liberti, Chris Liberti, Daniel Lindsey, Greg Lips, Arne Little, Jacob POLE DANCER MORNING WOOD FLOATING AWAYSIS LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN RAINBOW RYDERS Castle Rock, CO Rio Rancho, NM Saﬀ ord, AZ West-Vlaanderen Glendale, AZ United States United States United States Belgium United States Little, Lee Llado-Costa, Josep Loﬂ in, Jack Lombardi, Steve Lorentz, Mike PHENIX TRAMUNTANA EMERALD WINNERS CIRCLE WASTING TIME Stillwater, OK Igualada, Catalonia Albany, OR Edgewood, TX Canton, OH United States Spain United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 89

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Lowenstein, Al Luckett, Graham Lynch, Bill Lynch, Jim MacLean, Tristan SUNSET RISE TALLY HO II CITRUS WHIRLAWAY HOT MINUTE Albuquerque, NM Fort Collins, CO Neosho, MO Destin, FL Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States MacSkimming, Mark Maes, Ted Magee, Adam Maguire, Gary MOVIN’ MAGIC BUZZARDS ROOST HIGHER EDUCATION DRAGON Harrisburg, PA Albuquerque, NM Swisher, IA Allenspark, CO United States United States United States United States Mancini, J.J. Manus, William Marchand, Austin Markowitz, David Marshall, Jimmy MR. SPRINKLES MEH ORSO WILDRIDE MORNING GLORY Albuquerque, NM Bosque Farms, NM Pagosa Springs, CO Maryland, NY Sonoma, CA United States United States United States United States United States Martens, Eric Martin, Ron Martin, Tim Martindell, Don HOTSHOT FREEDOM MAHNA MAHNA DAWN SONG Indianola, IA Tampa, FL Counce, TN Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 90

Martinez, Frankie Marx, Michael Mason, Jaybird Mass, Bob Mast, Squid RAKS BALLOON FIRED UP TOO REALTY ONE OF NEW PITA’S KISS RAVEN Los Lunas, NM Prosper, TX MEXICO Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM United States United States Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States McClinton, Adam McClinton, Matt McClinton, Scott McClung, Collin RAINBOW RYDERS SKYCAB2 U.S. BANK EO Charlotte, NC Louisville, KY Prospect, KY Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States McConnell, Tom McCord, Christopher McGuire, Dan Melton, Dave Mezzancello, Steven ZIA DETOUR WILD THING TOO! PURPLE HAZE MEZZMERIZE Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM College Station, TX New Harmony, UT Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States Michalek, Gary Miklousic, Igor Miller, Dick Miller, Greg OSLIVE VZDUCHO CELEBRATION OF THUNDERSTRUCK I’LL FLY AWAY 2 Lafayette, CA FLOWERS Miami, FL Prineville, OR United States Zagreb, Croatia United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 91

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Mills, Mike Mitchell, Mark Mitchell, Steve Moore, Gary Morgan, Gary MISS ARKANSAS SUNDANCE BALLOONS RAINBOW RYDERS DARKSIDE 2020 GARY’S BALLOON Ponca, AR Belmont, Ontario Chagrin Falls, OH Lake Havasu City, AZ Sedona, AZ United States Canada United States United States United States Moughan, Gavin Mullinax, Tom Mumm, Karalyn Nakamura, Judy Naylor, Jesse REBEL ANGEL 5 O CLOCK HIGH CITRUS IN THE SKY BOUNCE ALL IN Albuquerque, NM Greenville, SC Reno, NV Placitas, NM Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States Nepute, Joe Neubauer, Rick Newcomer, Jesse Nickolay, Larry Noe, Bill JAMBO! BREAKING WIND RAINBOW RYDERS MONTGOLFIER UP TWO NOE GOOD Boise, ID Port Orange, FL Phoenix, AZ Newport, MN Gallup, NM United States United States United States United States United States Nutting, Rob Oggioni, Paolo Oldenburg, Sue Olguin, Paul Olivier, Orvin KAMPGROUNDS OF MONDOVI SKY CANDY SILVER LINING SERENITY V AMERICA Mondovì, CN Albuquerque, NM Chandler, AZ Sioux Falls, SD Ackworth, IA Italy United States United States United States United States ® 92 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

O’Neill, Mark Orchard, Tim Osborne, Dwayne Ostgulen, Debi Ouellette Freve, CHYM FM BUGS BUNNY SKYSCRAPER PLUM FIRED-UP Johann Francois Belmont, Ontario Aylesbury, Bucks Phoenix, AZ Albuquerque, NM KIRMIZI Canada United Kingdom United States United States Longueuil, Quebec Canada Owen, Brooke Pata, John Pattyn, Dale Paulin, Jerry Paulin, Mathew RAINBOW RYDERS PATA GOLD HYGGELIG TREE TOP FLYER UNWIND Phoenix, AZ Rio Rancho, NM Kennesaw, GA Yuma, AZ Yuma, AZ United States United States United States United States United States Peete, Lichele Pendleton, Craig Person, Bud Peterson, Deborah Peterson, Karl SILVER LINING SPIRIT TOO! SCREWED UP GATOR BLUE AWAY AERPOGRAPHY Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Gainesville, FL Euless, TX Hailey, ID United States United States United States United States United States Petrehn, Andrew Petrehn, John Petrehn, Paul Pfeifer, Grant Philpott, Martin FLYAWAY1 KODACHROME TWISTED SISTER WITH A TWIST AUSPICIOUS Eagle, ID Missouri City, TX Howell, MI Des Moines, IA Bixby, OK United States United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 93

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Piendel, Rick Pivic, Bruce Polito, Tony Ponticelli, Jack BLASER ! MISS WYOMING RIO GRANDE DOWN CAROLINA Annville, PA Rock Springs, WY SYNDROME NETWORK KALEIDOSCOPE United States United States Scottsdale, AZ East Bend, NC United States United States Price, Jessica Price, Kelly Pulaski, Bob Randall, Thomas Raper, Robert PRIMARY COLORS OODALOOP SKI LIFT ENCHANTED FALLEN ANGELS Rio Rancho, NM Rio Rancho, NM Pineville, LA ESPERANZA North Bend, OR United States United States United States Placitas, NM United States United States Raskob, Chris Raya, Shawn Regan, James Reuter, Bethany HIGH RYES SULLAIR A HITACHI DOUBLE TAKE STARBURST OF DESTINY Columbus, IN GROUP COMPANY Kensington, CT Minneapolis, MN United States Highland, MI United States United States United States Rice, Brad Rice, Debbie Richardson, Bobby Richardson, Shane Rightley, Mike PHILLIPS 66 FOXTROT DOUBLE TROUBLE WILDTHANG! BREAKING WIND Rio Rancho, NM Houston, TX Rio Rancho, NM Henderson, NV Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States ® 94 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Robey, Sam Robinson, Cody Robison, Matt Rodden, John CROSSWIND GRAND BANANA INDEPENDENCE SONRISE Gladewater, TX Kansas City, MO, Fort Worth, TX Owasso, OK United States United States United States United States Rogers, Randy Roholt, Jesse Ross, John Rucker, John Rudy, Walt RE/MAX RAINBOW RYDERS SHOOTIN THE BREEZE LATE NITE DISCUSSIONS HOUR BIG BUNDLE OF Albuquerque, NM Peoria, AZ Appleton, WI Genoa City, WI JOY United States United States United States United States Wadsworth, OH United States Russo, Tom Ruth, Dale Sabia, Chris Sabin, Richard SPIRIT DAWN’S DELIGHT WONDER BREAD SEA BREEZE Monroe Twp., NJ Albuquerque, NM Overland Park, KS Henderson, TX United States United States United States United States Sachenbacher, Rudi Salazar, Alfred Salazar, Katelyn Sanchez, Elijah Sanchez, Ron NEVER TOO OLD INDIAN PUEBLO PIXIE SPIRIT RAINBOW RYDERS WEGO Lowell, MA CULTURAL CENTER Los Lunas, NM Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM United States Bernalillo, NM United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 95

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Sandlin, Taylon Sandlin, Tony Sasser, Daniel Saxton, Tony Schick, Chuck BLOWN AWAY RAINBOW RYDERS MAS TEQUILA TOO BODACIOUS TOO GOOD LOOKIN Fishers, IN Fishers, IN Charlotte, NC Nicholson, PA Bosque Farms, NM United States United States United States United States United States Schmitz, Jon Schuler, Nolan Schultz, Marvin Schwemmer, Kasey Seay, Sam RAGGEDY ANN BELLA COLORADO SUNDANCE BALLOONS KAISARION DEVINE APPOINTMENT Littleton, CO Manitou Springs, CO Belmont, Ontario Wichita, KS Albuquerque, NM United States United States Canada United States United States Secrist, Mckenna See, Glenn Seeger, Anthony Seghers, Jos Seymour, Joe ENDLESS JOY ITSZEE CAROLINA TWIST SKY STAR JOYOUS PLEASURES Enumclaw, WA Cortez, CO Travelers Rest, SC Breendonk Johnston, IA United States United States United States Belgium United States Sherrill, Dan Shipman, Shane Short, Dennis Shouse, Michael Shumate, Kenny BEST I DON’T KNOW CHAMPAGNE COWBOY THISTLE DOWN III “B” HAPPY Manchaca, TX Rio Rancho, NM Broken Arrow, OK Cypress, TX Orlando, FL United States United States United States United States United States ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 96

Simonye, Curtis Sklute, Ken Skocdopole, Cliﬀ Smart, Chris Smatana, Bernard OOMPA LOOMPA FRACTALS NORTHERN FLIGHTS DREAM RACER EMINENCE Fishers, IN Florence, AZ Condor, Alberta Roanoke, IN El Paso, TX United States United States Canada United States United States Smith, Al Smith, Kathy Smith, Neal Smith, Patrick Sneed, Josh NORTHERN LIGHTS LEVITY FRIVOLOUS MARYLAND ONE HELIOS Grass Lake, MI Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Walkersville, MD Hutto, TX United States United States United States United States United States Soﬀ era, Janet Speicher, Shawn Squires, Rick Standefer, Wayne Stanke, Natasha VACATION GUT-WRENCHING HIGHER DESIRE AIR TOY BANK BOBBER Rio Rancho, NM Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Italy, TX Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States Stanko, Nick Steidley, David Steinbock, Tom Stevens, Patrick Stinson, Michael AIRWOLF IT’S ABOUT TIME! SUNSET GLOW RAINBOW RYDERS SHAKE N BAKE Austin, TX Albuquerque, NM Crestwood, KY Phoenix, AZ Louisville, KY United States United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 97

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Stokoe, Steven Strickland, Dave Stukas, Dan Stukas, DJ Sullivan, Dave KNIGHT RIDER SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE LUCKY STRIKE GUSTY CHECKRIDE Lutz, FL Columbus, OH Central, SC Anderson, SC Fayetteville, GA United States United States United States United States United States Sullivan, Mark Sutter, Denis Tadolini, Ken Tagtow, Cory Takach, Keith CODE RED LUCKY CHARM OUTLAW CORONA BOREALIS TAKACH ANOTHER Albuquerque, NM Hallsville, MO Denver, CO Colorado Springs, CO BREEZE United States United States United States United States Albuquerque, NM United States Talbert, Elisa Tatum, Daryl Taylor, Tim Tennis, Dave Thacher, Elaine BABY BOBBER YELLOW BRICK ROAD DEE III BALLOON TEAM CAVU I’M BANANAS II Albuquerque, NM Canton, GA Salt Lake City, UT Tijeras, NM Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States Thomas, George Thompson, Jon Thompson, Phil Thornton, Floyd Thornton, Ron TIGER PAW EXPRESS RAINBOW RYDERS BUZZ THUNDERCLOUD PEANUTS 4EVER Hallsville, MO Kissimmee, FL Galena, IL St. Louis, MO Littleton, MA United States United States United States United States United States ® 98 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Trapp, Brian Vaillancourt, Jacob Vaillancourt, Richard Van Dyck, Chris Van Hooft, Frans TINY CLOUDSURFER DOCO ZEPHYR MIA Lebanon, OH Trois Rivieres, Québec St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Albuquerque, NM Schijndel, North Brabant United States Canada Québec, Canada United States Netherlands Van Sant, Kurt Van Sant, Lori Vandehoef, Ed VanWye, Sandra Vencel, Travis BURNING DESIRE BLACK MAGIC WOMAN COLORADO 2 VOLCANIC MOTION RAINBOW RYDERS Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Broomﬁ eld, CO Placitas, NM Bloomington, IN United States United States United States United States United States Vesely, Scott Viens, Helene Voorhees, Mike Wade-Callihan, Clare Wadley, Mike LIGHTHOUSE BUSINESS HELENA SUNSET CRYPTONAUT COLOR ME HIGH TEXAS SUN INFORMATION Magog, Québec Albuquerque, NM Houston, TX Weldon Spring, MO SOLUTIONS, LLC Canada United States United States United States Frisco, TX, United States Wahl, John Walker, Bill Walker, Elizabeth Wall, Cam Wallace, Marilyn KOLIBRI HONEY DO LOOKING GLASS GRANDMA’S LEGACY RAINBOW THRU HEAVEN Edgewood, NM Albuquerque, NM Addison, TX Las Vegas, NM Santa Monica, CA United States United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 99

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Walsh, Dan Walter, Ken Waner, Bubba Ward, Bob Warren, Suzanne LAST CHANCE KAY’S WINDDANCER II HUBBABUBBA CREATION’S GLORY AIRLOOM Redlands, CA Waukesha, WI El Paso, TX Quakertown, PA Rio Rancho, NM United States United States United States United States United States Watson, Barney Watson-Meinke, Peggy Wehner, Chuck Welz, Zerek West, Kay COOL BEANS!! STARLITE BOTTOM’S UP GUILTY RED, WHITE & POOH Placitas, NM Santa Paula, CA Rio Rancho, NM Albuquerque, NM Custer, SD United States United States United States United States United States West, Mark Whitby, Gary White, Cheri White, Derek White, Malcolm DEJA POOH DEJA BLU TOUCHSTONE RACER ALCHEMY HEARTS A’ FIRE Custer, SD Columbia, MO Austin, TX Clinton, UT Trim, Meath United States United States United States United States Ireland Whitling, Ian Wiley, Sam Williams, Jim Williams, Steve Williams, Sr., Lewin ROY-G-BIV WILEY COYOTE PIX MISCHIEF SPLIT-TAIL Albuquerque, NM San Marcos, TX Katy, TX Albuquerque, NM Las Vegas, NV United States United States United States United States United States ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 100

Wilson, Johnny Wilson, Petra Wilson, Steve Wolf, Dennis Wolfe, Jonathan JAW’S KALEIDOSCOPE EMPTY NEST ZULU INFINITUDE Albuquerque, NM Hot Springs, SD Pagosa Springs, CO Tampa, FL Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States Wong, Dale Wood, Bruce Woodruﬀ , Adele Wooge, Scott Word, Glen URSA MINOR TARGET SEEKER AIRE-N GO BRAGH BANK ON IT TOUCH OF MAGIC Rancho Cucamonga, CA Carbondale, CO Albuquerque, NM St. Louis, MO Anthony, NM United States United States United States United States United States Wright, Thomee Young, Debby Zamora, Loretta Zielinski, Alan Zimmer, Jesse UNCHAINED BALLOON ROADTRIP SAKI BOMBER FEATHERLIGHT II HUCKLEBERRY TEAM Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Niles, IL Rio Rancho, NM Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States United States United States Zimmer, Rachel Zvada, Joe KANDY LAND MAY IT LAST SPIRIT OF FIESTA II FIESTA GOLD Rio Rancho, NM McAllen, TX Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque,NM United States United States United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 101

Where SERVICE, SELECTION ANDSAVINGS matter! STARBUCKS • PHARMACY •BAKERY DELI • ICE • FRESH MEAT & PRODUCE COLD BEER • WINE & LIQUOR Prd Oﬀial Surmar t Al quque rnial n a® Look for our booth for a chance to win FREE prizes!

Join our General Mills Albuquerque Team TTechnician Rechnician Roolele SSStarting Rattaarrttiinngg RRaattteee 10 111hrhhrr Vacation …ours areer DiﬀDiﬀerereentialntial Adance€ent technical training „aid …olida† „aid „arental ƒƒ…ours ‡onding Leae Life & AD&D Medical, Dental and Insurance Vision Insurance 401K Match TEXT“Genmills” to 97211 OR LEARN MORE AT CAREERS.GENERALMILLS.COM General Mills is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Participating Pilots ver the years, the number of pilots who have ﬂ own at the Balloon Fiesta numbers in the thousands. There are too many to list here, but we have created a list on the Balloon Fiesta website. Scan the QR code to see the list. O Our thanks to these dedicated men and women, and to their chase crews, for bringing so much joy to our Balloon Fiesta guests throughout our 50 year history! ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 104

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Additional Pilots Albers, Austin Caton, Roy Goade, Mike Karlovec, Frank Moncrief, Robert Röhrs, Hanna Suttle, Penny MISS ARKANSAS TIME TRAVELER LADY JESTER PATIENCE VACATION ALFRED THE CARPENDER SUNNY SIDE UP Ponca, AR Cedar Hill, MO Albuquerque, NM Scottsdale, AZ Rio Rancho, NM Bamberg, Bavaria Strasburg, OH United States United States United States United States United States Germany United States Andre, Marc Cave, Daniel Gonzales, Autumn Kehoe, Glo Monge, Leo Rose, Kirke Suttle Jr., Paul G-DADDY HAM-LET THE JOURNEY 5 O CLOCK DRAGONFLIES TAMO WASTING TIME Spiegel Anthony, NM Rio Rancho, NM Albuquerque, NM Lectoure Phoenix, AZ Strasburg, OH Switzerland United States United States United States France United States United States Ashida-Schwisow, Jamie Chase, Dawn Grifﬁ n, Dan Kinser, Bill Morgan, James Runge, Dave Taylor, Brian 2ND WIND TOO BODACIOUS SAPPHIRE SPIRIT’S RAINBOW CALYPSO SPIRIT’S RAINBOW DEJA BLUE Los Ranchos, NM Nicholson, PA Fort Collins, CO Edmond, OK Amarillo, TX Grand Prairie, TX Columbia, MO United States United States United States United States United States United States United States Backes, Dan Christophersen, Andy Grifﬁ th, Justin Knuth, Dee Myklebust, Randy Sabia, Amanda Tollefson, Tom PONDEMONIUM PSYCHO THERAPY BUCKEYE SOMETHING CAME UP EMPTY NEST WONDER BREAD DAKOTA STAR Florence, AZ Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Crestwood, KY Rio Rancho, NM Overland Park, KS Detroit Lakes, MN United States United States United States United States United States United States United States Bacon, Robert Conant, John Hallett, Chloe Kominiak, Scott Newlin, Pat Sasser, Kelly Trione, John SUN FLYER VOLCANIC MOTION GRANDMA’S LEGACY SPECTRUM MORNING MANNA BLUE SPIRIT GOT THE HOTZ Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Saffron Walden, Essex Corrales, Nm Riverton, WY Phenix City, AL Lake Geneva, WI United States United States United Kingdom United States United States United States United States Bailey, Seth Cowlishaw, Brenda Harrison, Stephen Lindsey, Susan Nichols, Steven Saxton, Scott Vesely, Kim MASTER ZABA PIX ALCHEMY FLOATING AWAYSIS THE FOX RACHELS ASCENTION TOO GRATEFUL Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Bulverde, TX Murray, Ut Safford, AZ Ash, Aldershot Newtown, PA Rio Rancho, NM Canada United States United States United States United Kingdom United States United States Bair, Erin Cuneo, Peter Heinrich, Philip Loefﬂ er, Steven Nusz, Hannah Schettler, John Watkins, Heather BAIRLY AWAKE SANDIA SUNRISE II PATIENCE DAWN’S DELIGHT ORSO BANK ON IT STARS AND STRIPES Pittsburgh, PA Albuquerque, NM Phoenix, AZ Albuquerque, NM Bayﬁ eld, CO St Louis, MO Washington, UT United States United States United States United States United States United States United States Beck, Mike Deeney, Marian Hernandez, Duncan Lowenstein, Ryan Oneill, Michael Seghers, Stijn Watts, Rodney WILDFIRE SCHMEDLY MAVERICK SUNSET RISE TWIST OF FATE AIRE MARC TOO TENACITY Omro, WI Monticello, FL Albuquerque, NM Fairﬁ eld, CA Fort morgan, CO Lippelo, Antwerpen Hot Springs, SD United States United States United States United States United States Belgium United States Bolton, Ken DeSantis, Rebecca Hiben, Eric Lupton, Sally Phillips, Richard Shelhav, Shai Wilson, Dale DOUBLE TROUBLE BOUNCE WANDERER LADY JESTER FREDDIE THE FOX EDDIE & RICKENBACKER CYNTHIA SEAL Carlisle, IA Albuquerque, NM LaGrange, GA Albuquerque, NM Andover, Hampshire Albuquerque, NM Augusta, MI United States United States United States United States United Kingdom United States United States Book, Wally Dickey, Carol Hyde, Daniel Magee, Kim Reeder, Kylee Sherrill, Nate Woodward, Jay SKY CHARIOT DIAMOND GIRL PLUM FANCY HIGHER EDUCATION DESERT DRIFTER BEST LILLY LITTLE BEE Albuquerque, NM Corrales, NM Albuquerque, NM Swisher, IA Smartsville, CA Fulshear, TX Snohomish, WA United States United States United States United States United States United States United States Bradshaw, Sam Duncan, Brian James, Russell May, Rod Rees, Jennifer Smart, Rex Word, Truman LEVITY PIX WANDERER PEPPERMINT DREAM TOO 5 O’CLOCK HIGH FREEDOM FLYER TOUCH OF MAGIC Albuquerque, NM Spring, TX Orland, CA Albuquerque, NM Hurdle Mills, NC Albuquerque, NM El Paso, TX United States United States United States United States United States United States United States Byer, Ryan Fox, Donna Johnson, Meridian Mezey, Rob Reineke, Kathy Snyder, Rob Yob, Dave 1DOWN8-2GO LIBERTY WASTING TIME STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN SUNSATIONAL HELIOS TOMFOOLERY Albuquerque, NM Augusta, MI Los Alamos Duluth, GA Mahomet, Il Austin, TX Colorado Springs, CO United States United States NM, United States United States United States United States United States Byrd-Dickey, Niki Frame, Jake Johnson, Rick Midura, Tim Richardson, Molly Speicher, Lillian 2ND WIND FRACTALS HAM-LET NORTHERN LIGHTS RED WHITE AND POOH TEXAS MAGIC Albuquerque, NM Elverson, PA Bel Air, MD Marshallville, OH Brandon, SD Longview, TX United States United States United States United States United States United States Camacho, Ricardo Gallegos, Frank Jones, Chris Miller, Mark Richardson, Sean Sumrell, Mike TOY CAR PIXIE SPIRIT PRINCESS NELLY SPRIRIT OF ‘76 CAROLINA TWIST RISING STARS Sao Paulo Los Lunas, NM Billings, MT Washington, DC Kannapolis, NC Lawrenceville, GA Brazil United States United States United States United States United States Capps, Danita Gingerich, Joseph Kalousdian, Christian Miller, Michael Rieger, Ginny Susko, Anne DEJA POOH RED, WHITE & POOH THE FLYING BUS BOLT MORNING MANNA MOONSHADOW Centennial, CO PLAIN CITY, OH Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein Grafton, OH Sheridan, WY Milford, IA United States United States Germany United States United States United States ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 106

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

PHOTO: SCOTT HUGHES Above: Balloon team from India. Today, balloonist bucket lists worldwide include teams make the pilgrimage to Albuquerque to ﬂ y in the a trip to Albuquerque and the Balloon Fiesta. Some America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race, dreaming of long international pilots come regularly to experience ﬂ ying ﬂ ights and achieving record-setting distances. the Albuquerque Box, see the sights, and rediscover At an increasingly fractured time, international red and green chile. The Balloon Fiesta honors its friendship and cooperation are perhaps more important international participants with a social event and with than ever. Maybe, in its own small way, the Balloon the Flight of the Nations, where the international teams Fiesta’s international character can contribute to building ﬂ y their nations' ﬂ ags from their balloons as they bridges among nations and understanding among launch. Some of the world’s top gas balloon competition balloonists worldwide. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 109

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS International Pilots Alford, Ben De Assis, Luiz Hooper, Lee Moore, Ashley Siebel, Thomas ADELAIDE THE KOALA CORK ALIEN WES THE WOLF OLAF Bristol São Paulo Radstock, Somerset Bideford, Devon Freudenberg, NRW United Kingdom Brazil United Kingdom United Kingdom Germany Andre, Marc Drganc, Luka Hora, Tomas Müller, Roman Skocdopole, Cliff G-DADDY JACK FM G-DADDY SWISS CHALET NORTHERN FLIGHTS Spiegel Belmont, Ontario Praha Härkingen, Solothurn Condor, Alberta Switzerland Canada Czech Republic Switzerland Canada Ary, George Duval-Harbour, Jesse Kalousdian, Christian Nichols, Steven Strauf, Marcus STEGGY ST.-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU FIESTA THE FLYING BUS FREDDIE THE FOX WERA SCREW DRIVER Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Québec Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein Ash, Aldershot Waldbröl, NRW Brazil Canada Germany United Kingdom Germany Audenaert, Filip Dyer, JD Kalousdian, Rubens Oggioni, Paolo Taveira, Valdemir HUG A BEAR FLYING FOR HEROES FLYING BUS MONDOVI LITTLE DOG Waasmunster Ammanford, Carmarthenshire São Paulo Mondovì, CN Osasco, São Paulo Belgium United Kingdom Brazil Italy Brazil Bailey, Seth Farrell, Craig Kostiuskevicius, Rokas O’Neill, Mark Thomas, Steve MASTER ZABA TIGER MARIJAMPOLE CHYM FM PANTHER Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Palmerston, ACT Marijampole Belmont, Ontario Bath, Somerset Canada Australia Lithuania Canada United Kingdom Baker, Dave Ferland, Jean-Francois Kubicek, Petr Orchard, Tim Toledo, Paulo SCARLETT TICO KUBICEK DEMO K BUGS BUNNY ROBOT WOOZI Thatcham, Berkshire St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Québec Brno Aylesbury, Bucks Guarujá, São Paulo United Kingdom Canada Czech Republic United Kingdom Brazil Barends, Alex Francoeur, Danielle Lambert, Benoit Ouellette Freve, Johann Francois Tremblay, Sylvain MISTER GLOBIE PIXEL MASTER YODA BALLOON KIRMIZI PIKO Enschede, Overijssel Montreal, Québec Court-St.-Etienne Longueuil, Quebec St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Québec Netherlands Canada Belgium Canada Canada Bonimcontro, Marcos Francois, Jean-Michel Lang, Dale Peirsman, Geert Vaillancourt, Richard FLYING SAUCER DRAGONFLY JELLY BEAN ALBERT THE GNOME DOCO São Paulo Salles Courbaties, Québec Taber, Alberta Belsele St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Québec Brazil Canada Canada Belgium Canada Burman, Leo Garcia-Perrote, Juan Lawton, Jeff Pereira Gonçalves, Murilo Vaillanourt, Jacob MONARCHS CITI RADIO FREDDIE THE FOX A BRUXA CLOUDSURFER Montreal, Québec Belmont, Ontario Godalming, Surrey Sombrio, Santa Catarina Trois Rivieres, Québec Canada Canada United Kingdom Brazil Canada Burrows, Paul George, Peter Lin, Martin Phillips, Richard Van Hooft, Frans BUSTER THE BULLDOG GRAND BRITANNIA BRAVO BEAR FREDDIE THE FOX MIA Bristol Oxford, Oxfordshire Luye Township, Taitung County Andover, Hampshire Schijndel, North Brabant United Kingdom United Kingdom Taiwan (Republic of China) United Kingdom Netherlands Camacho, Ricardo Gleed, David Lips, Arne Ritchie, Dale Van Overwalle, Peter TOY CAR PEGASUS LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN AIRABELLE, THE CREAMLAND COW PRINCESS NELLY Sao Paulo Coldstream, British Columbia West-Vlaanderen Golden, British Columbia Nazareth Brazil Canada Belgium Canada Belgium Cižius, Jastin Haarhuis, Sanne Llado-Costa, Josep Roehrs, Hinnerk Van Wolvelaer, Geert PILKIUS DUTCH DIRECT TRAMUNTANA ALFRED THE CARPENDER BOBO THE HAPPY LOBSTER ElektrEnai, Vilnius Breda, North Brabant Igualada, Catalonia Celle Urgup, Nevsehir Lithuania Netherlands Spain Germany Turkey Clark, Richard Hallett, Chloe Lopes, Fabio Röhrs, Hanna Viens, Helene OUR TREAT GRANDMA’S LEGACY TEDDY AND LINDY ALFRED THE CARPENDER HELENA SUNSET Calgary, Alberta Saffron Walden, Essex Tôrres Bamberg, Bavaria Magog, Québec Canada United Kingdom Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Germany Canada Cooper, Hal Held, Adrian Macedo, Warley Schultz, Marvin Viner, John UPTUIT CUPID’S HEART MANDRILL SUNDANCE BALLOONS MASTER ZABA Port Hope, Ontario Lachen São Paulo Belmont North Muskham, Nottinghamshire Canada Switzerland Brazil Ontario, Canada United Kingdom Czerniawski, Jerzy Hoefer, Rudolf Miklousic, Igor Seghers, Jos White, Malcolm AVIPOL FOX CELEBRATION OF FLOWERS SKY STAR HEARTS A’ FIRE Bialystok, Podlaskie Michelbach Zagreb Breendonk Trim, Meath Poland Germany Croatia Belgium Ireland Davidson, John Hoeﬂ er, Greg Mitchell, Mark Seghers, Stijn CHEZ RADIO CAPRICE DU CIEL SUNDANCE BALLOONS AIRE MARC TOO Belmont, Ontario Chaillon, LORRAINE Belmont, Ontario Lippelo, Antwerpen Canada France Canada Belgium De Almeida, Ricardo Holly, Andrew Monge, Leo Sevrin, Sidney TOY CAR TALL STEVE DRAGONFLY BELZEBUTH Boituva, São Paulo Gloucestershire Lectoure Villers-la-Ville Brazil United Kingdom France Belgium ® 110 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS The Women of Balloon Fiesta By Charlotte Kinney and Kim Vesely, for the AIBF Heritage Committee ince the beginning of Balloon Fiesta there Clara (Jenny) Van Tassel thrilled spectators with feats have been hundreds of women, mostly of stratospheric skill. Female balloonist/scientists were behind the scenes, who have helped ensure also at the forefront of atmospheric research in the 20th a successful and memorable event. Two of Century: Jeanette Piccard’s high altitude flights set the first three Presidents of Albuquerque records that lasted for decades; and inventor, adventurer, International Balloon Fiesta®, Inc., the non- and kinetic artist Vera Simons commanded teams of S profit corporation that runs the men while conducting research. In event, were both women: Betty the latter half of the last century Perkins and Sheri Bachtell and the first decades of the current Moore. The first two Executive one, a new generation of female Directors, Linda Rutherford pilots continue to achieve “firsts” and Marge Ruppenthal, were and break boundaries of their own. female, as was Pat Brake, Many of these – Nikki Caplan, the first staff Event Director. Carol Rymer Davis, Jetta Schantz, There have been five female to mention just a few – have flown balloonmeisters (the lead in the Balloon Fiesta. official in charge of flight Men piloted the earliest balloon operations): Pat Brake, Neida flights in New Mexico, beginning Courtney, Neida Courtney- with Park Van Tassel’s flight from Bueno, Charlotte Kinney, downtown Albuquerque in 1883 and Cheryl Lété (now Frost). and the exploits of Stamm and Except for Betty Perkins, all of Blondin in the first decade of the these women are themselves 1900s. After their last gas balloon balloon pilots and flew – as flight in 1909, ballooning didn’t have hundreds of other women, Above: Scientist-artist-aeronaut Vera Simons return to the state until the late including the authors of this and her crew. 1960s, and to Albuquerque until article – in the Balloon Fiesta. Sid Cutter acquired his balloon in While ballooning has always been a male-dominated 1971. After that, it didn’t take long for the ladies – many sport, both internationally and in Albuquerque, female of them the spouses of male balloonists – to figure out aeronauts have always captured the public’s imagination. that women are just as capable of flying balloons as men: The first woman took flight less than a year after the the wind and weather don’t care what gender you are. first men, and brave women such as Jeanne-Genevieve It is believed that pioneering New Mexico aviatrix Labrosse Garnerin, Sophie Blanchard, and (in America) Virginia Cutter, Sid and Bill Cutter's mom, held the first ® 112 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

S GHE HU TT O C O: S T PHO Above: Taken in 1977 at the Ponderosa Studios in Nevada during the National Balloon Rally, shows some of ballooning’s “first ladies”: Top row: Janice Hebrlee, Sandy McDonald, Lori McLain, Connie March, Charlotte Kinney. Second row: Ruth McLain, Sally Vale. Third row: Sandy Brannam, Nikki Caplan, and Marge Ruppenthal. balloon rating in New Mexico. But the first truly active Ellen Shaffer Osika, Sally Chapel, Glenda Watson, Connie female balloonists in the state, according to Balloon March, Gay Jensen-James, Phyllis McGuire, Judi Rice, Fiesta historian Tom McConnell’s research, were Loretto and Gail Short. Black (wife of car dealer Ed Black), Joan Florance, In addition to flying in the Balloon Fiesta – almost and Bev Grady, who were licensed in early 1973. They all did – many of these women soon assumed leading were soon followed by the rest of the first generation roles in the budding Balloon Fiesta. After Albuquerque of women balloon pilots in Albuquerque, who include International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. assumed stewardship (but are not limited to) Jonell Shepherd, Paula O’Brien of the event in 1976, Sheri Bachtell (later Moore) became Dougherty, Jane Martindale, Carol Rymer Davis, Pat Barz, one of its first board presidents, succeeding the event’s Marge Ruppenthal, Linda Rutherford, Judy Baron, Sue first chairperson, Betty Perkins. Linda Rutherford was Hazlett, Trudy Farr, Emily Wenz, Suzi Schmidt, Neida L. the first, and for a time the only, permanent employee (Mom) Courtney, Suzi Flynt, Sue Corlew, Sheri Bachtell and the event’s first Executive Director. When Linda Moore, Elaine Kramer Roderick, Charlotte Kinney, Sue retired from Balloon Fiesta, Marge Ruppenthal took over OFFICIAL PROGRAM 113

America’s Challenge veterans – Barbara Fricke and Cheri Y White – have both finished in the Gordon Bennett top AD GR three. V On the business side of the Balloon Fiesta, women O: BE also lead or used to lead many operational departments: T sponsorship (Jodi Baugh, Laurie Riedle, Stephanie PHO Prendergast), hospitality (Jacqueline Hockey, Shamaine Giannini, and others), finance, media (Jean Jordan, Kathy Leyendecker), concessions (Ellie Mason, Erica Hahn, among others), merchandising (Lisa Mulder), Y SEL KIM VE O: T PHO Y SEL RV management (Jennifer Schurman), and until very KIM VE recently, field operation (Janie O: Jordan). Pilot coordinators/ T Clockwise from above: Joan PHO operations managers, including Florance and Bev Grady, Pam McCarty and Jennifer two of New Mexico’s first Garcia, are also part of the female balloonists; Carol group. Hundreds of women are Rymer Davis preparing for Navigators (volunteers) – many launch at the 2007 America’s of them in flight operations Challenge; Pat Brake at the capacities such as safety, 2007 America’s Challenge launch, scoring, and propane pilot briefing. -- and thousands more provide vital assistance to pilots as members of chase crews. the job. Pat Brake, who got Others, as volunteers, members her balloon rating in the mid of the Board, and heads of 1980s, became the event’s committees filled vital roles, balloonmeister and later Event Director. among them Evelyn Byrd, Ann Dickey, Betty Carroll, Pat for many years also was the event director of Karen Duff, Mary McConnell, Ms. Gene Buescher, Kathy the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race, and served Hart, Ann Hood, Gail Doyle, Carol Bair, Wanda Neely, Kim as the first female event director in the history of the Vesely, Dee Ahern, and Lee Austurias, just to name a few. world’s oldest aviation race, the Coupe Aéronautique Already, a new generation of women are taking to the Gordon Bennett, when it was held in conjunction with skies and beginning to make their mark in ballooning. the 2005 Balloon Fiesta. The Gordon Bennett came to Young, talented pilots like Savannah Bradley, Erin Bair, Albuquerque because the year before, the U.S. team of and Jamie Dickey, all daughters and granddaughters Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer Davis won the race. of Balloon Fiesta veterans, are carrying on a proud Carol, who began flying in Albuquerque in 1973, still at tradition of women making magic at the Albuquerque this writing is the only woman to ever win this prestigious International Balloon Fiesta. event, though two other female Balloon Fiesta and ® 114 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

COMMITTED TOOUR COMMUNITY Ofﬁcial Bank of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® 2022 Bank of the West | Member FDIC | NMLS #19116 | Equal Housing Lender.

THE 1980s: 1980-1989 ® 116 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The 1980S n the annals of history, the 1980s may well be remembered as the great decade of technological transformation. Desktop computers (both Macs and PCs), video games (Pac-Man! Game Boys!), the first cell phones, the first CD players, new television networks including CNN, FOX, MTV, I and (most significantly for balloonists) The Weather Channel -- all laid down roots for the digital age. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, and Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female Supreme Court justice, broke barriers for women. The eruption of Mt. St. Helens, the Chernobyl nuclear reactor explosion, and the destruction of the Space Shuttle Challenger reminded us of humans’ limitations, and the fall of the Berlin Wall of their limitless possibilities when freedom prevails. The 1980s were also the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s® most transformative decade. Crowd- pleasing new events – the Balloon Glow, Special Shape Rodeo, Dawn Patrol, and the first gas balloon races – expanded the Balloon Fiesta from a strictly sunrise spectacular into an all-day and into-the-evening event. Flying in the Balloon Fiesta became a bucket-list pilgrimage for balloonists worldwide. Except . . . many of them found that having had a taste of the magic in Albuquerque, they had to come back for seconds . . . and thirds . . . and fourths . . . and today, they’re still making the annual pilgrimage to ballooning’s town square. PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL YNT OFFICIAL PROGRAM 117

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

The move to its next 1981launch site – the expansive Cutter Field, between Osuna Rd. and Los Angeles Blvd. (now Paseo del Norte) east of Edith many as 1,000 balloons. (It didn’t Rd. – opened up new possibilities for Balloon Fiesta. happen for another 19 years). The Nearly 500 balloons participated in the 1981 event, and site oﬀ ered the chance to thrill Sid Cutter, for one, was talking of someday hosting as guests with additional events, including the wing-walking (notably by 1981 balloonmeister Paul Enz) and aerial acrobatics of Jim Franklin’s Wild Waco Air Show. A fun run and radio- controlled aircraft were among many other events added, the biggest of which was the Balloon Fiesta’s ﬁ rst gas balloon race. Unlike today’s America’s Challenge distance race, this race was about ﬂ ying to a speciﬁ c target downrange, much as in hot-air balloon competition. (See more about gas balloon events and traditions at Balloon Fiesta beginning on page 179.) Women have always played 1982an important role in the Balloon Fiesta; many of the Balloon Fiesta’s early leaders were female. And in 1982, Charlotte Kinney broke ground for women as the event’s ﬁ rst female balloonmeister, the oﬃ cial in charge of ﬂ ight operations. (At the time, the Balloon Fiesta used the debatable term “balloonmeisterin” for its female balloonmeisters.) Charlotte had been ﬂ ying balloons for several years before moving into the oﬃ cials’ ranks, and was most likely one of the ﬁ rst women anywhere in the world to serve as balloonmeister of a major balloon rally. Charlotte’s assistant balloonmeister was also female, longtime Albuquerque pilot Neida Courtney, who served as balloonmeister in 1983; Charlotte and Neida were co-balloonmeisters in 1984. Meanwhile, the Balloon Fiesta’s activities continued to grow, with skydivers (the Army Golden Knights), gas balloon race, ultralites, air shows, and more. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 119

In November of 1783, 1983humans took ﬂ ight for the ﬁ rst time, thanks to French pioneers who imagined and created the ﬁ rst hot air balloons (the brothers Jacques-Étienne and Joseph-Michel Montgolﬁ er) and gas balloons (professor Jacques Alexandre César Charles). Up until the Wright Brothers developed the ﬁ rst powered aircraft, balloons and other lighter-than- air vehicles were the only form of air transportation. Obviously, airplanes, which were not limited to going only where the wind goes, proved more practical and soon overtook the balloon as the preferred form of air travel. But balloons have always had a magic all their own, and with the invention of the propane-ﬁ red burner in the early 1960s (by early Balloon Fiesta balloonmeister Ed Yost), ballooning became a viable recreational option. So in 1983, it was time to party, to celebrate aviation’s bicentennial, 200 years of manned ﬂ ight. And what better place to do it than the Balloon Capital of the World? That year, 450 hot air balloons and 15 gas balloons ﬂ ew in the world’s biggest ballooning event, always with thoughts of those inventors, the Montgolﬁ ers and Professor Charles, who made it all possible. As noted on our 19841982 page, in 1984 the Balloon Fiesta had co- balloonmeisters – former balloonmeisters Charlotte Kinney and Neida Courtney shared the job. This is the only time the event gave Balloon Fiesta guests a new and convenient way has ever had two people sharing these responsibilities. to beat the traﬃ c and get to Cutter Field in comfort on The other major development that year was behind weekend days. the scenes: the Balloon Fiesta purchased its ﬁ rst oﬃ ce building, on Washington Pl., close to Cutter Field. At the time, the Balloon Fiesta’s “pilot headquarters” during the event was the old Holiday Inn Midtown on Menaul Blvd. Pilots registered and attended the required orientation brieﬁ ng there (via videotape, an idea developed originally by former balloonmeister Mark Wilson for the 1981 Balloon Fiesta). After that ﬁ rst day, the “oﬃ cial headquarters hotel” became the social center of the Balloon Fiesta, with events almost every night. Meanwhile, the ﬁ rst Park and Ride service ® 120 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

By 1985, the Balloon 1985Fiesta’s last year at Cutter Field (today it’s the Vista del Norte housing development), the event had fallen into a nice rhythm, with 466 balloons, 10 gas balloons racing to targets, parachute demonstrations, air shows, high school bands performing in the mornings, and a new innovation, Balloon Mail. This oﬀ ered guests the opportunity to mail (to themselves or a friend) a letter that had been actually ﬂ own in a balloon at Balloon Fiesta. At the event’s on-ﬁ eld “post oﬃ ce”, guests would buy an envelope and insert the letter. Pilots took bags of mail aloft and signed the envelopes after landing. Then the on-ﬁ eld post oﬃ ce would stamp the mail with a special cancellation and mail it. This service continued for several years. But change was coming, and Balloon Fiesta was about to enter a new and exciting era that shaped the event essentially as we know it today. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 121

For its 15th birthday, 1986the Balloon Fiesta got a big birthday present – its ﬁ fth new launch site. This ﬁ eld, known as Balloon Fiesta Park, was a former city landﬁ ll, and it was as compact (just 77 acres for everything, including parking) as Cutter Field was expansive. In fact, some areas, such as propane refueling, were moved oﬀ site altogether. Read more about both ﬁ elds in the article on page 126. 1986 featured another ﬁ rst: the ﬁ rst (and so far, only!) Balloon Fiesta snow day. On the last day of the event, pilots and oﬃ cials woke up to funny looking white ﬂ akes falling out of the sky, and it wasn’t dandruﬀ . It didn’t take long for Balloon Fiesta oﬃ cials to make the decision to cancel and tell everyone to stay home. The heavy wet snow did a lot of damage to trees around town, and instead of ﬂ ying, some balloonists spent the day cleaning up broken tree limbs. ® 122 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

OFFICIAL PROGRAM 123

Once upon a time, the Balloon Fiesta was exclusively an early 1987morning event. That all changed in 1987, with the event’s ﬁ rst Balloon evening Glow. Nighttime balloon displays were nothing new in events now in Albuquerque – they’d been held on Christmas Eve often attract more guests to since 1979 – but had never been part of the Balloon Balloon Fiesta Park than the famed morning Fiesta. mass ascensions and extend the color and magic of Scott Appelman came up with the idea of doing a ballooning into the night. And it’s not just Albuquerque. balloon glow at the Balloon Fiesta to celebrate the 75th Balloon Glows are now part of almost every balloon anniversary of New Mexico statehood – and the rest, event in the world. as they say, is history. It was such a hit that today, What’s the story behind the invention of the there are three Balloon Fiesta balloon glows, plus two Balloon Glow? Well, it involved a not entirely sober more featuring exclusively special shape balloons. The night at a northern New Mexico resort, and the creativity of balloonists around the country who enhanced the concept. Learn more from the 1987, 1988, 1996, and 2009 Balloon Fiesta programs in the Collectors Corner on the Balloon Fiesta website, balloonﬁ esta.com. By 1988, the Balloon Fiesta had grown to 600 balloons, including an 1988increasing number of special shapes. These balloons – including The G-R-R-E-A-T Tony and Earforce One (better known as Mickey Mouse) – were crowd-pleasers every bit as popular as the Bees and Darth Vadar are today, with crowds packed onto their launch sites. The event now also featured an all-female skydiving team, the Misty Blues, which jumped on alternate weekends from the Army Golden Knights. It was obvious the Balloon Glow, started the previous year, was there to stay. People loved the option of a nighttime event. But one event, the gas balloon race, was headed for hiatus. Only one gas balloon “competed” in 1988, and was promptly awarded third place (much to the annoyance of pilot George Hahn.) When gas ballooning returned to the Balloon Fiesta, it would be in a much diﬀ erent form – and it would be there to stay. there to stay. ® 124 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Balloon Fiesta became a true, all-day 1989event in 1989 with the inauguration of the Special Shape Rodeo. This event at ﬁ rst was a late afternoon ﬂ ying event, and it was – ﬁ rst was a late afternoon ﬂ ying event, and it was – businesses as expected, given the popularity of the special shape businesses as expected, given the popularity of the special shape in Brazil, Belgium, the balloons appearing in the mass ascensions – a huge in Brazil, Belgium, the balloons appearing in the mass ascensions – a huge Czech Republic, Britain, and the U.S. success. Families loved it. You can learn a lot more Czech Republic, Britain, and the U.S. success. Families loved it. You can learn a lot more about the beginnings of the Special Shape Rodeo in The end of the 1980s also brought a management Mark Sullivan’s article beginning on page 140. change to Balloon Fiesta. Marge Ruppenthal, longtime Just about anything anyone can dream of – Balloon Fiesta pilot from a ballooning family (husband monsters, critters, soda cans, houses, autos – can be Bob was an early balloonmeister and a former Board made into a special shape balloon. These days they’re President) became the organization’s new Executive Director, and would usher in major changes designed on computers, but they still have to be sewn Director, and would usher in major changes together the old-fashioned way, by hand. They take over the next several years. hundreds of hours of labor to make in specialized OFFICIAL PROGRAM 125

CELEBRATIBG 50 YEARS FIELDS OF BY KIM VESELY, FOR THE AIBF HERITAGE COMMITTEE Through the ﬁ rst half of its 50-year history, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® led a nomadic existence, steadily migrating northward through ﬁ ve launch sites in step with the city’s steady development. Each of the Balloon Fiesta’s launch sites had its own personality and each played a distinct role in the event’s history. A ANT B OR T O: VIC T PHO ® 126 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

COLOR BALLOON FIESTA LAUNCH SITES 1. Coronado Center: 1972 2. NM State Fairgrounds: 1973-1974 3. Simms Field: 1975-1980 4. Cutter Field: 1981-1985 5. Original Balloon Fiesta Park: 1986-1995 6. Balloon Fiesta Park: 1996-present OFFICIAL PROGRAM 127

PHO T O B Y DICK BR O WN ONNELL C OM MC T Y O B T PHO The First World Hot Air Balloon Championships and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds When 38 international competitors and 90 “Fiesta Flyers” descended on Albuquerque for the ﬁ rst World Championships – the modern hot air balloon had been invented only a decade or so before – the State Fairgrounds seemed like an ideal location for the event. It had grandstand seating for guests (spectators were not allowed on the ﬁ eld), food service facilities, and above all, restrooms! But for ﬂ ying, the fairgrounds proved to be less than ideal. It was in an established area of the The “First Fiesta” at city, and landing sites were relatively scarce. When the Coronado Center balloons ﬂ ew south, as they frequently did, they quickly encroached on the Albuquerque International Sunport and on Kirtland Air Force Base and the highly classiﬁ ed In just 10 days, Sid Cutter and KOB organized what research facilities attached to the base. (There are great was then one of the largest gatherings of balloons stories about gun-toting security oﬃ cers confronting anywhere in the world. Thirteen balloons launched pilots who spoke limited English.) February proved to from a huge open ﬁ eld west of Coronado Center, which be a less than ideal weather month. Within a couple of was much smaller at that time than it is today. The years, event organizers realized they needed both a new estimated 20,000 people who turned up were open- event date and a new launch site. mouthed at what they were seeing. The balloonists – hastily assembled from around the US – were equally astonished at the warm reception they received. Their WHAT: First World Hot Air Balloon enthusiasm led to invitations to bid for and to host Championships; 2nd and 3rd Albuquerque a much larger event, the First World Hot Air Balloon International Balloon Fiesta Championships. WHERE: New Mexico State Fairgrounds/ Downs of Albuquerque, Louisiana and Lomas NE WHEN: February 1973-1974 and a February WHAT: KOB Radio and Television International rally in 1975 Balloon Festival and Rally (KOB Radio 50th NUMBER OF BALLOONS: As many as 128 anniversary celebration) NEW EVENTS: World-class competition WHERE: San Pedro and Menaul NE, west of events, mass ascensions; the Balloon Fiesta Coronado Center Parade (held through 1991) became the WHEN: April 8, 1972 biggest in the state NUMBER OF BALLOONS: 13 WHY IT HAD TO MOVE: Too close to the WHY IT HAD TO MOVE: Not big enough, no airport and too far south, proximity to permanent facilities, destined for development high-security installations at Kirtland AFB WHAT’S THERE NOW: West end of Coronado and Sandia and Manzano bases, lack of Center and parking lot landing sites, February not a good month for ballooning; site in use for New Mexico State Fair in the late summer and fall WHAT’S THERE NOW: Downs of Albuquerque and EXPO New Mexico ® 128 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

YNT ON FL T AL W BILL Y O B T PHO Simms Field and the Second World Hot Air Balloon Championships at Jeﬀ erson and I-25 1975 brought big changes to the ﬂ edgling Balloon Fiesta. A meteorological study determined that the WHAT: 4th – 9th Albuquerque International weather was consistently best for ballooning in the Balloon Fiesta; Second World Hot Air Balloon early fall and the Balloon Fiesta moved to its current Championships time, the ﬁ rst full week in October. Sid Cutter, who had WHERE: Simms Field, west of I-25 and organized the ﬁ rst three Balloon Fiestas, needed to focus Jeﬀ erson Blvd. NE on his own business and a new non-proﬁ t corporation, WHEN: October 1975 - October 1980 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. assumed NUMBER OF BALLOONS: As many as 379 stewardship of the event. The event’s new home, Simms NEW EVENTS: A variety of competitions Field (named after the landowning family) was a large including the Key Grab (now Ring Toss) former alfalfa ﬁ eld just west of I-25 at Jeﬀ erson Blvd. and the Tumbleweed Drop; the ﬁ rst (then Since it had no permanent facilities, concession tents, unoﬃ cial) Dawn Patrol ﬂ ights; the record porta potties, and other amenities had to be brought ﬂ ights of the Double Eagle II and Kitty Hawk in, but the land had ample room for parking, a propane capture the world’s imagination refueling facility, and above all, balloons. Pilots loved WHY IT HAD TO MOVE: When buildings the site and the then-open land around it. By 1980 the started going up on the launch squares on event had almost tripled in size, but buildings were under the east side of the ﬁ eld, it was obvious that construction on the east end of Simms Field and it was Simms Field’s days as a balloon launch site clear the Balloon Fiesta would be on the move again. were numbered WHAT’S THERE NOW: A large business park and industrial area: one of the streets is named Balloon Park Rd. This street, and a couple of the original trees, are the only signs of the area’s past as home to the world’s biggest ballooning event. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 129

YNT ON FL T AL W BILL Y O B T PHO Cutter International Balloonport East of Edith Rd. between Los Angeles Blvd. (now Paseo del Norte) and Osuna Rd. Not long after the 1980 Balloon Fiesta, from a balloon, tethered a few dozen feet aloft, Sid Cutter dedicated WHAT: 10th – 14th Albuquerque International the Balloon Fiesta’s newest launch ﬁ eld by breaking a Balloon Fiesta bottle of champagne on the raised bucket of a backhoe. WHERE: Cutter International Balloonport, Cutter Field – more formally, the Cutter International north of Osuna Rd. Balloonport – was located north of Osuna Rd. between WHEN: October 1981 - October 1985 Edith Blvd. and the North Diversion Channel. It boasted NUMBER OF BALLOONS: 450-500 separate entrances and parking for the public and NEW EVENTS: Gas Balloon competition participants, the Balloon Fiesta’s ﬁ rst high-capacity (long distance ﬂ ights to set targets), aerial propane refueling area, and enough space that Sid acrobatics and parachute team jumping, talked of hosting 1,000 balloons. While that didn’t come ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta Park and Ride service, to fruition during the Balloon Fiesta’s years at Cutter the celebration in 1983 of the bicentennial Field, other enhancements did, including the event’s of manned ﬂ ight (200 years since the ﬁ rst gas balloon competitions and the regular inclusion Montgolﬁ er brothers’ invention of the hot air of aerial acrobatics (notably the Jim Franklin Wild Waco balloon in 1783). Air Show), and precision parachute demonstrations WHY IT HAD TO MOVE: Incoming featuring the Army Golden Knights and Navy Leapfrogs. development; availability of the former Los The Balloon Fiesta stayed at Cutter Field through 1985. Angeles landﬁ ll for use as a launch site Its next relocation would move the event permanently oﬀ WHAT’S THERE NOW: The Vista del Norte private lands and onto City of Albuquerque- housing subdivision and the Vista del Norte owned property. Park designated balloon landing area. The park/landing site is actually in an area then used for spectator parking, slightly south of the area used for the launch ﬁ eld. ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 130

PHO T O B Y KIM VE S LE Y First Balloon Fiesta Park South of Alameda Blvd. and north of Osuna Rd., east of the North Diversion Channel The Balloon Fiesta’s ﬁ rst long-term, semi-permanent WHAT: 15th – 24th Albuquerque International home became available with the closing of the City of Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque’s Los Angeles Landﬁ ll (named for the WHERE: First Balloon Fiesta Park, south of main street to the south which is now Paseo del Norte). Alameda Rd. and east of the North Diversion The event was held there for ten of its most inventive Channel years which included the addition of evening Balloon WHEN: October 1986 - October 1995 Glows, the Special Shape Rodeo, and the ﬁ rst oﬃ cially- NUMBER OF BALLOONS: 477-600 sanctioned Dawn Patrol ﬂ ights. This ﬁ eld also played NEW EVENTS: Balloon Glow, Special host to the ﬁ rst Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett Shape Rodeo and Glowdeo, Dawn Patrol, (world distance gas ballooning championship) held in America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race, Coupe the U.S. since 1933, and the ﬁ rst America’s Challenge Aéronautique Gordon Bennett (1993) gas balloon distance race. But while the original Balloon WHY IT HAD TO MOVE: No room for Fiesta Park made history, as a balloonport it had expansion, unsuitable for permanent shortcomings. The launch site, permanent parking, and development infrastructure were crammed into just 77 acres – about WHAT’S THERE NOW: Vacant most of the the size of the grassed area of the current ﬁ eld – with no year, South RV Parking during Balloon Fiesta room for expansion. Though the ﬁ eld worked for Balloon Fiesta operations, its past as a landﬁ ll made permanent development impractical. The ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta Park was an important step forward and a great interim solution, but not a suitable permanent home for a world- class event. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 131

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

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS PHO T O: BENNIE B O S S Ballooning: A Spectator Sport Reprinted from the 1973 Balloon Fiesta program lying in a balloon may be easier than watching a strong pair of shoes (and an extra pair of dry ones), one. binoculars, a co-driver in the car to keep an eye on the At Indianapolis you can sit still and the cars target, and a picnic lunch. come round every couple of minutes or so. Veteran balloon race watchers also file away many Even an Olympic marathon runner knows mental tips. They know, for instance, that when the where the finish line is going to be, 26 miles balloons take off after an hour or so’s preparation from F 385 yards later. the field or a shopping center parking lot, they are But balloons? Where they will wind up is anyone’s followed by a massive traffic jam as spectators rush to guess. And for once a handicapper knows as much as follow. the rider, because the guy flying the balloon has no idea Another thing about balloon races is that many are either. scheduled for the early morning for favorable wind Balloons will only go one way and that is the way the conditions. Starts at 7 a.m. are not unusual. wind is blowing. Trouble is, the wind at ground level may One of the good things about balloon races, however, is be blowing exactly the opposite direction from the wind that everybody gets a great view without having to jostle at 2,000 feet. for position. This is the one sport where the contestant sits still and In fact, ballooning as a spectator sport is definitely the spectators do all the running. “looking up.” Accessories for watching a balloon race should include OFFICIAL PROGRAM 133

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS HOW A HOT AIR BALLOON WORKS By Kim Vesely Adapted from the 2007 Balloon Fiesta program lying a balloon is both science and art, simple and complex. Mechanically, it is simple: burn to go up, do nothing or vent to come down. The challenge lies in controlling a flying machine that stands the height of a seven- story building in a way that uses the winds to F best advantage. Flying a balloon takes practice, skill, and judgment, and a desire to share the fun and adventure of riding the winds aloft. The most visible part of a hot air balloon is the envelope – the huge, colorful fabric “bag” holding the hot air that gives the balloon lift. The envelope is made of strong, non-porous, lightweight material such as ripstop nylon, Dacron, or Soar Coat reinforced by load tapes or cords – strong white or colored webbing or rope that provide the structural framework and give the envelope its shape. At the top of the balloon is a large round circular opening through which hot air can be “vented”, or released, to cause the balloon to descend and to deflate it when the flight is completed. The opening is covered by a fabric panel, often called a “parachute”, which is held in place against the load tapes converging at the top of the balloon by the pressure of the hot air. The basket or gondola carries the passengers, fuel Above: This photo shows the “scoop” – the red panel at tanks, and instruments the pilot uses in flight to monitor the top of the picture – and the balloon burners. The pre- altitude, the rate at which the balloon is climbing or heat coils are at the top of the burners, and the pilot (and descending, and the temperature at the top of the author) has her hand on the blast valve that lets propane balloon. Modern baskets are almost all primarily made of flow through the burner to generate hot air. wicker, though aluminum, fiberglass, various plastics and composite materials have all been used. ® 134 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Parachute top covering circular opening Envelope Equator (widest point) Load Tapes Throat Scoop/skirt Suspension Cables The bThe baskasket is cet is coonnectnnecteed td too the en the envveelope blope by y Burner cables that extend from the bottom, or “throat” of cables that extend from the bottom, or “throat” of Vent/deﬂ ation line the balloon. Most hot-air balloons also have a skirt the balloon. Most hot-air balloons also have a skirt or scoop – a fabric panel often made of or lined or scoop – a fabric panel often made of or lined Basket with ﬁ re-resistant fabric that extends downward with ﬁ re-resistant fabric that extends downward (fuel tanks strapped in corners) from the throat and helps to direct airﬂ ow and heat from the throat and helps to direct airﬂ ow and heat from the burner into the envelope. from the burner into the envelope. degrees above the outside air temperature, depending degrees above the outside air temperature, depending The hot air that provides lift is generated by a propane- The hot air that provides lift is generated by a propane- on how much weight the balloon carries. Many balloons on how much weight the balloon carries. Many balloons fueled burner which is suspended between the envelope have additional blast valves and nozzles used as backup and basket above the heads of the pilot and passengers. systems in case the main burner line fails, and to bypass The burner is held in place by a rigid frame and by the preheat coils to create a cooler, brighter, yellow ﬂ ame “uprights” – poles at each corner of the basket. The fuel that makes the balloon light up during balloon glows. tanks – most modern tanks are made of stainless steel – Burners generate the heat to make the balloon go sit in the corners or on the ﬂ oor of the basket. Fuel lines up, and by varying the length and number of “burns,” run from the tanks to the burner and are held in place by the pilot can control how quickly the balloon ascends sleeves around the uprights. and how high it goes. But how does the pilot make the Each burner has a pilot light that burns continuously balloon go down? One way is to do nothing and just let and ignites the fuel in the same way the pilot light in a the air in the balloon cool naturally. As the temperature furnace or stove does. The pilot controls the ﬂ ow of fuel drops below the level needed to keep the balloon at to the burner through “blast valves” – levers attached to “equilibrium” – to maintain level ﬂ ight – the balloon will the bottom of the burner. The output of a balloon burner descend, and the pilot uses the burner to regulate the is many times greater than that of a typical home furnace rate at which the balloon descends. To come down more and creates the high temperatures required to generate quickly, and to land, the pilot pulls on a rope that releases enough lift to make the balloon ﬂ y – usually at least 100 heat from the top of the balloon. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 135

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Noches Encantadas: Balloon Glows at Balloon Fiesta® By Kim Vesely A luminaria or farolito … is a small paper lantern (commonly a candle set in some sand inside a paper bag) which is of signiﬁ cance in New Mexico and the broader Southwestern United States at Christmas time, especially on Christmas Eve. They are cultural hallmarks of...New Mexico, and are a part of New Mexico's distinct heritage. (From Wikipedia). nce upon a not entirely sober summer After packing the balloon away, the excited balloon night in 1979, a balloonist from El teams headed back to the bar for another toddy. Most had Paso, Fred Spite, pulled into the Angel never seen a balloon lit up at night before. At some point, Fire Country Club with his brand-new someone mused, “I bet other people might like to see this.” balloon. He went inside, where the In the next months, the group came up with the participants in the Angel Fire Balloon idea of displaying a bunch of balloons on the route of O Rally were “relaxing” after a hard day, and hollered, “I Albuquerque’s annual Luminaria Tour. To make a long want to see what my new balloon looks like!” story short, on that enchanted Christmas Eve night in Well, at that point the pilots and crews were game 1979, 19 balloons inﬂ ated along the tour route, and people for just about anything, so they went out to the parking were blown away by the sight. As far as has been lot and helped Fred put up his balloon. In the growing determined, this was the ﬁ rst large-scale mountain dusk, it lit up like a giant light bulb …. or, well, nighttime display of illuminated balloons – luminaria. After all, a hot air balloon is essentially a great what are now known as “balloon glows” big bag with a great big candle inside. – held anywhere. ® 136 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

OFFICIAL PROGRAM 137

By 2000, the problematic late afternoon Special Y Shape Rodeo flights SEL on Thursdays and Fridays (it was almost KIM VE always too windy for O: T free flights) evolved PHO into nighttime balloon glows – dubbed Glowdeos Clockwise from above: The original Luminaria Tour Bal- OIS – exclusively for loon Display, Christmas Eve at the Albuquerque Country JE Club; All burn!; The magic of the Balloon Glow, where night special shape turns into day. DEBER balloons. Eventually, UL yet another glow, A O: P the Twilight Twinkle Fast forward eight years, to the 1987 Balloon Fiesta. T Glow – was added By this time, many balloon events featured nighttime PHO on the first Saturday displays, and Bill Bussey had invented the name night in conjunction “balloon glow” for his event in Plano, TX. But not the with the scheduled (but often postponed) launch of the Balloon Fiesta, which was still exclusively a daytime America’s Challenge gas balloon race. event. 1987 was the 75th anniversary of New Mexico Today’s Balloon Glows are truly family evenings out. statehood, and to celebrate the milestone, Scott Moms and dads, kids of all ages, uncles and aunts, Appelman (now the owner of Rainbow Ryders) came up grandmas and grandpas, bring picnics or sample the with the idea of doing the biggest balloon glow ever held. Main Street food booths and reconnect on the grass at Balloon Fiesta officials agreed, and 300 pilots signed up Balloon Fiesta Park, surrounded by a forest of glowing to participate. balloons. In the town square of world ballooning, On the night of October 4, the weather was perfect for people from all over the world gather on the noche a nighttime static display. (A nighttime ascension would encantada – the enchanted night – that is a Balloon not be practical because the pilots can’t see landing sites Fiesta balloon glow. in the dark.) As the sun set and evening crept in, dozens of balloons stood inflated at the old Balloon Fiesta Park Kim Vesely, the editor since 2003 of the Balloon (now the main RV park), surrounded by thousands of Fiesta’s Official Program, is one of the co-founders of the guests. All the pilots had AM radios tuned into KOB radio, original Luminaria Tour Balloon Display in 1979. Over which was broadcasting the event live. At the mobile more than 45 years, she’s been involved with the Balloon studio on Concession Row, announcer Larry Ahrens and Fiesta as a television journalist and color commentator, Assistant Balloonmeister John Davis began to count launch director, and board member. She currently is the down for the first “all burn”, the moment when the pilots America’s Challenge Command Center media liaison and would all light up their balloons at once. No one knew a reporter/commentator for Balloon Fiesta Live! quite what to expect. The count hit “0”, and with a deafening roar a tidal wave of light, heat, and noise crashed across Balloon OIS Fiesta Park. Night turned into day on the field as 300 JE candles/light bulbs/balloons lit up, and the heat could be felt all the way across Concession Row. Everybody DEBER stood entranced and open-mouthed – pilots, crews, UL A spectators. O: P T As the pilots turned off their burners and light and noise faded, the roar of the burners was replaced with a PHO different roar – thousands of people cheering at the top of their lungs. It was an electric instant – many who were there still get goose bumps when they talk about it. It to this day is one of the great moments in the history of the Balloon Fiesta. Of course, the Balloon Glow immediately became an annual event, and drew more guests than even the morning Mass Ascensions. A second glow, the Night Magic glow on the last Saturday, was soon added. ® 138 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Official SOME ITEMS SHOWN MAY BE SOLD OUT CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR OUR FULL CURRENT SELECTION Be sure to check for the OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE Tag SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY EMAIL FEATURING SPECIAL DEALS AND PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS SHOP ALL YEAR LONG!!! www.balloonfiestastuff.com

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Getting into Shapes: The Special Shape Rodeo BY MARK SULLIVAN TT A W Y A R O: T PHO ® 140 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

o realize the signiﬁ cance that the Special afternoon events had much more potential for attracting Shape Rodeo has had on the Balloon spectators than the pre-dawn morning events. Fiesta, you need to go back to 1986. I was elected to the Balloon Fiesta Board in 1989 and In those days, the balloons only ﬂ ew was excited to be part of such a great balloon event. morning events during the nine-day event. Scott and I realized that afternoon events could be a The mass ascensions on the weekends major source of new revenue for the Balloon Fiesta, and T were the main attraction and about the only source of we started brainstorming on what type of event would revenue for the Balloon Fiesta. There were not many work. At the time, I was ﬂ ying special shape balloons spectators during the week, even though the pilots took belonging to the Soukup/Thomas balloon ﬂ eet along to the air every ﬂ yable day. with some commercial shape balloons belonging to The Balloon Fiesta ﬁ rst began to realize the potential Harold Warner, a Canadian balloon operator. Special of evening events a year later. Since 1979, glowing shape balloons had appeared at Balloon Fiesta as part of balloons had been on display at Albuquerque’s annual the regular ﬂ ying events and were enormously popular. Christmas Eve Luminaria Tours. Balloons inﬂ ate at We thought that a new event featuring special shapes golf courses around the city and sometimes at other on Thursday and Friday afternoons might just work if locations like the University of NM sports complex, enough shapes would participate. and glow for the caravan of cars viewing all the sites Nothing was going on at the ﬁ eld on Thursday and who put up luminarias. In 1987 Scott Appelman, who Friday afternoon, so we made a pitch to the Balloon was serving his ﬁ rst year on the Balloon Fiesta Board Fiesta Board to bring in some shapes for these two of Directors, suggested having balloons glow on the afternoons. The Board was quite skeptical that it would ﬁ rst Sunday evening. The Board had never considered work, and the vote was anything but unanimous. One of having afternoon events but decided to give Scott’s idea the selling points was Scott telling the board that I knew a go. Ballooning is best in the morning, so I don’t think all of the special shape pilots and shape owners and the Balloon Fiesta realized how many people would could get enough shapes to put on a good show. prefer to come to an evening event when they were The Board agreed, but there was no money in the oﬀ work. The Balloon Glow was a huge success which budget to fund bringing in special shape balloons. It was not only changed the Balloon Fiesta but changed how not easy to convince pilots to come, since we had no balloon events operated across the world. After all, money to pay them. There were few non-commercial Pictured: The eyes always have it at the Special Shape Rodeo! OFFICIAL PROGRAM 141

JOEIS DEBER UL A O: P T PHO Above: The Special Shape Glowdeo is an outgrowth of those first Balloon Fiesta balloon glows, and evolved from the Special Shape Rodeo afternoon flights. shapes flying in the mid- shapes and direct the shape O 1980s. If you wanted one of T event. It turned out that these shapes to appear at PHO I directed the first seven A your event, you had to pay T years of the Special Shape S the pilot to put it up. Our Rodeo, helped negotiate all best selling point was to tell OON FIE the shape contracts, and the pilots this would be the ALL flew a special shape in all largest gathering of shapes B the events. in the world and being part Another problem was of it was something they OFFICIAL that the Balloon Fiesta should not miss. charged a commercial fee During these early years for any balloon displaying a of the Balloon Fiesta, corporate logo. I soon found members of the Board did out to get any commercial a lot of the ground level work to make the Balloon shapes we needed to waive these fees. The board Fiesta successful. This included Board members agreed to waive the commercial entry fees, but taking on key flying event official duties, preparing only for the events on Thursday and Friday evening. the field, preparing pilot packs, registration and a Commercial shapes still had to pay if they wanted to hundred other things. My job was to recruit special fly during the daytime events. ® 142 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Jodi Baugh was hired this same year as the Balloon jams and produced huge crowds. Twenty-eight shapes Fiesta director of corporate sales. Jodi told us she participated in the first Special Shape Rodeo, putting our needed Scott and I to come up with a name for the event new event on solid ground. The Special Shape Rodeo in order to help her to find a corporate sponsor. So, grew each year with 35 shapes in 1990, 45 shapes in at the monthly Top Gun flying event we tried to come 1991, 62 shapes from eight countries in 1992, and by up with a name. Since I was having such a hard time 1996 108 shapes. rounding up pilots to come, I suggested “Special Shape October is a wonderful time of year in Albuquerque, Round Up”. We came up with many more names, and it with cool mornings and warm afternoons. But It’s not was Frank Wechter who came up with the name “Special easy to fly balloons in the afternoon because thermal Shape Rodeo”. With this new name, Jodi successfully activity does not end until about one hour before sunset. pitched the sponsorship of the new event to Sandy We had some crazy flights during these early years and Miller with United New Mexico Bank. Wells Fargo, there are many great stories of pilots riding thermals which sponsored the shapes event for many years, was until right before sunset. By 1993, the Special Shape formerly United New Mexico Bank. Rodeo was such a success that the Balloon Fiesta One more question still remained: would people added a Thursday morning launch from the field. This come? We sure hoped so, since the forecast was for guaranteed the shape pilots at least one good flight good weather both Thursday and Friday afternoons. Boy window and showcased the shapes to the public at an did Jodi's and Sandy’s marketing skills do the job. The additional event. As the Shape events continued to grow event was such a success that it created major traffic in popularity, in 1998 the Shapes were the only balloons Below: Early Special Shape Rodeo, where the shapes flew in afternoon competitions that were sometimes breezy and turbulent. PHO T O: KIM VE SEL Y OFFICIAL PROGRAM 143

ﬂ ying from the ﬁ eld on Thursday and Friday morning. The Special Shape Rodeo is an extremely complicated All the other balloons ﬂ ew into the ﬁ eld for our pole event to put on. Each shape requires a contract and grab events and other competitive events. Around the many of them need lots of crew. The shapes coming same time, since afternoon ﬂ ying was so challenging, from abroad need vehicles. Some shapes are massive the Balloon Fiesta turned the afternoon Special Shape and you can imagine what shipping costs. The Balloon events into evening balloon glows, dubbed “Glowdeos.” Fiesta staﬀ spends hundreds of hours making sure the As time went on, landing spots became increasingly Rodeo goes oﬀ without any problem. But the result is diﬃ cult to ﬁ nd, especially for the large special shapes, a well worth it, measured in children’s smiles, awed stares, change was needed. In 2016, the Balloon Fiesta’s Event and the enjoyment of Balloon Fiesta guests. Director at the time, Paul Petrehn, came up with a plan that vastly improved the Shape Rodeo. He moved all the shapes onto the entire east side of the ﬁ eld (where TT A W Main Street is). Those Shape pilots who wanted to ﬂ y Y A could do so as long as they launched before balloons R O: participating in competition began to ﬂ y across Balloon T Fiesta Park. Those special shapes that remained on the PHO ﬁ eld would put on a static display as the competition pilots came into the ﬁ eld to drop markers and do the very popular “drop a ring over the pole event”. What a treat for the public! They could see all the shapes and at the same time watch our most popular competitive events. The incoming competition pilots also enjoyed the new arrangement as ﬂ ying into the ﬁ eld can be quite spectacular seeing all the special shapes lined up along the scoring boundary. It also added a degree of diﬃ culty for competitors ﬂ ying into the ﬁ eld from the east, since it requires them to navigate over some of the large shapes. The Special Shape Rodeo and Glowdeo has brought in millions of dollars in cash ﬂ ow into the Balloon Fiesta, helping to improve its solvency. It also changed how Above: Yoda! You seek Yoda! events all over the world operate. Most events now add Below: Special shapes lined up on the east side of Balloon Fiesta Park as special shape balloons as part of their show to increase competition pilots approach the ﬁ eld from the west. revenue and value to their guests’ experience. Mark Sullivan, the current president of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (World Air Sports Federation) Ballooning Commission and a champion hot air and gas balloonist, is one of the co-founders of the Special Shape Rodeo/Glowdeo and the founder of the Ameri- ca’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race. Y SEL KIM VE O: T PHO ® 144 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Special Shape Directory OFFICIAL PROGRAM 145

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Adler, David Alford, Ben Anderson, Denny Ary, George MISS AUTUMN ADELAIDE THE KOALA TOM CAT STEGGY Yuma, AZ Bristol Ankeny, IA Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo United States United Kingdom United States Brazil Ashton, Gerg Askren, Sean Audenaert, Filip August, Joe Baker, Dave MONTIE THE BLACK XFINITY HUG A BEAR SHERIFF AIRMADILLO SCARLETT SHEEP Middletown, OH Waasmunster Newport Beach, CA Thatcham, Berkshire Meridian, ID United States Belgium United States United Kingdom United States Ballinger, Barry Barends, Alex Bennett, Brian Bennett, Jeﬀ IN THE BUFF MISTER GLOBIE JERRY MOUSE SIMBALOO Lubbock, TX Enschede, Overijssel Agency, IA Tulsa, OK United States Netherlands United States United States Bonimcontro, Marcos Boyer, Don Brown, Toby Burdue, Bradley FLYING SAUCER ITSY BITSY ALLYCORN SPACE COWBOY São Paulo Belen, NM Denver, CO Whitehouse, OH Brazil United States United States United States ® 146 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Burrows, Paul Buzzard, Earl Campanale, Frank Carlton, Dean BUSTER THE BULLDOG SPEEDY CAROUSEL WAGZ Bristol Albuquerque, NM Orchard Lake, MI Danville, IL United Kingdom United States United States United States Cassell, James Cavin, John Cayton, Andy Cesnik, Luke BEAGLE MAXIMUS YELLOW BIRD EDDIE & RICKENBACKER FREEDOM FLIGHT V Albuquerque, NM Indialantic, FL Black Creek, GA Saint Cloud, MN United States United States United States United States Chieruzzi, Maria Clark, Roger Cox, Jordan Cox, Justin THE LOVEBIRDS DARTH VADER CHRIS P. BACON IVO Sparta, MO Greer, SC Indianapolis, IN Carmel, IN United States United States United States United States Davison, Neil De Almeida, Ricardo De Assis, Luiz DeGraﬀ , Trudy BALLOONAFUL SUNRISE TOY CAR CORK CUTIE DINK Phoenix, AZ Boituva, São Paulo São Paulo Corrales, NM United States Brazil Brazil United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 147

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Dieringer, Nathan Dillard, Terry Drennan, Ben Dunrud Jr., David SQUEAK FLIP FLOP FANTASIES SUNNY BOY ROCKEY Menasha, WI Debary, FL Cordele, GA Geyserville, CA United States United States United States United States Eaton, Erik Edwards, Charles Edwards, Don Farrell, Craig PEANUT MR. WINKLE SNOBIRD TIGER Noblesville, IN Ft Myers, FL Soldotna, AK Palmerston, ACT United States United States United States Australia Ferland, Jean-Francois Fielding, Mike Gantt, Doug Garcia, Mike TICO ZORO HAM-LET 1 DOWN 8-2 GO St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Oak Point, TX Rio Rancho, NM Albuquerque, NM Québec, Canada United States United States United States Glen, Chris Glen, Michael Graham, Colin Griggs, Katie JOEY LITTLE BEE JOELLY BUD E. BEAVER SUSHI Spokane, WA Mesa, AZ Belgrade, MT Dayton, NV United States United States United States United States ® 148 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Griswold, Peter Haliczer, Jeﬀ Hlebechuk, Kris Hodge, Art MR. WINTER OFF THE WALL PUDDLES DUMA Peachtree City, GA Reno, NV Wasilla, AK The Villages, FL United States United States United States United States Hodge, Jonathan Hoefer, Rudolf Holly, Andrew Hooper, Lee Jaques, Tyler SPLASH FOX TALL STEVE ALIEN PIGASUS Madison Heights, MI Michelbach Gloucestershire Radstock, Somerset Battle Creek, MI United States Germany United Kingdom United Kingdom United States Jones, Derrick Kalousdian, Rubens Kolba, Jon Komadina, Mark TIC TOC FLYING BUS CHIC-I-BOOM STORK Hudsonville, MI São Paulo Crooks, SD Rio Rancho, NM United States Brazil United States United States Lambert, Benoit Lawhorn, Rich Lawton, Jeﬀ Lilzey, Brian MASTER YODA HUMPTY DUMPTY FREDDIE THE FOX CATHY’S HOPE BALLOON Louisville, KY Godalming, Surrey Fall Branch, TN Court-St.-Etienne United States United Kingdom United States Belgium OFFICIAL PROGRAM 149

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Lin, Martin Little, Rollie Lopes, Fabio Lorentz, Mike BRAVO BEAR SARAH THE WITCH TEDDY AND LINDY CLAW’D THE CRAZY CRAB Luye Township, Taitung Glendale, AZ Tôrres, Rio Grande do Sul Canton, OH County, Taiwan United States Brazil United States (Republic of China) Lupton, Robert Macedo, Warley Meyer, Mark Mitchell, Max LADY JESTER MANDRILL CARNIVAL EL FONZ Albuquerque, NM São Paulo Vass, NC Champaign, IL United States Brazil United States United States Moore, Ashley Moore, Gary Müller, Roman Nilz, Paddy O’Brien, Bob WES THE WOLF OWLBERT EYENSTEIN SWISS CHALET SAHUARO GRANDE RUBBER DUCKY Bideford, Devon Lake Havasu City, AZ Härkingen, Solothurn Marana, AZ Waupaca, WI United Kingdom United States Switzerland United States United States Peirsman, Geert Pereira Gonçalves, Murilo Procopio, Peter Randall, Thomas Randell, Will ALBERT THE GNOME A BRUXA KOSHARE GALLUP SYDNEY DAZ Belsele Sombrio, Santa Catarina Gallup, NM Placitas, NM Coopersburg, PA Belgium Brazil United States United States United States ® 150 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Reichert, Sheryl Reineke, Dave Richards, Ursula Ritchie, Dale PARTY PEG LEG PETE SQUAWKURS AIRABELLE, THE El Cajon, CA Mahomet, IL Albuquerque, NM CREAMLAND COW United States United States United States Golden, British Columbia Canada Roehrs, Hinnerk Rolfe, Pat Romaneschi, Bob Schuler, Jay ALFRED THE CARPENDER CYNTHIA SEAL LILLY LITTLE BEE PENCIL BOY Celle Battle Creek, MI Peoria, AZ Reno, NV Germany United States United States United States Scott, Michael Semler, Jack Sevrin, Sidney Shipman, Shane Shrum, Mike CHESHIRE CAT LITTLE D BELZEBUTH MODEL T LA RISTRA Oklahoma City, OK Westﬁ eld, IN Villers-la-Ville Rio Rancho, NM Box Elder, SD United States United States Belgium United States United States Shrum, Tamie Siebel, Thomas Sines, Gary Sines, Janice TE AMO OLAF COCO THE CLOWN BUZZY THE BEE Box Elder, SD Freudenberg, NRW Ashland, MO Ashland, MO United States Germany United States United States OFFICIAL PROGRAM 151

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Strauf, Marcus Stutsman, Gene Taveira, Valdemir Thomas, Steve Toledo, Paulo WERA SCREW DRIVER PUDDYCAT LITTLE DOG PANTHER ROBOT WOOZI Waldbröl, NRW Goshen, IN Osasco, São Paulo Bath, Somerset Guarujá, São Paulo Germany United States Brazil United Kingdom Brazil Tremblay, Sylvain Trillanes, Mark Urbanski, Frank Van Overwalle, Peter PIKO FLYING BARN UNCLE SAM PRINCESS NELLY St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Albuquerque, NM Dakota Dunes, SD Nazareth Québec, Canada United States United States Belgium Van Wolvelaer, Geert Viner, John Waltman, Debbi Warren, Tom Wilkinson, Steve BOBO THE HAPPY MASTER ZABA PONDEMONIUM LASKA THE UNICORN COSMIC CRISP APPLE LOBSTER North Muskham, Windsor, CO Land O’ Lakes, FL Palm Desert, CA Urgup, Nevşehir Nottinghamshire United States United States United States Turkey United Kingdom Wooge, Scott Wright, Thom Wright-Smith, Beth LINDY MISTER Z SMOKEY BEAR St. Louis, MO Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM United States United States United States ® 152 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Adventure Awaits! Come experience our exciting activities including a prize wheel, a fun photo booth and a special treat just for AARP members! October 1-3, 2022 Check out the AARP Block Part!

THE 1990s: 1990-1999 ® 154 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The 1990S f the 1970s and 1980s were a party danced to the throb of disco and Michael Jackson’s funky tempos, the 1990s in many ways were the morning after: a global reckoning marked by the Gulf War, riots speared by concerns about racial injustice, and mass killings – Oklahoma City, I Columbine, and others – that sadly in retrospect seem to have been just the beginning of a long list of senseless and unforgivable acts of malice and terror. Of course, the decade wasn’t all bad. The Cold War ended (at least for that time), the Hubble Space Telescope took flight, the World Wide Web debuted, the stock market soared (and then didn’t), and Y2K’s predicted computer crash turned out to be a big non-event. In the 1990s and extending into the early 2000s, the Balloon Fiesta completed its transformation into essentially the event it is today, with multiple balloon glows, the featured Special Shape events on Thursday and Friday morning and evening, the Dawn Patrol Show on mass ascension mornings, and the thrilling America’s Challenge gas balloon race across the U.S. The event also found its permanent home at the current Balloon Fiesta Park, ending a quarter-century of wandering north through Albuquerque. No longer a teenager, the Balloon Fiesta was coming “of age” and into its early adulthood. PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL YNT OFFICIAL PROGRAM 155

THE 1990s: 1990-1999 Big name entertainment came to the goers to hang out for long periods. Concerts did not Balloon Fiesta in 1990 with a concert become an annual part of Balloon Fiesta for another 1990from Three Dog Night. In some ways, two decades. the Balloon Fiesta seems a natural for In these years, the number of balloons at the Balloon large, open-air concerts, but the dirt ﬁ elds in the early Fiesta settled in the 600 range, with 33 special shapes years were not necessarily pleasant places for concert- participating in the second Special Shape Rodeo. ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 156

The slogan on the bumper sticker sums up the 1991prevailing attitude as the Balloon Fiesta entered its 20th year. The Balloon Fiesta was headed headed now a mature event, with most of the into town to into town to large pieces of the event we know participate in what participate in what today now in place. The weekend mass had become New Mexico’s had become New Mexico’s ascensions, the Balloon Glows with biggest parade. The balloon teams ﬁ reworks, and the Special Shape Rodeo decorated their trucks, and many crews would all expand in the coming years, paraded in costume in an event that but that solid core was there to build on. also featured ﬂ oats, bands, and other However, 1991 was the end of the line community entries. This huge parade, for one institution that had been part with hundreds of entries, had become too of the Balloon Fiesta since 1973 and much for both the city and the Balloon the World Championships. On the ﬁ rst Fiesta to manage. It is still remembered Saturday of the event after ﬂ ying, pilots fondly by balloon enthusiasts and local and crews loaded up their trucks and residents alike. In the early part of the 1990s, Balloon Fiesta sponsoring and marketing eﬀ orts 1992underwent a major overhaul, largely through the eﬀ orts of the dynamic Jodi Baugh. In a very short time, through Jodi’s and others’ eﬀ orts, Kodak became the Balloon Fiesta’s ﬁ rst title sponsor, a distinction which continued for a decade. In this pre-digital era, shutterbugs went through a lot of ﬁ lm at the Balloon Fiesta, which to this day is considered to be the most photographed event in the world. These and other marketing eﬀ orts began to put Balloon Fiesta on a more solid ﬁ nancial footing. Among the new events to Balloon Fiesta in 1992 were the Manfred Radius Glider Show, the Parade of Lights, and – well, not quite a new event – the Dawn Patrol. The ﬁ rst Dawn Patrol ﬂ ight ever took place at Balloon Fiesta in 1978, but it did not become an oﬃ cial part of the event until 1992. The Dawn Patrol pilots have specially-approved aircraft lights that allow them to ﬂ y while it is still dark outside, and their ﬂ ights are a sort of “balloon glow in the sky.” Their fellow pilots launching later in the morning watch the Dawn Patrol to get an idea of wind direction at various altitudes. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 157

In 1993, Albuquerque and the Balloon Fiesta hosted a world 1993championship event for the ﬁ rst time in two decades. The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the world’s oldest air race, is considered by many to be the world oldest air race, is considered by many to be the world championship championship for distance gas ballooning, for distance gas ballooning, in which the world’s leading pilots attempt to achieve the greatest distance from the launch point. David Levin and James Herschend’s 1992 Gordon Bennett win gave the U.S., for the ﬁ rst time since 1933, the right to host this prestigious event. The Balloon Fiesta pulled out all the stops to make the Gordon Bennett special, including the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra’s playing each country’s national anthem as the teams launched. This was the ﬁ rst of four Gordon Bennett races hosted by the Balloon Fiesta (the others were in 1999, 2005, and 2008), and it marked the permanent return of gas ballooning to the Balloon Fiesta. Also in 1993, the Balloon Fiesta added a ﬁ fth Mass Ascension, on Wednesdays, to give Balloon Fiesta guests an additional opportunity to see this spectacular event. In the half-decade or so since the Balloon Glow and Special 1994Shape Rodeo had come to the Balloon Fiesta, these new events had become nearly as popular as the traditional morning mass ascensions and competitions – something that was not lost on the Balloon Fiesta board of directors and staﬀ . In 1994, the Balloon Fiesta added a second “Night Magic” balloon glow on the last Saturday evening, and gave the special shape balloons their own Thursday morning mass ascension. Also back were the world’s top gas balloonists, this time to compete in the World Gas Balloon Championships. This is a diﬀ erent event from the Gordon Bennett and requires balloonists to ﬂ y to speciﬁ c targets which may be hundreds of miles downrange. ® 158 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Balloon Fiesta’s last year at the old And after years of dealing with ﬁ ckle afternoon Balloon Fiesta Park ushered in two new winds, the Balloon Fiesta replaced one of the afternoon 1995big events. The America’s Challenge Special Shape Rodeo ﬂ ights with a new evening event, distance race for gas balloons gave the the Special Shape Glowdeo. The new glow, exclusively U.S. and the Balloon Fiesta a permanent presence on for special shapes, was a huge hit with guests and the world gas ballooning stage, providing pilots with provided a ﬁ tting climax to the Balloon Fiesta’s ten-year an opportunity to ﬂ y long distances without having to run at the old Balloon Fiesta Park. cross international borders. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 159

In 1996, the Balloon Fiesta had a lot to celebrate besides 25 years 1996of safe ﬂ ights and soft landings. Most signiﬁ cantly, it ﬁ nally had a permanent home at the City of Albuquerque’s new Balloon Fiesta Park. It had taken a great deal of eﬀ ort and cooperation among the Balloon Fiesta board, state oﬃ cials and legislators, and the City of Albuquerque to acquire the land – a former gravel mining pit – and add the infrastructure to support the hundreds of balloonists and tens of thousands of guests who attend the Balloon Fiesta. Much work remained to be done to bring the park up to the level guests enjoy today – most of it was still dirt, for one thing – but the Balloon Fiesta was on its way. With the move to the new ﬁ eld came new events and other changes: the key grab became a “house grab” thanks to a Sivage Thomas sponsorship; and some of the Dawn Patrol balloonists created a new “Dawn Patrol Show” – a choreographed inﬂ ation and nighttime launch set to narration and music -- performed on mass ascension days. Marge Ruppenthal retired as Executive Director, and within a year Paul Smith became the new and current Executive Director. PHOTO: CINDA FAIRFIELD ® 160 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The moThe movve e to the new Balloon to the new Balloon Fiesta Park brought new 11999797Fiesta Park brought new opportunities, including the opportunity opportunities, including the opportunity for more balloons and balloonists to come what had for more balloons and balloonists to come what had become, de facto, the become, de facto, the town square of world town square of world ballooning. The “Flight ballooning. The “Flight of the Nations” was of the Nations” was created to celebrate the created to celebrate the international pilots and enthusiasts who had been so much a part of the Balloon Fiesta since its beginning. At the Wednesday mass ascension, international pilots ﬂ y their nations’ ﬂ ags as they launch, and the Balloon Fiesta holds a special reception for their out-of-country balloon teams. And there were more balloons than ever before, with more than 800 hot air balloons registered, along with 81 special shapes and the 17 gas balloons participating in the America’s Challenge. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 161

more than WWith eith eﬀﬀ oortrtss f foocuscused on the onged on the ongoingoing more than development of the new Balloon Fiesta 1,000 miles. That year’s development of the new Balloon Fiesta 1,000 miles. That year’s 19199988Park, the last couple of years of the old victors, Troy Bradley and Tami Stevenson-Bradley – millennium fell into a familiar rhythm. the competition’s ﬁ rst female winner – ﬂ ew well into The Balloon Fiesta now included ﬁ ve mass ascensions, Canada. including the Flight of the Nations on Wednesdays. The Special Shape Rodeo now had evolved to consist of a Thursday morning mass ascension, a Thursday Evening balloon “glowdeo,” and a Friday afternoon competition ﬂ ight (when the winds permitted). The “fun” hot air competitive events of the late 1970s and 1980s were giving way to tasks more like those ﬂ own in most regional and national competitions (but the ever-popular pole grab remained). Already, America’s Challenge gas balloon competitors were posting distances of ® 162 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Balloon Fiesta in 1999 came to accommodate the 20 Gordon Bennett competitors. the rescue when the Coupe Gordon In another ﬁ rst, Steve Yazzie, became – in 1999 1999Bennett’s host city became unable and 2000 – the event’s ﬁ rst Native American to run the event. For the second time balloonmeister, as everyone planned for what they that decade, the world’s distance gas ballooning expected to be a very “Big One” in the millennial year competition came to Albuquerque. The Balloon of 2000. Fiesta cancelled that year’s America’s Challenge to OFFICIAL PROGRAM 163

CELEBRATIBG 50 YEARS There's Nothing Like Being There BY PATRICK MURPHY Reprinted from the 1992 Balloon Fiesta Program ® 164 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

am a native Californian. After moving to central end zone and watched the winning touchdown pass slip Illinois, where I spent the first four years of the through the fingers of the tight end, who dropped the ball 1980s, I decided to take a year-long sabbatical ten feet in front of me with less than one minute left in from the world and see the country. Jerry the game. Berger, a repatriated Albuquerque native and my The next morning came at 4:30 AM, as Jerry shook freshman roommate at the University of Hawaii me awake in the dark and we (Jerry, his two young I back in 1972, had invited me to come stay with him on daughters, and me – his wife had done this before and my way through the Southwest. On Friday, October 12, stayed in bed this time) piled into the car in front of his 1984, I called from the Painted Desert in Arizona to say west side home. The drive across the bridge into the I’d be arriving the following Saturday afternoon. Jerry darkness was guided by one of the most incredible said we’d be able to catch the Lobo football game that sights I had ever seen – headlights as far as the eye could night and then go see the final day of the Balloon Fiesta see! And nobody was moving! I had been in traffic jams on Sunday morning. OK, so what’s a balloon fiesta? before, especially in Los Angeles, but never at 5 o’clock in I arrived on Saturday, just in time to grab a quick bite the morning in the middle of nowhere! and head over to the football stadium to see the Lobos Jerry seemed rather calm about this, and so I just sat let yet another victory slip through their fingers. On this and remained fascinated by the slow movement of the night they literally did, as I stood on the grass behind the cars, the friendliness of the people directing traffic, and OFFICIAL PROGRAM 165

And this entire production repeated itself over and over again for more than two hours! I was so swept up in it all that I consciously lost track of every tangible aspect of my existence. I wasn’t hungry, I wasn’t thirsty, and I couldn’t tell you if I was walking or floating around the balloon field. As the last of the balloons launched from the field, Jerry found me in a glazed-eyed heap somewhere in the middle, not knowing where to go. I vaguely remember an air show immediately following the Mass Ascension, but it still remains something of a blur. What I do remember is feeling as if I had, for the first time, experienced sensory overload. So many colorful sights, penetrating sounds, and changing smells had virtually numbed my ability to absorb any more. But I was happy. Very happy. The picture of me (on the left) and Jerry, Ashley, and Carley Berger was taken by a kind but unsuspecting Japanese woman who could not even speak English, but seemed happy to accommodate our request. the anticipation that seemed to permeate the air as we I moved permanently to Albuquerque the following got closer to our destination. Everybody seemed so spring and have been at every Balloon Fiesta since that happy. first one in 1984. They have all been distinct and unique, Out of our car, milling around the field in the dark, kind for me, for one reason or another. But as I am sure is of cold, I had not the slightest idea of what was about to true for every veteran spectator, that first uninitiated happen. All I knew was that there were a lot of people exposure to this overwhelmingly magnificent event holds here and they seemed pretty happy to have gotten up so a special place in my heart. It was a memorable day that early in the morning on a Sunday. could only be described by saying, “You kinda had to be With my mind wandering in front of my feet, I was there.” suddenly jolted by a burst of sound, then warmth, Having had no preparation for what I was about to immediately behind me, as someone began testing the experience, I was fortunate to have seen and heard burner of his balloon. I had never seen anything like everything that I did. One of the program articles that this before. Never a hot-air balloon up close and never I found helpful that year was about spectator etiquette so many people up so early in the morning stumbling at the Balloon Fiesta. I later learned that there are not around on an old dirt field in the dark. many balloon rallies where spectators are allowed so Then it began. Inflation fans began roaring and close to the balloons, and so I read very carefully about colored fabric started flapping and swelling up all around the do’s and don’ts of being a spectator. Here’s what I me in the pre-dawn light. The burners spewed flames mean: into the rising air bags and my head started to spin. I lost • Dress in layers, so you can peel them off as the morning track of Jerry and his daughters and began wandering progresses. That goes for the kids, too! aimlessly amidst the most incredible array of sights and • Bring lots of extra film. Everything they’ve told you sounds I had ever experienced. It was as though acres of about how many pictures you’ll take is true. the ground had come alive and the earth was breathing! • Always watch where you’re going. It’s easy to lose The constant drone of inflation fans, punctuated by track. countless ignited burners, seemed to bring life to these • Don’t smoke around the balloons. We all know propane giant creatures who kept rising all around, as if they were is flammable, but so is nylon. waking up in a gargantuan pumpkin patch! • Don’t help the pilot or crew unless you are asked – And to top the whole scene off, the sun dramatically directly. burst over the mountains and set the entire field on fire • Be extra courteous to pilots, their crews, and your with brilliant color and dancing shadows, as the first fellow spectators. There’s plenty of sky, but ground balloons began their ascent with delighted cheers from space is limited. Be a good neighbor. the crowd. King Kong-sized balloons, anchored to the • Have the time of your life. ground, swayed to and fro as they awaited their moment to launch. Their massive forms created shapes and The last thing Pat Murphy, a traveling accountant and shadows that made the sun-drenched balloons rising house painter, could have possibly imagined in 1984 was in the background even more striking in their contrast. that, six years later, he and his newly-formed company, Each launch was replaced by yet another inflation, and On the Road Productions, would for several years become each inflation by another launch. It was dizzying! the official video producer of the Balloon Fiesta. ® 166 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

OFFICIAL PROGRAM 167

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Balloon Fiesta® Navigators LET YOUR INNER COMPASS GUIDE YOU TO BE A BALLOON FIESTA® NAVIGATOR BY NAVIGATOR MANAGER, SAMANTHA GREENWALD ave you ever thought of how many position since the 1970s! Our Navigators come from all people it takes to put Balloon Fiesta on over the world, year after year, to build lasting friendships every year? and create a one of a kind guest experience. The full-time Balloon Fiesta staff To learn more about the full range of volunteer consists of just 19 people, so our 1200 opportunities, or to be a part of the action in 2023, Navigators are crucial to the success of please visit the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta H the world's premier ballooning event! website under the Volunteering tab. For questions, please During the event, all of our Navigators work in sync contact our Navigator Manager, Samantha Greenwald at to make the guest experience safe and spectacular. [email protected]. Navigators serve on more than 45 different teams and some of our Navigators have volunteered for their Above: Scoring Officials (Navigators) measuring a baggie drop. ® 168 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Balloon Fiesta is looking for upbeat, enthusiastic, caring people to join our team of Navigators! A Navigator is a person who directs, guides, or manages a traveler on their course. The word Navigator embodies the role our volunteers play for our guests, pilots, crew, even fellow Navigators and staﬀ , -- oﬀ ering guidance, showing them the way, and conﬁ dently leading them to everything they need to have an outstanding experience. Approximately 1,200 people have met the qualiﬁ cations to become Navigators by completing the application, being assigned to a Navigator team, and completing Navigator basic training in their ﬁ rst year. Navigators help before, during, and after the event. Navigators are critical to every area of operations, providing guest services, administrative services, balloon coordination and safety, set-up and logistics across approximately 45 diﬀ erent teams. Check out the Balloon Fiesta website to join us for year 51 October 7-15, 2023.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Abbott, Marjorie Bennett, Gary Caldwell, Allison Corio, Barb Downs, Jansen Garcia, Charles Hallstrom, Greg Jansen, Joni Abel, Douglas (Scott) Berger, Laura Caldwell, Kimberley Corio, Bob Drake, Marilyn Garcia, Connie Hallstrom, Katie Jaramillo, Dalia Abel, John Bergren, Sarah Caldwell, Trenten Cornejo, Gilda Draper, Steven Garcia, Deborah Hallstrom, Lori Jaramillo, Leon Abrams, Wendy Bergstrom, Tina Caldwell, Wanda Cortez, Rosie Dunavent, Duncan Garcia, Ernie Hancock, Nicole Jeﬀ erson, Connie Abruzzo, Nancy Bernal, Dodie Caldwell, Wess Cote, Barbara Dunn, Gerrold Garcia, Jim Hanley, Kathy Johnson, Cody Addis, Eric Best, Audrey Callison, Janna Courtney Bueno, Neida Dunn, Jennifer Garcia, Kathy Hanna, Marion Johnson, Kathryn Aguilar, James Best, Paul Cardenas, Alice Cousineau, Gregory Dunnum, Suzy Garcia, Lorraine Hannon, Keith Johnson, Nancy Ahern, James Biddison, Patricia Cardiel, Gina Cowan, Elizabeth Duran-Arias, Domenica Garcia, Mary Lynn Hanoumis, Terri Johnston, Karla Ahrens, Carlette Bietz, Tamara Carl, Pat Cowan, Robert Dyck, Ron Garcia, Mike Harden, Scott Johnston, Marshall Ahrens, Ryan Billson, Margaret Carrillo Jr, George Cowboy, Savanna Edelstein, Marv Garcia, Rosemary Harders, Dennis Jonard II, Alex Alexander, Jamey Blackaby, Gayle Carrillo, Albert Cox, Cheryl Edwards Witmer, Garcia, Sabrina Hardy, Selena Jonard, Monica Allen, James Blackaby, Sondra Carrillo, Geraldine Cox, Vernon Patricia Garcia, Triston Harkness, Inez Jones, Frank Allen, Jean Blake, Deborah Carter, Carroll Cramer, Linda Edwards, Diana Gardner, Michael Harmon, Francie Jones, Raymond Allison, JR Blauwkamp, Rol Caruso, Ayla Cramer, Roxanne Edwards, Michael Gardner, Teri Harris, Amy Jordan, Blake Alvarado, Yolanda Blea, Stephen Caruso, Dorreen Craner, Paullette Edwards, Tami Garman, Chris Harvey, Zachary Jordan, Janet Ambriz, Anthony Blech, Dusty Caruso, Louie Crawford, Christopher Einarsen, Suellen Gatterman, Melinda Hathoot, Patricia Jordan, Janie Ambriz, Sally Blech, Gay Casanova, Ettaline Creel, Margie Eldridge, Stacy Geck, William Hathoot, Steve Kaibetoney, Larry Anderson, Jeﬀ Bleich, Ruth Casanova, Gretta Cress, Dianne Elkins, Andee Gefeke, Beate Hawkins, Bree Kakde, Shriya Andrews, Linda Bobel, David Casaus, Lorenzo Criel, Bruce Elkins, Ralph Gefeke, Ruediger Hawkins, Taya Kaley, Judith Anello, Benjamin Bobel, Mina Castillo, Steven Criel, Laura Elliott-Snoeberger, Kim Gensinger, Darla Heacock-Reyes, Kamm, Sandra Anello, Clarissa Bockwoldt, Diane Caton, Doyle Criel, Todd Elrick, John Gensinger, Larry Andrea Kaniho, Peggy Anello, Sheryl Bockwoldt, Karl Cavenee, Noah Crocker, Matthew Engdahl, Donald Gessner, Fred Healy, Michelle Kautzer, Jane Aranda, Richard Bodette, David Cavner, Denise Crocker, Terri English, Celeste Gibbons, Veronica Heﬀ ron, Kathy Keating, Kayla Arballo, Vanessa Bodette, Susan Center, Mabel Irene Crossland, David English, Larry Gibson, Becky Heim, Dave Keaveny, Robert Arbuckle, Joel Bogdan, Edward Center, Randolph Cruickshank, Neﬃ tti Erickson, Jim Gibson, Linda Heim, Jackie Keene, Phyllis Arbuckle, Terri Bogdan, Joan Chambers, Joann Cruz, Diana Erickson, Keith Gibson, Steven Heinly, Calvin Keifenheim, Karen Arias, Christina Bond, Melissa Chambers, Julia Cruz, Jennifer Espinosa, Daniel Giersch, Ben Heinly, Mary Ellen Kelbe, Kim Arias, John Book, Charles Chandler, Michael Cuales, Alan Espinoza, Liz Giersch, Darrla Helak, Rita Kellerman, Natoria Arias, Santiago Borruel, Robert Chaplin, Ron Culley, Joseph Espinoza, MaryLaine Giersch, Denae Henderson, Don Kelly, Katherine Armijo, Maria Bottinelli, Kayla Chapman, Glenna Cummings, Martha Esquivel, Johnny Giersch, Jadyen Hengel, Michelle Kennedy, Tracy Armstrong, Julie Bouchier, Frank Chapman, Jack Curry, Barbara Evans, Linda Giersch, John Henkel, Carmen Kenworthy, Tiﬀ any Arndt, Steve Bouchier, Nance Chapman, Ruth Ann Curry, Visty Ewart, Tom Giersch, Kendra Henkel, Richard Kessler, Debra Arthur, Luanne Boyd, Charles 'Chuck' Chappell, Jeﬀ Czar, Jay Fehrenbacher, Michael Gillespie, Laura Hering, Susan Kessler, Dennis Artino, Gina Boyd, Susan Charles, Cheryl Dahms, Guy Fehrenbacher, Misty Gillespie, Stan Herrington, Raymond Kibler, Sara Asper, Amy Bracamonte, Susie Charles, Chuck Daily, Fred Felder, Josephine Gilligan, Mike Herson, Taylor Kinnard, Carl Atrey, Vedika Bradley, Fred Chavez, Aaron Dale, Ben Felder, Timothy Gilson, Diana Hessler, Amanda Kinnard, Susan Attridge Shemack, Bradley, Margaret Chavez, Chris Daniel, Doug Feltman Jr, Henry Guy Gladish, Jerry Hessler, Andrew Kinney, Charlotte Teresa Brammer, Leo Chavez, Lawrence Daniels, Kathleen Fennell, Kathy Glaspey, Kathleen Hessler, Brad Kirkwood, Jon Auble, Lorrie Brammer, Linda Chavez, Maria D'arco, Christine Fenske, David Glass, Steve Higgins, Brenda Kirkwood, Lyn Baca, Ana Bramson, Barbara Chavez, Nicholas David, Jack Fenzi-Richardson, Glassman, Elsa Hill, Alisa Kiser, Willie Back, Evalyn LaVerne Chavez, Ralph David, Margie Demetria Glenn, Janell Hill, Charles Klock, Jaron Bacoccini, Elizabeth Bramson, Mark Chavez, Tami Davis, Bob Ferro, Linda Glenn, MacKenzie Hill, Danielle Klock, Joshua Bacoccini, Kyle Branch, Doreen Cherniak, Gary Davis, Gram Finch, Deana Glenn, Richard Hill, Jacob Knowlton, Carol Baggett, William Brauer, Teri Choudhary, Amit Davis, Jeﬀ rey Fincher-Lucky, Glover, Catherine Hillard, Deb Knudsen, Sherilyn Bagley, James W Brechtel, Adam Sparks Chouinard, Ginger Davis, John Kimberly A Godfrey, James Hines, Catherine Kochicas, Denise Bailey, Ray Brennan, Bill Christopher, Tom Davis, Rachel Fischer, Donald Godfrey, Rebecca Hinton, Kelly Kohlasch, Jacquelin Bair, Carol Brennan, Jane Christophersen, Mary Davis, William Fischer, Jim Gonzales, Bernice Hirschl, Meta Komadina, M.D., Steve Bair, Ray Brennan, John Lou Davis, Zane Fisher, Orele Gonzales, Debbie Hockersmith, Jon Koreski, Marie Baker, Denise Brennan, Melissa Chubb, Dillan Dawson, Bruce Fleetwood, Karen Gonzales, Miquelina Hockersmith, Sherry Koreski, Paul Balestreri, Joe Brennan, Rita Chubb, Tiﬀ any Dawson, Jill Fleg, Anthony Gonzalez, Alfredo Hockey, Jacqueline Koroluk, Diana Balestri, Andrea Brewer, Mary Ann Chumley, Kenneth DeBlieux, Bill 'Bo' Fletcher, Alicia Gonzalez, Monica Holbrook, Dennis Koroluk, Walter Balestri, Joe Brittain, Cynthia Ciaramitaro, Becky DeBlieux, Karen Focke, William Gonzalez, Nancy Holbrook, Patricia Kosmakos, Lynn Balestri, Laina Brody, Anna Ciccarelli, David Deen Jr, Billy Foley, Dennise Goodwin, Harris Holley, James Krask, Elizabeth Balestri, Lucian Broemel, Mary Ciccarelli, Michael Degenhardt, Craig Foley, Mike Goodwin, Kimberly Holley, Nancy Krebs, Mary Balistreri, Joseph Brown, Dick Clark, Corby Degon, Carol Folgate, Leah Gorden, Garrick Holman, Cliﬀ Labarge, Susan Balkin, Harris Brown, Karen Clark, Roger Degon, Salvatore Forbes, Ethan Gorlaski, Chelsea Homan, Traci Ladd, David Ballengee, Joseph Brown, Tina Clay, Sarah DeGroat, Sheri Ford, Deztini Gorlaski, Matt Hooten, Samantha Ladd, Karen Ballenthin, John Brown, Yvonne Clements, Cameron Delle Donne, Denise Foss, Pamela Gough, Thomas House, Nancy LaFleur, Chris Ballenthin, Linda Brumbaugh, Beverly Clements, Katherine Delph, Daniel Foster, Denise Gradillas, Tony Howard, Lizabeth LaGrange, Catherine Ballenthin, Thomas Brumbaugh, Steven Clemons, Pradelia Demler, Edward Foster, Mark Graham, Jenni Howard, William LaGrange, David Balzarini, Angela Bruzek, Beverly Cloney, Kevin Demler, Grace Foxworthy, Eugene Gransbury, Theodore Howe, Joshua Lam, Sally Banta, Victor Bruzek, David Cobo, Lucia DeRosa, Arminda Foxworthy, Shelly Grant, Kay Hower, Katherine Lam, Wayne Bapst, Lisa Bryant, Belinda Cofer, Jaxson Desrosiers, Jim Foxx-Chavez, Erin Grathwol, Colleen Huang, Andy Lamb, Kathy Bapst, Rick Budde, Anthony Coﬃ ng, Steve Detorie, Deb Francis, Marcy Graves, Paula Huﬀ man, Crysol Langheim, Jerry Barker, Dean Budde, Katelyn Coleman, Stephen Dewart, Kyra Fredendall, Paul Greeno, Mark Hughes, Scott Larson, Linda Barry, Eva Buehler, Shannon Collins, David A Dewart, Mike Fredendall, Sue Griego, Penny Hughes, Shane LaRue, David Barry, Maggie Bueno, Thomas Collins, Linda Dewey, Judy Freebern, Kathleen Griego, Rodney Hughes, Shannon LaRue, Debbie Barry, William Bullock, Mark Conine, Rachel Dewey, Philip Freebern, Keith Griﬃ n, Sandra Hunt, Cindy Lattanza, Billie Bartholomew, Sara Bundy, Jeanette Conley, Barry Dill, Jeﬀ French, Kevin Griggs, Benjamin Huss, J. Law, Brenda Bates, Diane Bundy, Robert Conley, Kristi Dingmann, Joan Fricke, Barbara Groothuizen, John Hyde, Raymond Lawrence, Jeﬀ Bates, Mike Burd, Connie Conley, Tamara Dirks, Kristi Fulkerson, Ben Groothuizen, Monique Irwin, Brian Lawson, John Batt, Sherri Burd, John Conner, Kristin Ditz, William Fuller, Doug Grossetete, Ginger Isham, Anne Lawson, Teri Baxter, Marj Burney, Sarah Connor, Linda Dobler, Judy Furber, Brenda Gunderson, David Iverson, Daniel Layman, Andrew Baxter, Samantha Busam, Carol Cook, Pamela Domenici, Liliana Furber, Lawrence Gunderson, Kathleen Iverson, Richard Lee, Bet Baxter, Shannon Bush, Jennifer Coon, Kenneth Donahoo, Wendy Gabaldon, Herman Guthrie, Matt Jackson, Harold Lee, Jon Beamon, Carlos Bustamante, Elisa Coon, Kirby Doonan, Philip Gallagher, Doug Gutierrez, Michael Jackson, Neil Lefevre, Randy Beck, David Butts, Alan Cooper, Matthew Doonan, Stephen Galvan, Janice Guziel, Karen Jackson, Phyllis Leonard, Shawn Beck, Debbie Butts, Judy Cooper, Sarah Dore, Victoria Gamblin, Mike Haagsma, Edward Jacobs, Jacqueline Leshner, Helen Beck, John Buxton, Stanley Corbett, Trish Dow, A. Elizabeth Gamblin, Polly Haagsma, Teresa Jacobus, Christie Lete, Cheryl Beck, Patrick Byrd, Carol Corbin, Rex Dow, James Garber, Stuart Hall, Deb Jacobus, Jim Leung, David Benavidez, Amber Byrd, James Cordova, Bryan Dowling, Celina Garcia, Brianna Hallstrom, Anita James, Pete Levenson, Sandra ® 170 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Levenson, Sherman McClung, Glenda Morrow, Julie Price, Dana Romero, Ray Sibayan, Joy Thomas, Denis Wertz, Nancy Levine, Kathleen McClung, Shea Morton, Karen Price, Kelly Romero, Stephanie Silva, Anna L Thomas, Georgianna West, Deb Lewis, John McConaghy, Becca Moughan, Jeanie Prichard, Dale Rose, Kelly Silva, Barbara Thomas, Mike Wester, Rachel Lewis, Nancy McConaghy, Suzanne Moulton, Katherine Prichard, Susan K Rosenbaum, Henry Silva, Beverly Thomas, Molly Weston, Beckie Leyba, Dominic McConahy, Kyle Mulder, Gillian Pringle, Edith Rouse, Brent Silva, Eddie Thomas, Terri Weston, Erwin Liberti, Mike McConnell, M.D., Tom Mulder, Glendora Pringle, Rex Rouse, Robert Silva, Renay Thomason, Makahla Wethington, Linda Lilley, Carolyn McCoy, Danny Mulder, James Puettman, Linda Rowan, Christopher Simonis, Dave Thompson, Linda Wetsel, DeLynnda Lind, Ruth McCoy, Terry Mulder, Mackenzie Punyamurthula, Rushil Roybal, Janelle Simonis, Debra Thornton, Rickey Wetsel, Marlynnda Lipford, Linda McCurdy, Donald Mulder, Matthew Raﬀ erty, Faye Roybal, Vin Skarlupka, Michele Thurik, Michelle Whitaker, Doug Lipford, Robin McCurdy, Matthew Murphy, Beth Rager, William (Bill) Rudy-Baese, Patricia Skinner, Lia Tillery, Lynn A Whitaker, Patricia Lister, Deborah McDermott, Diane Murphy, Kelli Ramirez, Gabriela Ann Smith, Dee Timbreza, Linda White, Clayton Little, Bruce McDermott, Shelly Murray, Stephen Ramirez, Ricardo Runge, Sandra Smith, Karen Ann Tolar, Cindy White, John Llewellyn, Butch McGinnis, Shannon Myrick, Cathy Ramirez, Sheila Runyan, Cathy Smith, Robert K Tolar, Danny White, Leslie Llewellyn, Lawrence McGrath-Farmer, Cat Nail, Alton (Rusty) Ramirez-Castillo, Edgar Rush, Kirsten Snitker, Chad Tomasov, Susan White, Mary Jo Llewellyn, Michael McKenna, Lourdes Nakamura, Judy Ramponi, Victor Ruskie, Stasia Snitker, Geanie Torres, Richard Whiteman, Kimberly Llewellyn, Will McKinney, Martha Naranjo, Johnny Randolf, Ron Rutz, Diana Sorensen, Cheryll Torres, Rosemary Wiggins, Theresa Lockridge, Donna McKown, Lora Nason, Marilee Raskob, Chuck Rypma, Dave Sorensen, Russ Trabue, Dennis Lee Wilde, Joyce Long, Sigrid Christine Mclaughlin, Michael Neal, Tami Rathbun, Richard Rypma, Willy Spadafora, Thomas Trabue, Kate Wilkins, Mark Loos, Rhonda McMichael, Kathleen Newberry, Lesa Rausch, Sandra Sadler, Charles Spiger, RaeAnna Tracey, Charles Willbanks, Carolyn Lopez, Cindy McNally, Diane Noland, Alee Ravishankar, Tara Sadler, Linda Sponberg, JanaLee Trahan, Michael Williams, Kathleen Louviere, Cheryl Meadows, Christina Norris, Patti Rebarchik, Joseph Sala, Dolores St John, Briseis Traylor, Rebecca Wills, Rachel Louviere, Lonnie Medina, Barbara O'Connor, Dennis Reber, Cathy Salamon, Kathleen St John, Sharon Trujillo, Austin Wiltse, Christie Lovato JR, Phillip N Medina, Loretta Oczon, Arnel Reber, Stephen Salas, Yvonne St John, Trey Trujillo, Therese Wimpy, Halecia Lowrimore, Mike Medina, Naomi Odom, Caitlin Reed, Terra Salazar, Alisia Staelgraeve, David Tulenko, Carol Wimpy, Stephen Lucero, Bob Medina, Paris Oesterle, Shade Reese, Elizabeth Samuels, Linda Staelgraeve, Gina Tuley, Roberta Wine, Karen Lucero, Jack Medrano, Sarah Olave, Valeria Reetz, Larry Sanchez, Alex Stallworth, Tabitha Tuohey, Sherry Winn, Denise Luenenborg, Cathy Mejia, Mercedes Olewine, Anna Reid, Richard Sanchez, Amanda Stanford, Candice Turner, Renee Winn, Dylan Lujan, Judy Melgaard, David Oliveira, Xenia Reilly, Mary Sanchez, Debbie Statton, Carl Tvede, Cliﬀ Winn, Mark Lujan, Rachael Melgaard, Pam Olson, Brenda Renegar, Jeﬀ Sanchez, Janet Stengle, Chris Tzamaloukas, Rolinda Winn, Rachel Luke, Victoria Melvin, Jennifer Oranday, Melissa Resner, Vickey Sanchez, Jeﬀ rey Stengle, Sharon “Sam” Winsett, Judy Lum, Brenda Melvin, Scott Ortega, Autumn Retana, Alexander Sanchez, Linda Stevens, Hal Van Campen, John Winsett, Mike Luna, Jay Mercier, Andie Ortiz-Martinez, Reyes, Andre Sanchez, Rebecca Stevens, Tracy Van Campen, Susan Wise, Robert Luna, Tammy Merry, Lawrence Tamarra Reyes, Edith Sanchez, Samantha Stidham, Richard Van Winkle, Grant Wittmann, Catherine Luster, Roberta Metz, Monty Otero, Jordan Reyes, Pearl Sanchez, Virginia Stidham, Tammi VanHaverbeke, Mark Wittmann, Mark Luster, Victor Meyer, Cathy Owen, Deborah Reynolds, Barbara Sandberg, Caitlan Stone, Janette VanHaverbeke, Mary Wolf, Jennifer Lydick, Yvonne Meyer, Richard Pack, James Reynolds, Debbie Sandhu, Manpreet Stone, Orbin Vanzura, Erin Wood, Caroline Lyons, Ana Mezzancello, Frank Pack, Linda Reynolds, Kevin Sandoval, Michelle Storm, Diana Vargas, Andrea Wood, Cinda Lyons, Mike Mezzancello, Patricia Padilla, Brandi Reynolds, Lynda Sanford, Michelle Stringer, Debbie Vazquez, Samantha Wood, James Lyons, Nadine Michaelson, Dot Padilla, Chris Reynolds, Michael Sanidad, Eli Stringer, Randy Vazquez, Vanessa Wood, Philip Maes, Ted Michaelson, Marc Padilla, Michael Reynolds, Shylor Sanidad, Jay Strong, Angela Vella, Mark Wood, Stephanie Maestas-Wimpy, Mickelson, Holly Padilla, Parker Reynosa, Nancy Sanidad, Jose Strong, Nathan Veloz, Laural Woolcott, Jenifer Anthony Mickelson, Joe Pagliaro, Daniel Rheault, Paula Sanidad, Mahaya Stroup, Della Venable, Jeﬀ Wormington, Buck Maestas-Wimpy, Micker, Pam Palmer, Benjamin H Rhoads, Tina Sanidad, Norma Stucker, John Venable, Linda Wrhel, Janice Michael Middleton, Frances Palmer, Susan Rice, John Santa Maria, Madonna Stucker, Susan Vesely, Kimberley Wrons, Ralph Magnuson, Nels Miehls, Laura Panozzo, Denise Rice, Richard Saul, Jeﬀ Suazo, Maya Vigil-Cottrell, Nancy Yacisin, Margaret (Peg) Maharaj, Amethyst Miller, April Panozzo, Katrina Richards, Haley Scarlett, Susan Suhr, Beth Villarreal, Mary Ann Young, Glenn Maradiaga, Benjamin Miller, Cavell Panozzo, Lawrence Richards, Jay Schaefer, Karl Suhr, Tim Virgin, Laura Young, Leslie Marciszewski, Dawn Miller, Marsha Pantages, Beverly Richards, Rebecca Schick, Virginia Sullens, David Volker, David Young, Susan Marciszewski, Gary miller, mary Pape, Jay Richards, Ursula Schrader, Cyan Sullivan, Lynn Volna, StaceyJo Young, Ty Marciszewski, Scott Million, Carol Parks, Winna Richardson, Char-Lynn Schreurs, Cynthia Sullivan, Mark Volna, Tom Zajac, Brendan Marino, Jan Minch, Forrest Parmenter, Lydia Richardson, Luther Schroeder, George Sullivan, Maury Vonderheide, John Zamora, Jenifer Marsee, Erin Minch, Karen Pasternacki, Linda Richter, Jayla Schroeder, Jeanne Sutherland, Sarah Jean Vos, Michael Zamora, Loretta Marsee, Joe Miranda, Mairiene Pattyn, Katrina Riddle, Douglas Schroeder, Thomas Sutherland, Seth Vredeveld, Martha Zavakos, Petra Marsee, Reagan Miranda, Mike Pearson, Sarah Riggs, Summer Schrum, Nola Suttle, Denise Vredeveld, Walter Zavislak, Nancy Marsee, Zack Mock, Diane Peay, Aaron Rimac, Jürgen Schult, Geneva Suttle, James Wagner, Michael Zavislak, Paul Marsh, Christopher Mock, Larry Peck, Jill Ritchie, Pam Schulz, Daniel Suttle, Penny Wagstaﬀ , Berta Zentner, Jr., F. Larry Martel, Kenny Moeller, Jeﬀ Pena, Eric Ritchie, Steve Schwalier, Ruth Tabone, Rick Walker, Bill Zimmer, Jesse Martin, Thomas Moeller, Melodee Pennel, Dean Robbins, Frank Schwebach, Doug Tackett, Paul Walker, Birgit Zimmer, Rachel Martinez, Alice Moerch, Darrell Pennel, Sonya Roberts, Tara Scoby, Grant Tagart, Nicole Walker, Jim Zimmerman, Angelynn Martinez, Emma Moerch, Marta Penner, Gloria Robertson, Carol Scott, Ronni Talbert, Catherine Wallace, Karen Zimmerman, Corey Martinez, Felisha Moldovan, Lia Perea, Kat Robillard, Renee Scroggie, Jaquelyn Tanguistengo, Pamela Wallace, Xavier Zimmerman, Sierra Martinez, Francisco Molitor, Sheri Perea, Manny Robinson, Carol Season, Harry Tanner, Greg Walsh, Jack Zink, Michael Martinez, Ivy Monaghan, Daniel Perez Perez, Yamile Robinson, Jerry Sedall, Laurie Tanner, Laurye Walters, William Zink, Nancy Martinez, Izela Montana, Jan Perez, Jill Robinson, Paula Sedall, Paul Tanouye, Paul Wambold, Dylan Zubia, Isaac Martinez, Lawrence Montana, Jon Petersen, David Robinson, Richard Segura, Katherine Tapia, Denise Wambold, Lawrence Zucosky, Alex Martinez, Rose Montana, Ruben Petersen, Jane Rocha, Dorothy Segura, Saul Tapia, Reyna Wampler, Barbara Zucosky, L. Jane Martini, Cathy Montelongo, Brenda Petersen, Sheila Rockett, Randall Seib, Mike Taylor, Betty Jane Wanatee, Clyde & Thousands of Marynik, Ed Montez Jr., Jose Petersen, Wes Rodela, Alice Seigel, Judy Taylor, Bre Wang, Benjamin Chase Crew members Marynik, Fran Montgomery, Laura Phelps, Charles Rodela, Diana Selman, Al Taylor, Deborah Ward, Patrick Mason, Tricia Montoya, Cyndi Philcox, Nigel Rodela, Rudy Selman, Lori Taylor, Ginny Warner, Robert Massey, Lisa Moore, Brenna Phillips, Katrin Roderick, Elaine Sena, Antonette Taylor, Julie Waters, Larry Massey, Richard Moot, Donna Phillips, Ron Rodriguez, Guadalupe Sena, John Taylor, Kathy Waters, Renee Mata, Mina Moran, Michael Pientka, Deanna Rodriquez, Melanie Sena, Richard Taylor, Michael Watnik-Saul, Joy Mathena, Tara Moran, Norma Pienups, Boni Rogers - Alfa Sevier, Jeﬀ rey Taylor, Renanah Watson, Charles Mathews, Dave Morgan, Denise Pine, Emily Roadrunner, Tom Shaw, Adrienne Taylor, Robert Watson, Glenda Maxwell, Nancy Morgan, James Pollock, Sherri Rogers, Patricia Shaw, Brian Taylor, Scott Watts, Tunell May, Rod Morgenstern, Howard Pope, Rick Rogers, Sue Shemack, John Taylor, Valari Weber, Craig May, Steven Morgenstern, Judy Pope, Susan Rogers, Susan Shockley, Katie Teague, Debra Welz, Caryn McArdle, Christine Morrell Jr, Donald Porter, Shannon Roller, Lorie Shockley, Steve Teigeler, Edward Welz-Garassino, Sharon McCain, Phyllis Morrison, Blair Powell, Peggy Roller, Rachel Shoemaker, Russell Temeyer, Brad Werner, Jennifer McCarthy, Quinta Morrow, Don Prendergast, Linda Romanovska, Olga Shoemaker, Susan Tetreault, Al Werner, Phil OFFICIAL PROGRAM 171

Irresistibly teed-up. Download our free app, now with virtual reality. Get all the fairway action from this season’s greatest tournaments and athletes to watch, only in the Sports section.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS La Fiesta de Los Globos The Balloon Fiesta By Chelsea Valladeras Son las 4 de la mañana It is 4 in the morning Todos estan durmiendo Everyone is asleep Pero estás listo para ir a la fiesta del globo. But you’re up to go to the balloon fiesta El aire es fresco y frío. The air is fresh and cold Tan frío que no puedes sentir tu cara So cold you can’t feel your face Pero estás caliente de emoción But you are hot with excitement Y estás energizado y listo para ver los globos. And you are energized and ready to see the balloons Y luego los ves... And then you see them… Cientos de globos todos juntos Hundreds of balloons all together Todo empacado como sardinas All packed like sardines cada uno diferente Each one different Cada uno único y especial. Each one unique and special cada uno es una obra de arte Each one is a work of art El fuego de los globos ilumina el cielo oscuro. The fire from the balloons brightens the dark sky Los colores cobran vida bajo el fuego. The colors come to life under the fire A medida que el sol comienza a salir, As the sun begins to rise, También los globos So do the balloons Llenan el cielo azul como estrellas en la noche They fill the blue sky like stars at night Los colores vibrantes parecen confeti en el cielo. The vibrant colors look like confetti in the sky Flotan hasta que llegan tan lejos They float until they get so far away Hasta que se vuelven tan pequeños que casi desaparecen. Until they become so small they almost disappear Miras al cielo y no parece real You look at the sky and it doesn’t look real parece una pintura It looks like a painting parece una escena de una pelicula It looks like a scene from a movie Te sorprende la belleza de los globos. You are amazed at the beauty of the balloons es una experiencia fascinante It’s a fascinating experience una experiencia maravillosa A marvelous experience Una experiencia impresionante An impressive experience Y no quieres que termine And you don’t want it to end no quieres irte You don’t want to leave Solo esperas poder volver para experimentar You just hope that you can come back again to la magia una vez más. experience the magic one more time Grand Canyon University student Chelsea Valladeres’ annual trips to the Balloon Fiesta inspired her to write this poem for a Spanish class; it received an award from the university’s Spanish Department. Sadly, Chelsea lost her life earlier this year. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 173

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Balloon Faces of Balloon Fiesta By Tom McConnell Thousands of hot air balloons have ﬂ own in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® over the years, all beautiful, many unique and creative. But through the years, some became especial- ly identiﬁ ed with the event, as Balloon Fiesta historian Tom McConnell recounts YNT WN WN ON FL ONNELL O O T AL BR BR W McC OM O: DICK O: DICK O: BILL O: T T T T T PHO PHO PHO PHO The ﬁ rst balloon Sid Betsy Ross was taken to Roadrunner II ( 1979R) Also in mid-1973, another and Bill Cutter owned Phoenix by Bill Cutter in was the next balloon Sid iconic balloon appeared. was Betsy Ross, 1951R, the summer or fall of 1971, purchased (which we early This was Zia, patterned (later called Union Gas so Sid needed another balloonists called The Big after the New Mexico state by Maxie Anderson balloon. This became One or Sid’s 105). This ﬂ ag, a balloon owned and and Ben Abruzzo, who Roadrunner I (1954R) Raven Industries balloon ﬂ own by two students purchased it from Cutter and was the central became the next face of of Sid Cutter from the Aviation in 1972) which training balloon for the Balloon Fiesta. On the AAAA, Don Barz and Tom was purchased from Albuquerque Aerostat throat of the balloon Sid McConnell Raven Industries in April Ascension Association had written “Albuquerque 1971 for a party to be held (AAAA), the balloon International Coyote- in the Cutter Aviation club Sid created in 1972. Roadrunner Balloon hangar in Albuquerque. Roadrunner I became the Fiesta.” This was the 1973 This was a birthday party face of AAAA. Balloon Fiesta (the second for Sid and Bill’s Mom Balloon Fiesta, which Virginia Cutter, and also to thereafter was called the celebrate 42 years in the Albuquerque International aviation business. Betsy Balloon Fiesta) and First Ross became the ﬁ gure- World Hot-Air Balloon head balloon for what Championship race. later would be called the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. ® 174 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

OIS S JE ONNELL Y GHE SEL HU McC DEBER TT UL O OM KIM VE A C O: T O: O: P O: S T T T T PHO PHO PHO PHO In 1976, Sid introduced the In 1978, balloonists Bob Ruppenthal designed and Then, in 2021, the AIBF World Balloon, the ﬂ agship Darryl Gunter built an experimental balloon they called Director of Operations balloon of Sid Cutter’s Fiesta. This balloon was recently rebuilt using some of Sam Parks, came up with and Tom Rutherford’s the original components and has appeared at Balloon a new proposal: build a new ballooning Fiesta. Some years later, a group of AIBF Board members balloon at Balloon Fiesta corporation, World Balloon pooled their resources and built the ﬁ rst of a series of in nine days that would be Championships. Sid oﬃ cial AIBF balloons, also called Fiesta. These balloons the newest ﬁ gure-head went on to produce and became the face of AIBF for many years. balloon for AIBF. This ﬂ y ﬁ ve of these balloons, balloon, Fiesta Gold, was to promote his new and is intended to ﬂ y company. around the USA and the world to commemorate and to herald the coming of the 50th anniversary of Balloon Fiesta, which would occur in October 2022. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 175

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS The Chase Crew Don’t Leave Home Without Them! Reprinted from the 2007 Balloon Fiesta Program alloon ﬂ ight is a team sport. Pilots of very Being on a chase crew is one of the best ways to learn small balloons can sometimes unpack them, about ballooning. Most balloon pilots got their start in inﬂ ate them, ﬂ y them, pack them up, and ballooning on chase crews. But more than that, being get back to the launch site by hitching a ride, a balloon crew member is like being part of a family. but even with small balloons the job is easier Friendships among pilots and crew members often with help. With larger balloons, help is pretty outlast their involvement in ballooning and are one of the B much a necessity. The people who help are called the most special parts of the ballooning experience. chase crew, because one of their functions is to “chase” the balloon when it is in ﬂ ight. What does a crew do? Hundreds of people volunteer to crew for pilots at the Hot-air balloons are inﬂ ated while lying on their sides. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® through the The pilot and crew lay the basket on its side and connect Balloon Fiesta’s Web site, oﬃ ce, and on-ﬁ eld chase crew the burner and envelope to the basket. They then use a booth. The actual number of crew members is much large fan to blow air into the throat of the balloon, ﬁ lling higher, because most pilots in the Albuquerque area it with cold air. Two crew members hold the throat of the already have a large local chase crew and many out-of- balloon open and a third tends the fan. town pilots bring some of their regular crew members When the envelope is full of cold air, the pilot turns on with them. the burner and begins to add heat. As the temperature of the air in the envelope gets hot enough, the envelope will rise to an upright position, pulling the basket upright with it. A crew member at the top of the balloon uses a long rope, called a crownline, to control the rate at which the envelope swings upright. Once the balloon launches, the ground crew becomes the “chase crew.” Balloons use winds blowing in diﬀ erent directions at diﬀ erent altitudes to “steer.” Most of the time, the wind direction doesn’t allow the pilot to land the balloon where it took oﬀ . So the crew “chases” the balloon, trying to anticipate where the pilot will land so they can be there to contact landowners if necessary and to assist with the landing. Of course, the pilot can land and deﬂ ate the balloon without help if the crew is unable to get to the without help if the crew is unable to get to the Y pilot in time. The crew then helps the pilot to pilot in time. The crew then helps the pilot to SEL KIM VE O: Left: Pilot Barbara Fricke uses the burner to put heat T into the envelope as crew member Sue Palmer keeps the PHO fabric away from the burner. ® 176 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

A ANT B OR T O: VIC T PHO A ANT B OR T O: VIC T PHO Top: This chase team is ready to “weigh off” the balloon when given the launch director’s “thumbs up.” Above: Packing the balloon at the end of the flight. Right: On the chase! pack the balloon back in its bag and load the equipment back in the trailer or on the chase truck. The Balloon Fiesta recruits crew for pilots throughout the event, and those interested can come to the chase crew booth at the south end of Balloon Fiesta Park. YY Balloonists fly year-round in Albuquerque and often SELSEL can use extra help. One way people can learn about ballooning and crewing is through the local balloon club, KIM VEKIM VE OIS O: O: JE the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Ascension (AAAA) TT at hotairballooning.org. PHOPHO DEBER UL A O: P T PHO OFFICIAL PROGRAM 177

Celebrate Balloon Fiesta ... All Year Long 50 Years of Balloon Magic A very special commemorative book celebrating the 50th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. e magic of Albuquerque’s aeronautical legacy springs from 224 pages – a testament to a city in love with balloons. And ﬂ oating oﬀ the pages are 305 spectacular photos – a kaleidoscope of color, an armada of vibrant nylon, punctuated by a sprinkling of upli ing prose. Published by Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. Hardcover $49.95. Available at the Balloon Fiesta Oﬃ ce, online at www.balloonﬁ estastuﬀ .com, merchandise tents during the Fiesta, and at select stores near you. Celebrate Balloon ® Fiesta ... All Year Long New Children’s book by award-winning author/arti st Ross Van Dusen At oﬃ cial merchandise tents during Balloon Fiesta®, Award-Winner Balloon Fiesta Gi Shop, and at select stores near you. 2022 NM-AZ Book Awards www.BalloonFiestaStuﬀ .com or 505/269-8324

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS The 25th America’s Challenge OFFICIAL PROGRAM 179

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 25th America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race Participants HOMER Andy Cayton, United States Krzysztof Zapart, Poland FOXTROT CHARLIE Peter Cuneo, United States Barbara Fricke, United States INTREPID Brian Duncan, United States Brenda Cowlishaw. United States WARSTEINER Wilhelm Eimers, Germany Sebastian Eimers, Germany ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 180

SAILER Max Michels, Germany Andreas Michels, Germany MARIE MARVINGT Benoît Pelard, France Benoît Péterlé, France WARSTEINER Mark Sullivan, United States Cheri White. United States SKYLINE LUFTFAHRT Wuzi Wagner, Austria Stefanie Liller, Germany ZURICH Balthasar Wicki, Switzerland Benni Eimers, Germany OFFICIAL PROGRAM 181

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Gas Committee/America’s Challenge Oﬃ cials Chair, AIBF Gas Balloon Committee ......................Mark Sullivan Command Center Director ....................................Ruth Lind AIBF Director of Operations ...................................Sam Parks Command Center Staff ..........................................Ben Anello America’s Challenge Event Director .....................Sam Parks ..........................................Jon Ashworth Assistant Director ..................................................John Petrehn ..........................................Jeff Davis Launch Master .......................................................Tomas Hora ..........................................Guy Feltman Safety Ofﬁ cers/Ground Testing ..............................Wally Book ..........................................Richard Iverson ..............................Chuck Raskob ..........................................Chris LaFleur Safety Ofﬁ cers .......................................................Roger Clark ..........................................Carolyn Lilley .......................................................Mike Garcia ..........................................Cliff Tvede Meteorologists ......................................................Randy Lefevre Scoring Ofﬁ cer ......................................................Jim Byrd ......................................................Brad Temeyer Jury President .......................................................Andy Baird Tracking Equipment ...............................................Marc Andre Jury Members .......................................................Ken Draughn ...............................................Harris Goodwin .......................................................Tarp Head Media Liaison ........................................................Kim Vesely Field Preparation ...................................................Damian Duran-Arias Hospitality .............................................................Dodie Bernal America’s Challenge Winners Y YEEAAR R PPIILLOOT T CCOO--PPIILLOOT T CCOOUUNNTTRRYY DIDISSTTAANCNCEE DIDISSTTAANCNCEE D DUURRAATTIIOONN KM MILES HOURS America’s 1995 Richard Abruzzo David Melton USA 2241.9 1393 60.2 Challenge 1996 David Levin Alan Levin USA 706.6 439.1 38.1 1997 Richard Abruzzo Jacob Traub USA 1465.3 910.5 45.7 Records 1998 Troy Bradley Tami Stevenson-Bradley USA 2234.9 1388.8 58.8 1999 Race not held 2000 David Levin Alan Levin USA 3215.5 1998.1 64.1 DISTANCE: 2001 Peter Cuneo Barbara Fricke USA 2095.6 1302.2 58.4 Nicolas Tièche and Laurent Sciboz, 2002 Richard Abruzzo Gary Johnson USA 2797.08 1738.11 43.13 Switzerland, 3670.76 km /2275.87 miles (2017) 2003 Richard Abruzzo Carol Rymer Davis USA 1787.72 1110.89 63.23 2004 Richard Abruzzo Gary Johnson USA 984.23 611.6 35.97 DURATION: 2005 Janet Folkes Bill Arras UK / USA 2407.28 1495.81 46.14 David Hempelman-Adams and Jonathan 2006 Andy Cayton Kevin Knapp USA 2380.99 1479.48 60.45 Mason, UK, 71 hours, 31 minutes (2011) 2007 Andy Cayton Stuart Enloe USA 1698.21 1052.89 61.5 2008 Mark Sullivan Cheri White USA 1419.76 880.25 68.58 MULTIPLE WINNERS: 2009 Race cancelled due to high winds Richard Abruzzo: ﬁ ve wins: 1995 with David 2010 Barbara Fricke Peter Cuneo USA 2175.86 1349.03 58.16 Melton, 1997 with Jacob Traub, 2002 and 2004 with Gary Johnson, 2003 with Carol 2011 David Hempleman-Adams Jonathan Mason UK 1538.66 953.97 71.51 Rymer Davis 2012 Mark Sullivan Cheri White USA 2623.33 1626.46 62.3 Peter Cuneo and Barbara Fricke: four wins 2013 Peter Cuneo Barbara Fricke USA 2299.79 1425.87 60.4 (2001, 2010, 2013, 2016) 2014 Anulfo González Angel Aguirre Spain 1914.3 1186.87 53.33 Andy Cayton: three wins: (2006, 2007, 2019) 2015 Race cancelled due to weather conditions David Levin and Alan Levin: two wins (1996 2016 Peter Cuneo Barbara Fricke USA 1394.96 864.88 54.65 and 2000) 2017 Nicolas Tièche Laurent Sciboz Switzerland 3670.76 2275.87 59.32 2018 No event Mark Sullivan and Cheri White: two wins 2019 Andy Cayton Krzysztof Zapart USA/Poland 2598.61 1611.14 58.20 (2008 and 2012) 2020 Race not held due to the pandemic 2021 Noah Forden Bert Padelt USA 573.25 356.20 36.33 ® 182 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

MAKING AN indelible contribution to the game isn’t easy. It’s not simply delivering scores or stories or sensationalism. It’s achieved only by being a trusted authority and a tireless champion of the game. It’s having a decades-long narrative underscored by quality, credibility and, above all else, authenticity. Anybody can have a story, but Golfweek has a legacy. And it’s one that we continue to write every day. AUTHENTICITY is our legacy. What will yours be? #MyGolfLegacy

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS The Making of the America's Challenge BY MARK SULLIVAN The world’s gas balloonists have two opportunities each year to “go the distance” in gas ballooning competition in large part because American competitor Mark Sullivan saw the potential for hold- ing an annual race in the United States. He has competed in more gas balloon distance competi- tions than any balloonist in history (46 so far). With his ﬂ ying partner Cheri White, he is a two-time America’s Challenge champion and has ﬁ nished as high as second in the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the gas ballooning world distance championships. Mark has competed in more gas balloon distance competitions than any balloonist in history (46 so far). With his ﬂ ying partner Cheri White, Mark is a two-time America’s Challenge champion and has ﬁ nished as high as second in the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the gas ballooning world distance championships. Learn more about Mark on the America’s Challenge page on the Balloon Fiesta website. In the mid-1980s, gas ballooning at events in the helium today it would cost $15,000.00 and hydrogen United States was much diﬀ erent than what we see at now costs $3,500.00 per ﬁ ll. the America’s Challenge. Gas balloon races around the Up until hydrogen was introduced as a lifting gas at country always consisted of races to a target, which the 2000 America’s Challenge, helium was the gas used could be intersections of two roads, or runways of minor in all gas balloon competitions in the United States. In airports that pilots had to navigate to. Pilots who scored Europe, balloonists have used hydrogen for decades. the highest would qualify for the World Gas Balloon If you go back to the very early Gordon Bennett races Championship and the Gordon Bennett. starting in 1906, they used coal gas. Most gas competitions were short races compared to To justify my expensive hobby, I always divided the the huge distances ﬂ own at America’s Challenge and the hours ﬂ own by the cost of the ﬂ ight. So if you ﬂ ew long modern Gordon Bennett. Most ﬂ ights would take oﬀ in enough the cost would work out about the same per the afternoon and the balloons would land the next day. hour as a hot air ﬂ ight. Anyway, this thought process I never liked deﬂ ating after such short ﬂ ights, especially helped ease the painfully high cost of ﬂ ying gas balloons! when a “ﬁ ll” of helium cost around $1,500.00 or about The modern Gordon Bennett started back up in $4,000.00 in today’s dollars. If you could get a ﬁ ll of 1983, and from 1983 through 1994 only 28 ﬂ ights went Opposite:Teams prepare to race to a target in the ﬁ rst gas ballooning competition held at Balloon Fiesta (1981) ® 184 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

YNT ON FL T AL W O: BILL T PHO OFFICIAL PROGRAM 185

Left: Mark Sullivan and flying partner Cheri White, ready to launch in the 2013 America’s Challenge. Below: The America’s Challenge is go for launch (2019). Balloon Championship in 1994. So, our new event to prove Albuquerque was the place to “Go the Distance” would have to wait one more year. Since the America’s Challenge started in 1995, pilots flying in our event have achieved the majority of distance Y flights recognized by the FAI Ballooning Commission SEL statistics on Notable Flights. The longest flight ever achieved in a Gordon Bennett race since the event KIM VE started in 1906 was flown out of Albuquerque by Bob O: T Berben and BenoÎt Siméons of Belgium for a distance of PHO 3400 km (2,112 miles) to Squatec, Quebec, Canada. The longest flight in the America’s Challenge was by Nicolas Tièche and Laurent Sciboz of Switzerland for a distance through a second night. Half of Europe was behind the of 3670 km (2,280 miles), with a landing near Labrador Iron Curtain, and even when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 City, Labrador. getting into some of these countries was not easy. Pilots who have flown out of Albuquerque in the The American team of David Levin and James America’s Challenge and the four Gordon Bennetts we Herschend won the Gordon Bennett in 1992. This gave organized have flown a staggering 97 two night flights, the United States the right to host the Gordon Bennett 43 three night flights and 4 four night flights. in 1993. I talked the Balloon Fiesta Board into submitting This will be our 25th America’s Challenge Gas a bid to the Balloon Federation of America to host the Balloon Race this year. There have been so many great event. I was selected as the Gordon Bennett Event adventures and stories over the years. I am very proud Director and was placed in charge of organizing it. This to have been part of such a successful Balloon Fiesta was the first time the United States had hosted a Gordon event. Bennett since 1933, when the race was held in Chicago Il. Since 1993, the Gordon Bennett has launched at the Balloon Fiesta three times, in 1999, 2005, and 2008. Twenty balloons from nine countries entered the 1993 Albuquerque Gordon Bennett race. Josef Starkbaum and Rainer Rohsler from Austria won the event with a distance of 1832 km (1,138 miles). This was Starkbaum’s sixth Gordon Bennett victory and his longest gas balloon flight. Josef’s three-night flight is what convinced me that Albuquerque was the place to fly distance in gas balloons and is why the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race was started. I was very pleased the Balloon Fiesta Board A ANT unanimously supported my B idea of holding the America’s OR T Challenge starting in 1995. We had already been granted an FAI O: VIC T (World Air Federation) sanction PHO to host the Eighth World Gas ® 186 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Epic Flights for the Record Books BY MARK SULLIVAN n a hot August Double Eagle II transatlantic ﬂ ight only weekend morning in enhanced Albuquerque’s reputation 1978, a small plane as ballooning’s Mecca. In a world landed at Albuquerque starved for good news, the arrival of International Airport. the balloon and its pilots, Ben Abruzzo, An enthusiastic posse Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman, O of friends and family and a phalanx of in France was the lead story on all the reporters stood on the tarmac – you national newscasts and made the covers could do that back then -- ready to greet of the major news magazines. Their Sid Cutter, the newly-crowned National Albuquerque connection didn’t escape Hot Air Balloon Champion. notice. For their coverage, one of the TV At the same moment, three stations tracked down Sid Cutter and his businessmen from Albuquerque huddled colleague, the world hot-air champion in a homebuilt ﬁ berglass gondola Paul Woessner, at the airport. Sid’s underneath a gigantic silver and black comment? “Maybe they’ll ﬁ gure out gas balloon. In just a few days, they would that New Mexico is actually in the Union.” make history and become international Abruzzo and Anderson – ﬂ ying heroes, the ﬁ rst pilots to successfully together and separately – are still two cross the Atlantic Ocean by balloon, setting several world of the most renowned of Albuquerque’s great ballooning records in the process. Their attempt succeeded where adventurers. They almost died in an epic storm during more than a dozen had failed, with ﬁ ve people dying in their ﬁ rst attempt to cross the Atlantic, in 1977, before the attempt. ﬁ nally making it to Europe the next year. Both went It was one of the headiest, most historic weeks in on to achieve other great ﬁ rsts: Anderson, with his son the history of ballooning, and Albuquerque was right Kris, completed the ﬁ rst non-stop transcontinental at the center of it. The Albuquerque International balloon ﬂ ight, and Abruzzo, with Newman, Ron Clark, Balloon Fiesta –only in its seventh year – even then was and Rocky Aoki, were the ﬁ rst persons to cross the the town square of world ballooning, getting national Paciﬁ c by balloon. Anderson made the ﬁ rst serious media coverage and attracting tens of thousands of attempts to ﬂ y non-stop around the world, but the visitors each year. No wonder the Duke City was rapidly technology at the time was not far enough advanced to becoming known as the “Balloon Capital of the World.” support his ambition and dreams. Both Anderson and The media frenzy surrounding the success of the Abruzzo were to die in separate aviation accidents in Above:Double Eagle II over the Atlantic. Photo courtesy of the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum ® 188 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Y SEL KIM VE O: T PHO the 1980s; their legacy lives On January 24, 2015 on in the Anderson Abruzzo (January 25 in Japan), Albuquerque International Albuquerque’s Troy Bradley Balloon Museum. and Russian Leonid Other Albuquerque pilots Tiukhtyaev launched their were setting records of their Y 350,000 cu. ft (10,000 own. Richard Abruzzo and cubic meter) balloon, Two ADLE Troy Bradley are among BR Eagles, at Saga, Japan. those holding multiple world AMI After travelling 6,646 miles records for distance and O: T (10,696 km) in six days duration in various types of T and 16 hours, exhausted balloons. As far back as 1977, PHO and triumphant, they Sue Hazlett ﬂ ew to 28,258 landed just oﬀ the coast of ft (8,613 m) to establish a Baja California, near Las women’s altitude record. This was bested, about two Pozas. Their ﬂ ight established new absolute distance and years later, by the late Carol Rymer Davis, who for many duration records for straight gas balloons. years held the absolute women’s hot air balloon altitude What motivates these ballooning over-achievers – the record at 31,500 feet (9,601m), and at one time record-setters, the teams who span oceans and held all three records — altitude, distance, and continents, the Gordon Bennett and America’s duration — for 42,000 cu. ft. hot air balloons. Challenge champions – to pursue these dreams? Arguably the most decorated female balloonist Bradley and Tiukhtyaev, like many others, talked of all time, Davis is the only woman to date to about the desire to test their capabilities and to win (with Richard Abruzzo) the world’s oldest push themselves farther than they or any other air race, the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett. person has gone before. Most cite the satisfaction of person has gone before. Most cite the satisfaction of She was also the recipient of several prizes awarded carefully planning their ﬂ ights, and of bringing together She was also the recipient of several prizes awarded carefully planning their ﬂ ights, and of bringing together for performance in any form of aviation (not just the best teams in the world to achieve their goals. And the best teams in the world to achieve their goals. And ballooning). there are other, more personal motivations. Carol Davis, The tradition of spanning oceans and setting records who like many balloonists had a fear of heights, said she continued into the 21st century with the Two Eagles wanted to learn about ﬂ ying high. And then she added, trans-Paciﬁ c crossing from Japan to Baja California. “and to be in a record book with Lindbergh.” YNT ON FL Top left: Abruzzo and Anderson snatching a nap late in the Double Eagle II ﬂ ight. Photo courtesy of the Anderson T AL Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Top right: Carol Rymer Davis (right) at the 2007 America’s W Challenge. Center: Two Eagles pilots Troy Bradley and Leonid Tiukhtyaev O: BILL T PHO OFFICIAL PROGRAM 189

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Early Fiesta Gas Ballooning BY JOHN C. DAVIS, IV, CHAIRMAN, AIBF HERITAGE COMMITTEE Reprinted from the 2004 Balloon Fiesta program he Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is known principally as a hot air balloon event. However, in recent years its long-distance gas balloon races have gained growing fame, prestige, and popularity. Although the first America’s Challenge distance race for gas balloons wasn’t held until 1995, gas balloon races and exhibitions have been Ta part of the Balloon Fiesta almost since its beginning. PHO T The first Balloon Fiesta gas flight was made in the O: BILL event’s second year, in 1973, at the end of the First World Championships. Ed Yost, the Clerk of the Course for the W AL Championships (the rough equivalent of Balloonmeister), T made a gas balloon flight on the final Sunday. Ed had ON FL brought a polyethylene balloon with him and offered rides YNT to six other people for $1,000 apiece. After a flight from the State Fairgrounds – at that time, the Balloon Fiesta’s launch site -- the balloon was cut up into pieces and sold to the spectators for $ .50 each. In 1975, during the Second World Championships, German aeronaut “Jo Jo” Maes flew a gas balloon from the Simms Field launch site. After that, the Balloon Fiesta took a break from gas ballooning until October of 1981. With a resurgence of gas balloon flying in the US, the Balloon Fiesta decided to sponsor a gas balloon race that would be part of the BFA National Championship Series. The competition, a Hare and Hound, was scheduled to take off on Tuesday, 6 October, but was delayed by weather until Wednesday. That afternoon 16 balloons followed the Hare balloon, Dame Blanche, piloted by Event Director John Davis, Carol Rymer Davis and ABOVE: “Jo Jo” Maes takes off from Simms Field in 1975, the Balloon Fiesta’s second gas balloon flight. Opposite: The first gas balloon competition at Balloon Fiesta, in 1981. ® 190 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL YNT OFFICIAL PROGRAM 191

Y SEL KIM VE O: T PHO Above: Carol Davis, center, consults with her crew chief, Fran Tschida (on the left) during inflation; article author John Davis is in white behind Fran. Right: Preparing the netted gas balloons that predominat- ed in the 1980s for launch required a large crew and was a lengthy, physically demanding process. Scoring Officer Nick Saum. The goal of the competition was to land as close to the Hare balloon as possible. After a fourteen-hour flight, the Hare landed near Ulysses, Kansas. The winning balloon Chicago, piloted by Dean Stellas and John Rippinger, landed seven miles away. The landings were interesting, and there was some excitement during the takeoff when the balloon flown by Maxie Anderson and Don Ida tried to fly through the balloon of Herb Wilcox and Fred Hyde. No harm was done and both balloons were able to fly. 1982’s race, again a BFA sanctioned event, allowed the pilots to pick one of four targets: Clayton and Glen Rio in New Mexico and Littlefield and Amarillo in Texas. There were only eleven balloons entered because the Fiesta immediately followed the Gas World Championships which had been held in Switzerland. The race ended with the teams of Herb Wilcox and Fred Hyde, and John Shoecraft and Fred Gorrell, tied for first. Both balloons landed 2.3 miles from the Clayton Airport. Of note was the last place flight of Nikki Caplan and Jane Buckles who landed in Iowa, claiming a World Record for Distance. ® 192 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL YNT Above: This photo shows the contrast between the traditional netted balloons and Dame Blanche, one of the earliest of the “quick fill” balloons that now predominate in America. With four U.S. balloons in Zurich competing in the The 1983 event was again a part of the BFA National Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the world’s Championship Series. This race consisted of a Race oldest air race, the 1984 race had only three entries. to a Line and a Race to a Point. The lines were state The BFA task for the balloons was a Judge Declared boundaries and the points were towns on or very near Goal. After a delay because officials were worried that these lines. Fourteen balloons took off on Sunday, 3 the balloons might fly into White Sands Missile Range, October, from Cutter Field and landed in New Mexico, the balloons took off on Monday, 8 October. The winner Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The winner was John was the team of Jim Schiller and Randy Woods, with a Shoecraft who landed in Texola, OK. landing near Borger, TX. Weather became the chief feature of the 1985 race. The five balloons were to compete in the now PHO familiar Race to a Line and Race to a Goal. Shortly after T O: BILL takeoff they all encountered snow which added to the complexity of the flight. There were some interesting W landings including one on the side of Pecos Baldy AL northeast of Santa Fe. There were no injuries, but some T ON FL pilots came back with great stories. The winner was the YNT late Fred Hyde, with a landing near Elliott, KS. Weather again played havoc with the 1986 race. By the time the race took place on Tuesday morning the entry list was down to five balloons who were to compete in a Multiple Judge Declared Goal and Distance event. The winners were Jaques Soukup and Mark Sullivan with a flight to Galisteo, NM. The seventh and last of the early Balloon Fiesta Gas Balloon Races took place on 8 October, 1987. Again, the Gordon Bennett, scheduled at the same time in Austria, siphoned off many potential competitors. Only one balloon flew, and George Hahn was awarded 3rd place for that flight. With the rising expense of flying gas balloons and no sponsor in sight, the Balloon Fiesta Board of Directors decided to discontinue the annual Gas Balloon Race. It would not be until the 1990s that gas ballooning returned to the Balloon Fiesta. In 1993, Albuquerque and Balloon Fiesta played host to the Gordon Bennett (it would do so again in 1999, 2005, and 2008), and in 1994 to the World Gas Balloon Championships. The success of these events inspired the creation of the Balloon Fiesta’s own gas balloon distance race — the America’s Challenge. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 193

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS HOW A GAS BALLOON WORKS By Kim Vesely Adapted from the 2007 Balloon Fiesta program he gas balloons used in the America’s Challenge are in some ways similar to, and in others very different from, the hot air balloons spectators see during most of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. TLike hot air balloons, gas balloons have an envelope, or gas cell, to hold the lifting gas that keeps the balloon aloft. The balloon also has a basket or gondola which holds the passengers and everything they need to navigate and survive for two or three days aloft. The basket is most frequently made of wicker, but in order to save weight some teams build lightweight baskets using aluminum or composite frames and fabric panels. Distance gas ballooning is a sport where every ounce can make a difference in how long and far the balloon flies. For lift, gas balloons use hydrogen, helium or other Above: Four-time champion Peter Cuneo launches in the gases that are lighter than ambient air in their natural, 2017 America’s Challenge. Note the maneuvering and de- unheated state. Almost all gas balloons today use flation lines attached to the load ring, the sandbags (blue) hydrogen, as helium has become prohibitively scarce and and gear tied to the side of the basket, and the trail rope expensive. The balloon systems are conductive in order used during landing. Photo by Missi Leonard. to disperse any static electricity that might develop and spark a fire. Gas balloon envelopes are made of non-porous balloons by going up and down to find winds going in materials to keep the loss of gas to a minimum. The the direction they want to go. But in gas balloons, teams balloon is attached to a circular load ring via a series of must fly several days with only the resources they launch ropes or cords, or on some models load tapes that are with – they can’t land at the nearest 7-11 for gas, snacks, similar to those found on hot-air balloons. The envelope and bathroom breaks! So they use the natural heating and load ring are then attached to the basket by a series and cooling cycles that occur every day to maneuver. of ropes and toggles or carabiners. In the morning, when the sun comes up, it heats Just as with any type of balloon, pilots “steer” gas the gas inside the balloon. As the gas gets warmer it ® 194 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHOTO BY PAUL DEBERJEOIS top of the envelope: small amounts for maneuvering to lose altitude, or large amounts to deflate the balloon at the end of the flight. Pilots open the valve by pulling on a rope or line that extends into the basket. Some gas balloons also have separate deflation ports that are opened at the end of the flight to deflate the balloon more quickly. But teams try to keep ballasting sand and releasing gas to a minimum. Gas and sand are a gas balloon’s “fuel,” and the teams that can most effectively conserve both can fly longer and -- usually – farther in order to win the race. As they fly across the country, the balloonists must maintain contact with air traffic controllers in the areas they cross. They carry transponders, radios, night lighting, and other instrumentation, as well as GPS- based trackers that transmit position data to the race Command Center. This data is linked to the Balloon Fiesta Web site and the YB Tracking app so spectators can track the progress of the race. Since gas flights often cover hundreds or even thousands of miles, getting timely, accurate weather data is not only crucial, it can be a matter of safety and survival. Pilots get weather data through the usual aviation flight service channels, but almost all also employ meteorologists who provide advice about weather and race strategy. A handful of meteorologists around the world specialize in forecasting trajectories for long-distance scientific and manned balloon flights and are valued members of the race teams. Some teams also have their own team “command centers,” with specialists who analyze weather and data, advise the pilots on strategy, and support the team’s chase crew. Finally, the balloons must carry everything the pilots Above: Mark Sullivan and Cheri White enroute to victory in need for their safety and comfort during a flight that can the 2012 America’s Challenge. last 60 hours or more. This includes food, (though most pilots say they don’t tend to eat much while aloft), water, layered clothing including heavy jackets and parkas, expands, and the balloon gains altitude – and the pilots, music, reading material for those rare moments when who’ve been shivering all night in the cold, are thrilled they aren’t busy, maps and logbooks, and – you were that they can warm up. A free ride to altitude, the waiting for this, weren’t you? – a porta-pottie or some warmth of the sun – life is good! equivalent. However, as the sun sets and the gas cools and When it is time to land, the pilot deploys a “trail rope” contracts, the balloon loses altitude. The pilots must – a long, heavy rope that “trails” on the ground. The rope then compensate for the loss of lift by getting rid of acts as a form of retractable ballast and also helps to weight to make the balloon lighter. To facilitate this, the slow the balloon on landing. balloon carries disposable weight, or “ballast,” that can Gas ballooning in a race like the America’s Challenge be tossed overboard (over open areas) specifically for is an endeavor for the skilled and adventurous. Sitting this purpose. The most common form of ballast is sand, aloft in a balloon for two or three days is not for everyone carried on the side of the basket in bags. Teams also and can be, as the saying goes, hours of relative boredom carry jugs of water that double as ballast and drinking punctuated by moments of sheer terror. That said, gas water. But in critical situations where pilots have to get balloonists tell of wonderful days and evenings aloft, rid of weight in a hurry, anything in the basket that has cruising in silence except for the sounds wafting upward weight can be used as ballast – equipment, clothes, food. from the earth. They see America in a way few people When Blanchard and Jeffries made the first crossing of can – from a slow-moving platform suspended over an the English Channel by gas balloon in the late 1700s, they ever-changing landscape. It is a truly unique and special famously landed in their underwear. experience undertaken by a unique and special breed of The pilots can also make the balloon descend by balloonist: the America’s Challenge competitor. releasing gas from the balloon through a valve at the OFFICIAL PROGRAM 195

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Perspectives from the America’s Challenge ® 196 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

rom the very first time they let go of the string attached to a party balloon, children imagine what it would be like to soar aloft with it. Balloonists probably come closer than anyone else to being able to answer that question. And gas balloon pilots, who F see the vastness of the world slowly unfold below them mile after mile, hour after hour, may know best of all. Perhaps this is the fascination of the America’s Challenge. What is it like to live for days suspended thousands of feet above the ground in a basket the size of a broom closet? What do the teams see, hear, and experience? Why do they do it? And why is it worth it? It turns out that flying the America’s Challenge is as much about the journey as the result. The extraordinary ordinary people who test their skills and endurance in trying to achieve the greatest distance savor the friendships they’ve made, the people they meet, the challenge of competition and surviving aloft, and above all, the small moments – the sunrises and sunsets, a coyote’s howl, the vast panorama passing below, the billions of stars visible in the night sky. What is it like? Here are some things the America’s Challenge teams have told us through the past 25 years: PHO T O: NO AH F ORDEN “I love the aspect that with every balloon launch, you have only a rudimentary idea of PHO T where you are going and no idea of who you O: BILL might meet when you land.” W AL T Noah Forden, ON FL U.S., 2021 America’s Challenge champion YNT OFFICIAL PROGRAM 197

Y ONARD WHITE SEL SI LE KIM VE CHERI WHITE O: CHERI O: MIS O: O: T T T T PHO PHO PHO PHO “We love the adventure of “Launch for these big “Friends call out hasty “We've never experienced a being able to fly across the races is always a magical and heartfelt goodbyes, take-off of this magnitude, United States . . . We love moment. You are speeding there are handshakes and so many balloons, it's only the America’s Challenge all afternoon, trying to get hugs, and … finally we are a few hundred feet from the because it is fun to fly everything in order, not to airborne. The emotions ground that we understand with other teams and the forget anything, and then are multiple and intense, a that we are part of the excitement of doing it you are all set and you wait great relief at being in the world's biggest aerostatic during Fiesta.” quietly for your turn trying air combined with a feeling festival.” to look so cool when the of enhanced awareness, Cheri White, U.S., adrenaline is flowing at 100 a mental listening for any Laurent Sciboz, Switzerland, 2008 and 2012 America’s mph in your veins…” sign of problems with the 2017 America’s Challenge Challenge Champion champion balloon.” BenoÎt Pelard, France, Four-time America’s Challenge Peter Cuneo and Barbara competitor Fricke, four-time America’s (third in 2019) Challenge champions (2001, 2010, 2013, 2016) ® 198 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CHERI WHITE O: T PHO “The launch was like a “As the sun came up, “Let’s be frank: living “By the third day a “… I love the blur to me, incredibly we found ourselves in an open, hand form of mental and camaraderie of fast paced, and near Clovis, NM woven wicker basket physical isolation my fellow pilots, also very beautiful, listening to the coyote the size of a small is setting in. It is a crews and oﬃ cials, moving and incredibly howl. Musical and broom closet with removal from the the solemnity of emotional. Launching haunting. Things like another man for a world on the ground the launch, the a balloon at night and this are the “treats” couple of days is not almost like solitary excitement of the ﬂ ying into darkness of gas ﬂ ying. So something I would conﬁ nement . . . our ﬂ ight, the jubilation near mountains is a cool to hear and we have ever thought world is how much of the landing. I have bit unnerving - to say wondered if they I would want to do. ballast we have left, made friends for life the least - and tends were howling at us Having said that, our where we will land, in this sport, on the to focus the mind.” or each other … The basket was as super and what the weather ground and in the air.” sun curtains came comfortable . . . conditions will be as Noah Forden out, the sun set, the Getting a reasonable we descend . . . Ruth Lind, curtains came down amount of sleep is Peter feels a six time America’s and became blankets critical as fatigue can combination of Challenge Competitor for our laps. The really impact your anxious anticipation and current Command sun is brutal during ability to make good of the task of landing Center director the day. You must decisions, which the balloon and some have sunshades and could obviously relief that we will soon eﬀ ective sun block. At impact safety, most be able to sleep again night the cold can be importantly, and race in a real bed. Barbara serious.” strategy as well.” regrets that the ﬂ ight is almost over, since Phil BrPhil Bryyaantnt,, tteen-timen-time NoNoah Fah Foorrddenen she always wants to she always wants to AmericAmerica’a’ss Challeng Challenge e ﬂ y more.” competitor ﬂ y more.” competitor PPeteter Cuneo ander Cuneo and Barbara Fricke Barbara Fricke PHO T O: R A Y P ALMER Z O CIB S URENT O: LA T PHO OFFICIAL PROGRAM 199

THE 2000s: 2000-2009 ® 200 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The 2000S he Balloon Fiesta partied right along with the rest of the world in the millennial year 2000, meeting its goal of welcoming “1,000 [balloons] in 2000.” The first decade of the millennium brought new technological tools to the T world and to ballooning: GPS positioning and tracking, more remote weather stations, and better forecasting. Facebook and Twitter (and Wikipedia) came on the scene, revolutionizing the way people get information. With the coming of the iPod and iPhone and their competitors, suddenly everybody had a little computer in their pocket that they could also use as a phone and a camera. For the most photographed event in the world, this was a not insignificant development. The true tone of the decade was set by the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on September 11, 2001. The Balloon Fiesta almost didn’t happen that year due to the closure of U.S. airspace resulting from the terrorists’ use of airplanes as weapons of mass destruction. That the show went on, and indeed provided a ray of light and color lifting spirits in a dark time, was nothing short of a triumph. But the Balloon Fiesta, like the rest of an increasingly dangerous world, was permanently changed. Safety and security, which had always been a top priority for the event, were enhanced even further. So were amenities on the launch site to make it a pleasant place for guests to linger. For a few hours, people could put aside the PHO cares of the decade and remember what it was like to be a kid again, fascinated by a floating balloon. T O B Y VIC T OR B ANT A OFFICIAL PROGRAM 201

THE 2000s: 2000-2009 In 1981, at the dedication of Cutter launched in a single event. Field, Sid Cutter mentioned that the 2000 brought new events and changes in other 2000“new” launch site was big enough so areas. After years of it being too windy in the the Balloon Fiesta could have 1,000 afternoons for the special shape balloons to ﬂ y, the balloons! It was a somewhat bold statement, and Balloon Fiesta gave up on that idea and turned both not entirely popular with some balloonists who felt evening special shape events into Glowdeos – with 1,000 was a few hundred too many. But in the year record attendance resulting. The Special Shape Rodeo 2000, the Balloon Fiesta Board decided that – just this on Thursday and Friday now consisted of morning once! – they’d open the ﬂ oodgates to 1,000 colorful mass ascension/competition ﬂ ights for the shapes, aerostats. “1,000 in 2000” became the battle cry, and and two evening Glowdeos. New competition events, sure enough, in 2000 more than 1,000 balloons took including the Double Drop and Balloon Fiesta Golf, to the skies in Albuquerque (the number is variously challenged pilots. The Fiesta of Wheels Car Show was estimated at 1,003 to 1,019). a new and popular addition, as was grass added to the It was a spectacular sight, but the skeptics proved to south end of the ﬁ eld. be right. One thousand was too many, both logistically The 2000 Balloon Fiesta proved to be an unusually and given the dwindling availability of places for wet one – so wet that at one point the local TV stations balloonists to land – and recent Balloon Fiestas have sent their news helicopters to hover over and dry the been limited to around 600 balloons. But if there was ﬁ eld. But the weather pattern proved to be great for any question that Albuquerque is the hot air balloon distance gas balloon ﬂ ights: David and Alan Levin ﬂ ew capital of the world, the 2000 Balloon Fiesta settled the nearly 2,000 miles to set a new America’s Challenge question and set a record for the number of balloons record. ® 202 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Balloon Fiesta hit the ripe old age of 30 in 20012001 and more change was in the air, along with the 668 hot air balloons, 20 gas balloons, helicopter helicopter and 82 special shapes registered that hovering hovering year. A new event, Albuquerque Aloft, nearby being one of the nearby being one of the brought balloons to local schools on the more visible), most U.S. pilots more visible), most U.S. pilots Friday before the event’s oﬃ cial start on ﬂ ew American Flags from their baskets ﬂ ew American Flags from their baskets Saturday – a great way for kids to learn or crown lines, and the America’s about balloons and pilots to get their Challenge gas balloon pilots were greeted equipment sorted out and ready to go for suspiciously upon their landings in the the next day’s mass ascension. A new U.S. upper Midwest (at long distance event (or “long jump” in ballooning lingo), least one was ordered to report to law the New Mexico Challenge, gave hot air balloon pilots enforcement). But the Balloon Fiesta the chance to see how far they could travel in a single provided a catharsis for a wounded city ﬂ ight (hint: a lot less far than the America’s Challenge and nation and a triumphant reminder gas balloons). Competition featured a new event, that life goes on, and can even be Balloon Blackjack, where pilots tried to make the best colorful and fun. possible hand by dropping markers on giant playing cards. The Balloon Fiesta moved into its current permanent headquarters a couple of blocks from Balloon Fiesta Park at Alameda Rd. and Balloon Museum Dr. And, 2001 was Kodak’s last year as the event’s title sponsor. But all this was quickly overshadowed by the events of September 11, 2001, when all aircraft – including balloons – were grounded in the wake of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. For a couple of weeks, it looked like there might not be a Balloon Fiesta at all. Through the eﬀ orts of New Mexico’s congressional delegation, state and city leaders, and the Balloon Fiesta Board and staﬀ , the ﬂ ight restrictions were lifted in time for the show to go on. But inevitably, the tone of the Balloon Fiesta changed: too many had lost friends and too many others their sense of safety. New security measures were in place (the Black Hawk military OFFICIAL PROGRAM 203

Ask long-time Balloon Fiesta guests All of a sudden, the launch site was a place people and pilots about the change they feel really wanted to be – to have picnics and family get- 2002had the greatest impact on people’s togethers, to tailgate, to hang around for shopping perception and enjoyment of the event, on Main Street. And it kept the balloons from getting and most so dusty. It’s a seemingly little thing, but oh, what a will point to diﬀ erence it made! something After the trauma of 2001, the Balloon Fiesta felt a that happened little more “normal” in 2002. Security was more visible in 2002. This than ever before, but that made people feel safer. is the year Behind the scenes, an alphabet soup of federal, state, the 78-acre and local agencies worked together to keep it that Balloon Fiesta way, an interagency eﬀ ort that continues to this day. Park launch There were no big new events, just the magic of special ﬁ eld was fully shapes, glowing balloons, and mass ascensions – and grassed for in a year where the theme said it all, the need for the the ﬁ rst time. people of the world to unite, that was enough. In its early years, the Balloon Fiesta was never able to do much to enhance its 2003amenities for guests. The event was a guest itself, on whoever’s property the launch site was located, and could not install much in the way of permanent infrastructure. That, of course, changed when the current Balloon Fiesta Park opened. Sponsors had always received VIP treatment in a catered tent on the ﬁ eld, presided over by the Balloon Fiesta’s longtime hospitality doyenne, Jacqueline Hockey. But there had never been anything available for Balloon Fiesta guests who were not aﬃ liated with a sponsor, but wanted a luxury experience. That changed in 2003 with the opening of the Gondola Club, an exclusive, expansive area with catered gourmet dining, special close-in parking, shuttle service around the ﬁ eld, and – best of all! – (portable) ﬂ ush toilets! Gondola Club tickets are still in high demand today, as are the Balloon Fiesta’s new Concierge tours, “Glamping” accommodations on a nearby ball ﬁ eld, and RV spaces in the President’s Compound overlooking the park. In 2009, the Chasers’ Club was created to oﬀ er meals and seating for guests at a lower price point. ® 204 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Events continued to evolve at Balloon 2004Fiesta as the decade continued. The New Mexico Challenge hot air balloon distance race ended and was replaced the next year by an additional competition ﬂ ight, the Fiesta Challenge. Other new events, such as the Fiesta del Vino for wine connoisseurs, thrived. The Balloon Fiesta also added a Salute to Veterans in 2004, which over the years has evolved into a much larger opening ceremony honoring our country and also balloonists and others who have passed on. Recently, the ceremony has included a “candlestick” glow, where pilots turn on their burners and shoot 20-foot ﬂ ames into the and pays ﬁ tting tribute to our fellow balloonists and our sky, at the end of the National Anthem as the “Balloon military veterans. of the Day” takes the ﬂ ag aloft. This salute often also includes a military or civilian aircraft ﬂ yover of the ﬁ eld, In 2004, Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer Davis won the Coupe 2005Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the ﬁ rst American team to do so in 12 years. Carol became the ﬁ rst, and still the only, woman to ever win the race. Their victory gave Albuquerque the chance to host the Gordon Bennett in 2005. But near the east coast of Quebec this time, instead of cancelling the Balloon Fiesta’s and setting a Gordon Bennett America’s Challenge gas balloon race, it was decided distance record that still to hold both events stands. America’s Challenge together, with the victors Janet Folkes and Bill Gordon Bennett Arras landed in Ontario, competitors launching ﬂ ying nearly 1,500 miles. ﬁ rst, followed by the The other major America’s Challenge event of 2005 was the teams. opening of the Anderson The spectacular Abruzzo Albuquerque result was the largest International Balloon gas balloon competitive Museum, located just event ever held in North up the hill behind America. Twenty-six the south end of the teams – 14 competing launch ﬁ eld. The in the Gordon Bennett museum, run by the and 12 in the America’s City of Albuquerque Challenge – took ﬂ ight (not the Balloon Fiesta, as many in one of the most think) features the science, art, and history thrilling distance races of ballooning. Its large collection of artifacts include in history. The Gordon balloon gondolas used for record-setting ﬂ ights, a Bennett champions, weather lab, interactive exhibits for children, and – this Bob Berben and Benoît year – special exhibits on the Balloon Fiesta’s 50 year Siméons of Belgium, history and Balloon Fiesta founder Sid Cutter. The ﬂ ew 3,400.39 km Museum is open extended hours during the Balloon (2,113 miles), landing Fiesta. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 205

Events – especially non-ﬂ ying events – continued to come and go as the 2006Balloon Fiesta moved into the latter half of the ﬁ rst decade of the 21st century. In the “coming” category, the crowd-pleasing Chainsaw Carving contests and demonstrations were ﬁ rst held on the north end of the ﬁ eld. The Balloon Fiesta began to rev up its après-ﬂ ying and evening entertainment oﬀ erings, with performances by Jamie O’Neal and Marty Stuart. Other events ran their course and headed to the Balloon Fiesta graveyard of dear departed events, including Fiesta del Vino and the short-lived Fiesta Challenge competitive event. Around this time, also, the Balloon Fiesta ended its relationship with ProCreations, which had produced the oﬃ cial Balloon Fiesta posters for a quarter-century. The event staﬀ took over commissioning the event posters, a trend that has continued with other oﬃ cial items such as jackets, sportswear, and pilot gifts. Wells Fargo as the presenting sponsor, the Marshall Tucker Band, a new pin 2007trading venue, and a new Saturday night Balloon Glow were highlights of the 2007 Balloon Fiesta. The Twilight Twinkle Glow joined the lineup on the ﬁ rst Saturday evening, at the beginning of the “launch window” for the America’s Challenge gas balloon race. The two events held together – with gas balloons launching while hot air balloons prepare to glow – give guests a view of both types of balloons and is a truly spectacular sight. However, the America’s Challenge can be, and often is, postponed because of adverse weather conditions hundreds of miles from Albuquerque, in the direction the gas balloons would travel. The Twilight Twinkle Glow guarantees guests will have something special to see at Balloon Fiesta Park even if the gas race is postponed, and gives guests ﬁ ve evening Balloon Glows and ﬁ reworks spectaculars to choose from when planning their Balloon Fiesta visit. ® 206 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

By 2008, the Balloon Fiesta had the Special Shape Rodeo (mornings) and Glowdeo essentially acquired the structure it has (evenings) on Thursday and Friday, Balloon Glows 2008today, with morning mass ascensions on the ﬁ rst weekend and the second Saturday on weekend and Wednesday mornings, evenings. The America’s Challenge gas balloon race had established itself as an exciting contest with long, record setting ﬂ ights always a possibility. Live tracking via the Balloon Fiesta website brought the America’s Challenge gas race fans right into people’s living rooms, so they could root on their favorite teams. Once again in 2008, the Balloon Fiesta hosted the world distance gas ballooning world championships - the Coupe Gordon Bennett. Britain’s David Hempleman-Adams and Jon Mason bested twelve other teams to take home the title. Four U.S. teams competed in that year’s America’s Challenge. Two major new services debuted in 2009: the Chasers’ Club and the Bike 2009Valet, which provides guests traveling to Balloon Fiesta Park by bike a safe and secure place to deposit their bikes while enjoying the Balloon Fiesta. (It helps alleviate traﬃ c and crowded parking lots, too.) The Balloon Fiesta continued to centralize services for guests, bringing group tour services in house, as it had Park and Ride and hotel bookings for pilots. Weather can always be a challenge for the Balloon Fiesta, and in 2009 it proved problematic for the America’s Challenge. The balloons were inﬂ ated on the ﬁ eld ready to take oﬀ when a low level jet stream brought high winds across the ﬁ eld. After a two hour hold, the race was cancelled, since it was not safe to launch. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 207

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Safety First: Public Safety at Balloon Fiesta BY HARRY SEASON n any given year, nearly one million people will visit Balloon Fiesta Park during the nine days of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® (AIBF). During any one of those events, as many as 80,000 people visit Balloon Fiesta Park, a gathering that would make the Park the fifth largest city in New Mexico! IThe Board of Directors and staff of the Balloon Fiesta take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the event. This includes not only flight safety involving the thousands of balloon flight operations during the nine-day event, but also making sure our guests on the ground at Balloon Fiesta Park are safe. To help AIBF meet these extraordinary requirements, we have established a Balloon Fiesta Public Safety program, whose main purpose is the protection of our guests at Balloon Fiesta Park in all aspects not involving flight operations, which is maintained through its own safety programs (see the article on page 218). The Balloon Fiesta Public Safety program is designed to provide law enforcement, fire and rescue capabilities and medical assistance to our guests. The Public Safety program is led by an AIBF Director of Public Safety who manages the integration of multiple federal, state, county and city agencies to ensure coordinated and prompt responses to any incident that might occur at Balloon Fiesta Park during the event. These coordination activities include multiple meetings conducted over many months preceding each Balloon Fiesta, where roles and responsibilities of Right: Albuquerque Police – just one of the alphabet soup of agencies involved in public safety at the Balloon Fiesta. ® 208 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHO T O: BENNIE B O S OFFICIAL PROGRAM 209

Y SEL KIM VE O: T PHO Above: The interagency communications center onsite at Balloon Fiesta Park. Dispatchers from multiple law enforce- ment agencies coordinate their activities in this facility. Below: Albuquerque Fire Department medical first responders Right: It's hard to miss these guys! all agencies are discussed, reviewed, and coordinated. Albuquerque Ambulance Service, New Mexico Mounted Some of the agencies that participate in these activities Search & Rescue, Bernalillo Office of Emergency include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Management, the Public Service Company of New the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshal’s Mexico (providers of electrical power throughout NM) Office, 64th Combat Support Team, New Mexico State and the Garrity Group, which provides Public Affairs Police, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque services to the AIBF. Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department, The goal of these Public Safety activities is to be Albuquerque Fire and Rescue, Lovelace Medical Center, able to meet any emergency that might occur at Balloon Fiesta Park during the event. These could include emergency response to a medical episode on the park, transporting the victim to the on-site Lovelace Medical Center (staffed with doctors and nurses) for care and then possible transport from Balloon Fiesta Park to a nearby medical facility should the condition of the victim warrant. The emergency might include even more complex scenarios that might warrant significant and coordinated responses from our suite of responding agencies. During the preparatory months leading up to the Balloon Fiesta, the Bernalillo County Office of Y Emergency Management develops and facilitates SEL a series of table-top exercises that provide opportunities for all agencies to describe their role KIM VE and responsibility for the incident. This allows the O: agencies to deconflict their roles and responsibilities T PHO and helps ensure a coordinated and prompt response. ® 210 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL During the Balloon Fiesta, you may see uniformed The airspace around Balloon Fiesta Park is strictly YNT members of the AIBF Public Safety team, who help controlled, and aircraft of all kinds are required by law provide security and communications capability. These to adhere to the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) members help to provide initial response to any incident in the Balloon Fiesta’s operations area. To ensure the for crowd control and/or requests for accredited law safety of our guests, the Balloon Fiesta does not allow enforcement agencies should the incident warrant. Also, the operation of non-accredited drones within our throughout the event, you may see uniformed members airspace. We even employ a company that can detect of law enforcement, e.g., the APD Mounted Patrol. the operation of any drone within seconds of it being However, there is also the security you may not see: activated, and provide the location of the drone operator plainclothes law enforcement officers (federal and local) so that we can quickly locate the operator and request stationed throughout the event and roaming through that they cease operations immediately. the crowds of guests. Albuquerque Fire and Rescue The Balloon Fiesta Board and staff works hard to maintains an active fire station on the park during the produce a world-class event that promotes the sport of event providing fast response to any incident involving a ballooning, the City of Albuquerque and State of New fire, rescue or emergency medical response. Mexico. As part of those efforts, we strive to provide a All our guests and participants are an important part of safe environment for our participants and guests. The our safety team. Your eyes and ears are important. If you AIBF Public Safety program has been developed and see or hear something that causes you concern or need to refined over many years to help ensure that we meet summon help in an emergency, there are plenty of people these important objectives. to ask, including law enforcement officers, Balloon Fiesta safety officers, and first responders on the field. Also, Harry Season, the 1992 and 1993 Balloonmeister, members of the on-field flight operations staff, including serves on the Balloon Fiesta Board of Directors and is a launch directors (Zebras) and safety officers, carry radios member of the Heritage Committee. and can relay messages through their team leads to medical and law enforcement personnel. PHO T O: BENNIE B O S OFFICIAL PROGRAM 211

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Lovelace Health System is proud to be the oﬃ cial health care provider for the 2022 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Below is a list of helpful safety tips to help you enjoy your visit in good health: Limit alcohol consumption. Remember, you’re at a mile- Watch where you’re going. Beware of vehicles moving high altitude, which could increase alcohol’s impact. around the ﬁ eld, especially emergency vehicles trying to get Dress in layers. It’s sometimes very cool in the morning, through the crowd. but after sunrise it will warm up noticeably. Bring a ﬂ ashlight for evening events. Also, take note of Bring water.Stay hydrated throughout the day. where you parked your car—it’s more diﬃ cult to ﬁ nd in the dark. Bring sunscreen. At a higher altitude you’re at an increased risk for sunburn. Lovelace Health System’s emergency medical professionals provide on-site emergency medical care for Bring appropriate eye protection. Sun and wind could be problems ranging from minor scrapes to heart attacks. your enemies on a sunny or windy day. Lovelace’s medical volunteers will be located at the Lovelace Don’t smoke anywhere near the balloons. A lit cigarette First Aid Center. could possibly ignite a balloon’s propane fuel tank. The best way to prevent COVID is to avoid being exposed Choose a place to meet in case someone gets separated to the virus and to get vaccinated and boosted. or lost. Make sure young children have some form of Clean your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose identiﬁ cation on them. and mouth with unwashed hands. Don’t “drive and watch” at the same time.The balloons Practice social distancing by putting at least 6 feet of are a magniﬁ cent but distracting sight. Move completely oﬀ distance between yourself and other people. to the side of the road to watch. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Lovelace Health System’s emergency medical professionals provide on-site emergency medical care for problems ranging from minor scrapes to heart attacks. Lovelace’s medical volunteers will be located at the Lovelace First Aid Center. * © 2022 Lovelace Health System All rights reserved. These materials may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without crediting Lovelace for use. ® 212 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

2022 Oﬃ cials Balloonmeister Scoring Oﬃ cials Henry Rosenbaum Tammy Luna, Chief Scoring Oﬃ cial Rita Brennan, Assistant Chief Scoring Oﬃ cial Assistant Balloonmeister Jay Luna, Chief of Targets Peg Billson John Abel Carlette Ahrens Assistant Balloonmeister Ryan Ahrens Maury Sullivan Amy Asper Safety Oﬃ cials Patty Biddison John Brennan Tom Bueno, Chief Safety Oﬃ cial Melissa Brennan Melissa Bond Taylor Currier Roger Clark Mike Gilligan Neida Courtney Bueno Penny Griego Doug Gallagher Harold Jackson Mike Garcia Phyllis Jackson J.D. Huss Blake Jordan Alex Jonard II Carl Kinnard Mike Liberti Susan Kinnard Ted Maes Jon Kirkwood Chuck Raskob Lyn Kirkwood Thomas Schroeder Bob Lucero Paul Suttle Becca McConaghy Administrative Assistant Jurgen Rimac Lynn Sullivan Patricia Ann Rudy-Baese Virgina Sanchez Weather Oﬃ cials Launch Directors Brad Temeyer, Chief Weather Oﬃ cial Michelle Healy, Chief Launch Director Duncan Dunavent Chris Padilla, Assistant Chief Launch Director John Elrick Cliﬀ Holman, North/South Section Lead Katherine Kelly Lynn Tillery, North/South Section Lead Randy Lefevre Jay Pape, Assistant South Section Lead Robert Wise Anna Brody, Assistant North Section Lead Landowner Relations Joseph Ballengee Martha McKinney Karl Schaefer Nancy Wertz, Chief Landowner Relations Oﬃ cial Bill Brennan Lora McKown Daniel Schulz Wally Book Elisa Bustamante Christina Meadows Nicole Tagart Karen Brown Nicholas Chavez Pam Micker Deborah Taylor Jim Holley Tom Christopher Jeanie Moughan Mike Taylor Nancy Holley David Crossland Cathy Myrick Michael Trahan Larry Merry Jeﬀ Dill Caitlin Odom Laura Virgin Janette Stone Karen Fleetwood Sarah Pearson Dylan Wambold Orbin Stone Kevin French Kat Perea Lawrence Wambold Larry Gensinger Katrin Phillips Caryn Welz Balloon Refueling Area Debbie Gonzales Ron Phillips Kimberly Whiteman Mike Chandler, Balloon Refueling Chief Theodore Gransbury Emily Pine Rachel Wills Kim Kelbe Bill Rager Janice Wrhel Tiﬀ any Kenworthy Jeﬀ Renegar Glenn Young Shawn Leonard Char-Lynn Richardson Michael Zink Rachael Lujan Debbie Sanchez Danny McCoy Samantha Sanchez OFFICIAL PROGRAM 213

® 214 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS PHO T O: BENNIE B O S Zebras Grazing ZZebrebraas /s /zzēē..brbraa/: Hoo/: Hooffeed d AAnimals (nimals (ggeenus equusnus equus)),, hahavving cing coonspicuous black andnspicuous black and white striped markings. Characterized by keen vision and astonishing speed. Often white striped markings. Characterized by keen vision and astonishing speed. Often seen grazing or galloping near on-ground gondolas seen grazing or galloping near on-ground gondolas Launch Directors – aﬀ ectionately known as “Zebras” because of their black- Launch Directors – aﬀ ectionately known as “Zebras” because of their black- and-white uniforms – are perhaps the Balloon Fiesta’s most visible ambassadors. and-white uniforms – are perhaps the Balloon Fiesta’s most visible ambassadors. Guests love them, take pictures of them, ply them with questions, so they must know Guests love them, take pictures of them, ply them with questions, so they must know everything from how a balloon works to where the nearest porta-potties are. But they everything from how a balloon works to where the nearest porta-potties are. But they are also oﬃ cials who play a very serious and important role in ﬂ ight safety: to facilitate are also oﬃ cials who play a very serious and important role in ﬂ ight safety: to facilitate a safe, coordinated launch. a safe, coordinated launch. This year’s team leads – the equivalents of Jim Jordan and Neida Courtney-Bueno, This year’s team leads – the equivalents of Jim Jordan and Neida Courtney-Bueno, the oﬃ cials from nearly 30 years ago who are interviewed in the article -- are Michelle the oﬃ cials from nearly 30 years ago who are interviewed in the article -- are Michelle Healy, Chief Launch Oﬃ cial; Chris Padilla, Assistant Chief Launch Oﬃ cial, and Anna Zebra hand signals: Healy, Chief Launch Oﬃ cial; Chris Padilla, Assistant Chief Launch Oﬃ cial, and Anna Brody, Cliﬀ Holman, Jay Pape, and Lynn Tillery, Section Leads. Some members of Thumbs Up: Cleared for Brody, Cliﬀ Holman, Jay Pape, and Lynn Tillery, Section Leads. Some members of the team have been launch directors for decades, and there are a number of second- immediate liftoﬀ . the team have been launch directors for decades, and there are a number of second- generation launch directors. Thumbs down: Hold exactly generation launch directors. where you are Walk the balloon: The BY MARJORIE SHAPIRO STEIN ground crew will guide the balloon along the path to the Updated from the 1994 Balloon Fiesta® Program spot indicated by the launch director. The balloon is buoyant with no lift provided by the crew. Pictured: Thumbs up! Every pilot’s favorite hand signal. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 215

OIS JE DE BER UL A O: P T PHO Above: A herd of Zebras in captivity, er, rather, launch directors at their on-field headquarters. Below: Launch directors brief a pilot prior to takeoff while demonstrating the herd’s fashion sense. hile no real zebras roam Balloon PHO T Fiesta Park, an assortment of O: P human facsimiles canter over A the field. Wearing horizontal, UL vertical, and angled stripes, DE BER they are visible from every W JE grid. But who are they? Neither costumed apparitions OIS nor imposing judges. They are volunteers of the most professional kind, a trained and dedicated group of officials: the expert team of Launch Directors. And the Balloon Fiesta couldn’t function without them. Headed [in 1994] by Chief Launch Director Jim Jordan and Assistant Director Neida Courtney Bueno [who later served as Balloonmeister in 2011-12], the group – in collaboration with the Balloonmeister and seven [now 13] safety officers – assumes full responsibility for the safe and coordinated launch of up to 650 balloons. Their individual and collective presence safeguards ascensions and controls confusion and chaos. ® 216 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL YNT Above: Zebra esprit de corps! contact [between balloons] isn’t of as much concern as gondola with envelope contact would be. Of course, we try to prevent any balloon-to-balloon contact by alerting our pilots to obstacles: we can be their ‘sonar’, if necessary.” Pilots depend upon launch directors for visual direction because they cannot, obviously, look up through the top of the balloon to see who might be hovering overhead in their flight paths. Launch directors perform the same duties as controllers in airport towers. They’re closer to the action, but must make the same “There are as many as 650 balloons participating on-the-spot critical decisions. in a mass ascension,” explains Jordan, “but they can’t “Pilots depend upon us and trust our decisions,” all inflate at the same time because there simply isn’t Jordan says. “We try to provide consistent non-verbal enough space. Too many balloons crushed together signals, since shouts can’t always be heard above the could create a dangerous situation for pilots and guests.” sound of propane burners and crowd excitement.” “That’s why we launch in waves,” adds Courtney- Using a prescribed set of signals, launch directors Bueno. “Ascensions start on the downwind side of the indicate when hot air balloons should begin inflation, field and continue in row-by-row formation. Matching hold their field positions, or fly aloft. the number of balloons to available space helps maintain Communication, flexibility, and good judgment are order and ensure safety.” ideal attributes for members of the launch team. “We’re Replacing pandemonium with precision is only enthusiasts on and off the field,” laughs Courtney-Bueno. one aspect of Launch Committee action. The group “Absolutely right,” agrees Jordan. “We’re proud of our must also aid, abet, and guide each pilot’s trip aloft. competence and deliberate efforts to cooperate with one The 60+ member launch team covers the entire field, another. We’re a non-competitive group, here to prevent eyeballing gondolas and envelopes for safety infractions Balloon Fiesta mishaps. Launch Directors are privileged and violations. Integrating specific communication to have esprit de corps; for nine inspiring days we are a techniques, they monitor, control, and direct air traffic. family – as sturdy and staunch and sure as our Zebra “Some situations are not as concerning as others,” counterparts.” continues Jordan. For example, envelope to envelope OFFICIAL PROGRAM 217

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Red Jacket Officials: Oft Overlooked Flight Operations Teams BY TOM MCCONNELL hen visiting the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, ONNELL many guests, balloon crews, C vendors, and sponsors most MC often see and interact with OM WLaunch Directors (or Zebras, O: T T see page 214) and Field Security officials (see page PHO 208). Those folks are all over the place, and easy to spot. But five other teams less well known, except to most pilots, also play important roles in coordinating a safe and enjoyable Balloon Fiesta: Safety, Weather, Scoring, Landowner Relations and Propane. Who are these people, and what do they do? These teams work closely with the Balloonmeister, the chief official responsible for all Balloon Fiesta flight activities. Henry Rosenbaum has been Balloonmeister since 2019. This year, Maury Sullivan and Peg Billson are the Assistant Balloonmeisters, who deputize at some events. The Safety team, led by Tom Bueno, is responsible for flight safety. The Weather team, led by Brad Temeyer, predicts and communicates the approaching weather patterns, in long-term, medium-term, and up-to-the- minute reports. The Scoring team, reporting to Tammy Luna, observes the balloons as they fly into targets or the poles for grabs and ring tosses, measures (to the fractions of an inch) the distances of scoring markers Right: A long tradition dating back to the 1970s: Officials salute the flag during the National Anthem. ® 218 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

OIS JE DEBER UL A O: P T PHO Above: Long time past safety officer Wally Book consulting with pilots, a big part of the job. (baggies) from the target, and monitors actions that Safety might disqualify a balloon pilot. The Landowner The Safety Officers are responsible for monitoring Relations staff, led by Nancy Wertz, reaches out to and enforcing actions related to balloon and pilot/crew landowners who are both friendly and unfriendly to flight safety. They are separate from, but work alongside, balloons landing on their property. The Propane group, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials who are reporting to Chief of Refueling Mike Chandler, monitors also on site, conducting safety checks and educational balloon refueling activities, including safety issues, as programs and enforcing the Federal Air Regulations well as vehicle and human traffic at the refueling station. (FARs) governing aircraft. The Balloon Fiesta’s safety The members of the teams are listed in the program officials focus on counseling pilots about the Balloon on page 213. All these officials are volunteers: long- Fiesta’s safety protocols, but also any other issues that time balloon pilots, balloon crew or experienced former may affect pilot, crew, or guest safety. officials. The team leads are selected for exemplary past The Safety Officers have a long list of responsibilities, performance; many start in the ranks and move up the including: chain of command to become assistants, chief officials, • Observing balloons with their ancillary equipment assistant balloonmeisters, and Balloonmeister. Some (inflation fans, ropes, helmets, etc.) that fly or tether eventually join the Balloon Fiesta staff and/or become at Balloon Fiesta Park members of the Balloon Fiesta Board of Directors. • Alerting pilots about possible hazards and equipment damage OFFICIAL PROGRAM 219

TT A W Y A R O: T PHO Above: Families help launch and safety officials with the flag flown from the Balloon of the Day. • Counseling pilots, including for violations of Balloon The Safety Officers’ job is not all enforcement. Tom Fiesta rules Bueno described the joy the team gets from letting • Making reports on pilots who need further families with young kids help raise the green flag of the counseling day, which indicates that the balloons will be flying soon • Helping to resolve pilot conflicts and that the fun is about to begin. Another satisfying • Monitoring Dawn Patrol, Mass Ascension, and part of this team’s job is helping the Weather and Launch Balloon Glow briefings and alerts Teams have a young balloonist (future pilot) release the • Working with AIBF Pubic Safety officials in liaison and Pi-ball at the morning weather briefing. Tom says the coordination efforts love of ballooning, of the people and camaraderie and • Checking propane refueling activities for safety teamwork of those involved, and the many friendships issues make this an important and return-to job. The Safety • Monitoring on-field and off-field target areas for Team often gets both positive and negative feedback safety issues, such as spectators who may interfere from pilots, spectators and others, making this an with scoring or balloon landings interesting learning experience. Plus, all the other • Patrolling the America’s Challenge gas balloon officials listen to the Safety Team when new ideas and launch area for safety issues and keeping guests out approaches about increasing flight safety arise. of the secured area while the balloons are being filled • Helping to monitor and enforce any safety issues Scoring occurring when balloons land on the field; Chief of Scoring Tammy Luna has an experienced • Monitoring, testing, allocating, and fixing audio group of helpers, including Rita Brennan, Assistant equipment used for inter- and intra-official team Scoring Chief, Mike Gilligan, Chief Scoring Tech, and Jay communications and the scooters officials use to get Luna, Chief of Targets. Although Tammy is not a pilot, around she has decades of working on a chase crew, and 30 • Coordinating, displaying, and updating official maps years as a scoring officer. that alert pilots to sensitive or prohibited areas The “tasks” pilots are asked to complete in • Producing, the pilot safety video and recording competition have varied over the years, but the basic viewership of same as well as completion of required principle always has been for the pilot to fly to a target. pilot documentation as pilots register The target is usually an “X”, but poles, giant playing ® 220 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

GE map on the briefing tower and on the web site, so pilots U will have the latest landing obstructions or changes in KL A locations of PZs or other landowner data. S S Tammy works closely with the Safety Team, Launch O: ALE Directors, and the FAA. This team gets few compliments, T but many complaints, such as when a penalty, PHO disqualification, or “no score” has been assessed. Tammy says the best part of the job is “being part of the best event in the world.” To learn more about competition and scoring, see the article on page 224, and visit the Collectors Corner in the Merchandise section of the Balloon Fiesta website to view articles from past Balloon Fiesta programs: “Games Balloonists Play” by Kim Vesely, pp 98-99, 2010; and “Competition, Yesterday and Today” by Marilee Schmit- Nason and Wally Book, pp 62-68, 2018. cards, golf pins, and even a boat are used for some tasks. Once there, the pilot drops or places an official marker (a streamered, weighted baggie, ring, or other “scoring device”) as close to the middle of the target as possible. Who got closest? The Scoring Team’s job is to find out. The Scoring Team places the targets at designated locations both off-field and on-field. As pilots fly toward the target, the Scoring Team keeps a close watch to make sure they obey the altitude limitations in approaching the target (at least 75 feet off the ground until inside the flagged scoring area), about touching ground, landing on the field, not interfering with other balloons, or otherwise not sticking to the competition rules. Once Top: Getting ready to release the “pibal” which pilots use to get an idea of winds aloft. pilots drop their scoring device, Above: Measuring scoring devices – this shows why fractions of an inch make a difference! the scorers measure its distance from the center of the target down to fractions of an inch. Winners are decided using a formula containing a series Weather of measurements of that specific pilot’s distances from For Balloon Fiesta 2022, our Weather Team consists the target over the course of Balloon Fiesta. The overall of Brad Temeyer, with the help of Duncan Dunavent, winner may get a new automobile or truck, motorcycle, John Elrick, Katherine Kelly, and Robert Wise. The team balloon, or prize money. Other prizes go to the lower also includes Randy Lefevre, long-time Balloon Fiesta scoring balloons. weather guy and one of a handful of experts in the world There are 5 weekdays designated as competition on forecasting long distance weather trajectories for days, unless one or more mornings are weathered out. scientific and manned balloons, as the meteorologist for But even when the weather prohibits competition, the the America’s Challenge gas balloon race. team stays busy. Targets may need repair, there are The Weather Team starts work on Wednesday before hundreds of “returned” baggies to sort, and Tammy says Balloon Fiesta, setting up their office in one end of the the team is responsible for marking and updating the big Safety Trailer and briefing the Safety Team and any OFFICIAL PROGRAM 221

while the rest of the team is back at the weather part of the safety trailer. For evening events, the team starts about 3 p.m. with the same devices and reports to give to the Balloonmeister and other officials. John Elrick says the best part of the job is seeing all the people at Balloon Fiesta, giving out pins to kids, and working as part of a larger team. Landowner Relations Nancy Wertz and her team, consisting of Larry Merry, Janette and Orbin Stone, Jim and Nancy Holley, Wally Book, and Karen Brown, are the folks who monitor and visit unhappy landowners. The landowners where balloons land, or in some cases fly over a remuda of horses or goats or sheep or emus, sometimes are upset ON by their livestock responding to the noise of the balloon burners, or balloon trucks driving over recently irrigated pasture, or balloons hitting a house or some other object while landing. It is the duty of the Landowner group to VID DICKENS A visit those folks and see if there is some way to settle S: D emotions down, or explain what happened, or in other O T ways to mollify the landowners. This team also heads PHO the effort to lay out white sheets or other signs that balloons are welcome to land on their property, in case Above: Using the theodolite to gather weather data. the landowner is friendly to balloon landings. Below: Dropping into a friendly neighborhood. PHO other officials in the trailer. This team uses 1) Weather T Underground (which has sites in Corrales, Rio Rancho, O: BENNIE B Bernalillo et al), 2) the National Weather Service for Albuquerque, and 3) the Weather Profiler. The profiler belongs to the City of Albuquerque, usually set up at O Double Eagle Airport, but during Balloon Fiesta, it is S moved to the north end of Balloon Fiesta Park. This device uses radar, looking at the reflection of air particles surface to 1500 feet AGL and higher in increments of speed and direction. Wind sensors are positioned around the field, along with a lightning detector. The team begins collecting weather data each morning beginning around 3:30 - 4:00 a.m. Three weather people monitor the computers, a fourth person inputs the data, and a fifth runs the theodolite, which is basically a precision telescope mounted on a transit which monitors a pi-bal (pilot ball, essentially a large latex balloon) for wind speed and direction using horizontal and vertical plane measurements. They report these data to the Dawn Patrol balloon pilots, usually already flying early in the morning. The team also reports data from the WINDSONDE (more accurately defined as a radiosonde), a battery- powered telemetry instrument carried aloft on a small helium balloon which records temperature, wind speed and direction, pressure, humidity and geographical position. This device is then released from the helium balloon and dropped to the ground, later to be retrieved (by the landowners relations group). Brad is at the briefing tower, giving weather reports orally to pilots, ® 222 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL YNT PHO T O: KIM VE SEL Y Above: The Balloon Fiesta’s “gas station”: pilots refueling During Balloon Fiesta, Nancy’s team cruises around Propane the metro area, usually Sandia Reservation, Corrales and Mike Chandler, Propane Chief, monitors the activities Bernalillo. When a call comes in, the team heads to the of balloon pilots and crews who are refueling their spot in order to find out what happened and to talk to the balloon’s tanks. They work closely with Albuquerque landowners. Nancy’s team has keys to various locked Fire Department, the Albuquerque Fire Marshall and gates (e.g. AMAFCA or city parks or private/commercial the propane contractors, who provide the trucks and properties) in order to facilitate helping to inform and personnel who actually deliver the propane to the calm landowner issues. The Balloon Fiesta also provides manifolds (these are the certified gas pipes and hoses and encourages landowners to display a “white sheet” or used by the propane contractors and AIBF). This year, “white X” on their property to signal balloonists that it is our propane contractor is Pinnacle Propane. OK to land there. The Propane Team’s job is to monitor the balloon There are several prohibited zones (PZs) in the area, trucks and trailers as they come in to the refueling line, where landowners do not want balloons. Some are check on proper identification of the pilots/balloons, marked YELLOW (land here only if an emergency) or remind pilots and crew to follow safety procedures (no RED (don’t land and maintain a minimum altitude over smoking, no nylon fabrics near the propane, etc.), proper the property). For those landowners, Nancy’s team can refueling procedures, and to follow common-sense provide yellow or red markers. All officials stress the precautions. These folks also keep the records of which procedure for the landowner to record a balloon banner balloon got how much propane, or whether they did not number or take a photo of a balloon that is causing a refuel at all, and then computerize the data and turn it problem. If landowners ask that their property become over to the Balloonmeister. a PZ after Balloon Fiesta starts, Nancy’s team keeps this We cannot overly stress how closely all these teams information up to date, and displays all PZ information work together, along with the AIBF Executive Director, on the big map at briefing tower. Operations Director, Board, volunteers, and staff, Of course, many landowners love it when balloonists to make Balloon Fiesta the largest, safest and most drop in on them, and many balloon teams go the extra organized balloon event in the world. And the most fun. mile to make their visit to local neighborhoods special. To recognize this, the Landowner team nominates a Dr. Tom McConnell, a.k.a. “Father Time,” is the co- “ambassador pilot of the day,” announced the next originator of the iconic Zia balloon. He’s a member and morning at pilot’s briefing. past president of the Balloon Fiesta Board of Directors And talk about multi-tasking -- Nancy is also the and a leading historian and writer on the history of the person who retrieves the WINDSONDE, using GPS. event. She then returns the device to the Weather staff, who download the data to their computer. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 223

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Balloon Fiesta® Competition History: Games Balloonists Play he story goes that when Sid Cutter was asked about bringing his balloon to KOB’s 50th anniversary celebration, he replied, “Sure. Maybe we could even have a balloon race.” And then it dawned on him: The had no idea how balloons “race.” But just ten days later, Sid and Don Draper were aloft as the target balloon in their very first competition. Since that day – April 8, 1972 – competition has been an integral part of what soon became the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. These contests – in the ballooning world, called “tasks” – have varied over the years from serious world-class challenges, to whimsical, fun tests, and most recently spectator-friendly versions of the kind of tasks used in regional and national Above: First Hot Air Balloon World Championships - 1973 competition. However, all the tasks, whether fun or serious, have the same principle: maneuver the balloon World Championship Competitions to a target and drop a marker as close to the center of the target as possible -- tasks that test pilots on the When Albuquerque was chosen to host the World Hot same skills they use on every flight. Air Balloon Championships, Balloonmeister Ed Yost and Sid Cutter – the guy who’d almost never seen a balloon Fiesta’s First Task: Hare and Hound/ race – had to come up with world-class challenges to Roadrunner and Coyote test the best pilots on the planet. Many of their early ideas were immediately shot down by the international The first Balloon Fiesta task – that race Sid Cutter ballooning federation because they involved maneuvers and Don Draper found themselves flying in 1972 – considered to be overly dangerous. (“And they were,” Sid was a standard ballooning competitive task of that admitted.) Once the bad ideas were weeded out, most of period called a “hare and hound,” or in Albuquerque, the tasks in the First Worlds involved flying specific flight “Roadrunner and Coyote.” A target balloon, the “hare” profiles traced on a barograph, an analog barometer- or “roadrunner,” takes off and flies for about a half hour based instrument which traces a balloon’s altitude over before landing and laying out an X-shaped target. The time (today, for similar tasks, balloon races use satellite- rest of the balloons, called “hounds” or “coyotes,” launch based GPS trackers). In addition to hare and hound and from the same location about 10 minutes after the hare barograph-type tasks, the Second Worlds included a “Le and follow along, trying to get as close to the target as Mans” race where teams had to inflate their balloons and possible. Nowadays, many events feature a similar task fly first across a finish line, and an “Elbow” task where called a “judge-declared goal,” where instead of following pilots had to fly a set distance in one direction and then a “hare” balloon, pilots fly to preset goals or targets. achieve the greatest change in direction. ® 224 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHO T O: KIM VE SEL Y Above: Balloons approach the target in 2009. He (She) Who Has the Most Fun Wins was actually over the target, but it created a problem if The years after the Second World Championships the giant weed landed outside the target area on, well, brought a large and deliberate shift in Balloon Fiesta something it shouldn’t have landed on. So within a competition and the atmosphere of the event in few years the tumbleweeds gave way to lighter scoring general. The 1976 Balloonmeister, Bob Ruppenthal, put materials, such as ping pong balls with streamers and it this way: “He who has the most fun wins,” and the large film boxes (remember those?) . . . but serious pilots competitive tasks he chose reflected this philosophy. complained that these lightweight objects reacted too The tasks still tested a pilot’s ability to accurately and unpredictably when falling towards the target through safely maneuver to a target, but with twists. changing winds at different altitudes. The Tumbleweed Drop may be the best-remembered Another event that didn’t turn out too well was task from this era. Pilots launched a set distance from a variation where the targets were inflated toy the Balloon Fiesta field, harvested a tumbleweed, flew balloons tethered above the ground, and pilots had to the target, and dropped said tumbleweed. It soon to pop the balloon to reveal a prize as they flew by. To became obvious that bigger, heavier tumbleweeds accomplish this task, each pilot was issued an “official were less likely to drift with the wind on the way down popper,” a skewer with a tag on it for the pilot’s name. than little bitty ones. So it wasn’t long before wily pilots Unfortunately, the poppers weren’t very effective at started jettisoning tumbleweeds the size of Volkswagen impaling a moving toy balloon on a string from a moving Beetles onto the targets. All well and good if the balloon balloon. And if the poppers were not well-secured in the OFFICIAL PROGRAM 225

50 50 YYeeaarrss o off B Baalloonlloon FieFiesstta Championsa Champions Note: Some early years’ winners are missing from the Balloon Fiesta’s records. 1972 Don Piccard 1973 Denny Floden (World Champion) 1975 David Schaﬀ er (World Champion) 1978 Gary deKoevend YNT 1979 Erwin Oertli 11981 981 John WJohn Wrightright ON FL T 1982 George Hahn AL W 1983 Roger Hoppe 1984 Owen Keown O: BILL 1985 Dan Brown T 1986 Joe Brown PHO 1987 George Dennis 1988 Robert Boyd Above: Over the target: note the size of the tumbleweed in 1989 Joe Heartsill relation to the basket! 1990 Olivier Roux-Devillas 11991 991 Chip ZChip Zodrodrooww 1992 Frank Wechter 1992 Frank Wechter 1993 Chris Smith basket when not in use, they had the potential to pop 1994 Gary Tarter people or objects inside the basket, especially in a high 1994 Gary Tarter 1995 Bruce Bussey wind landing. That competition was soon relegated to 1996 Brad Hyde the oﬃ cial Sid Cutter competition task bad idea ﬁ le. 1997 Peter Scherm But at least one new event was a hit. In 1978, the ﬁ rst 1998 Steve Jones Balloon Fiesta Key Grab caused a sensation, as pilots 1999 George Thomas tried to ﬂ y to poles on the ﬁ eld and snatch a set of keys 2000 Mike Bauwens to a vehicle oﬀ the top of a pole. Nobody got the keys 2001 Joel Sturdevant that ﬁ rst year, but over the years a number of skilled (and 2002 Wynn Gustafson lucky?) pilots won vehicles. This event – now known as 2003 Mike Wilson the “Ring Toss” -- still endures today, but instead of 2004 John Petrehn grabbing a set of keys, pilots now drop rings over the 2005 Gary Cass top of the pole to earn prizes. 2006 Steve Lombardi 2007 Steve Lombardi 2008 John Petrehn Today’s Balloon Fiesta Tasks 2009 Frank Dickey In the past 20 years, the Balloon Fiesta competition 2010 Brian Hill needle has moved back to the “more serious” side 2011 Joe Heartsill of the scale. Tasks more closely resemble the “ﬂ y 2012 Paul Petrehn in” tasks used in sanctioned regional and national 2013 David Liberti competitions. 2014 Harold “Bubba” Cliver There’s a lot more to the games balloonists play than 2015 Rhett Heartsill fun and prizes. Flying a balloon from a long distance 2016 Scott Allsup away to a small target requires skill and discipline, and 2017 Maury Petrehn helps pilots hone the skills they must use any time they 2018 Maury Petrehn ﬂ y in order to eﬀ ectively use the wind to maneuver safely 2019 Chris Liberti to a landing site. It’s a fun way for Balloon Fiesta guests 2020 No competition to watch pilots demonstrate the proﬁ ciency required to 2021 Zerek Welz ﬂ y safely and create the magic behind the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. ® 226 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHOTO: VICTOR BANTA OFFICIAL PROGRAM 227

Competition flights take place on weekdays during the Balloon Fiesta, with pilots flying a series of tasks: Above: The Ring Toss. The “Ring Toss” is occasionally called the “key grab,” because the prize atop the pole may be the keys to a new truck, car, or house. Begun in 1978, for more than 30 years this type of competition has been a signature event featuring some of the Balloon Fiesta’s most exciting moments. Pilots must launch at least one mile away from the field in any direction and use the winds to maneuver their balloon to the poles erected at Balloon Fiesta Park. The poles contain cash and prizes, and to Above: Balloon Fiesta Golf. win the pilot or passenger must place a ring over the top of the 30-foot pole. The “Balloon Fiesta Drop” (abbreviated, tongue- a baggie! In “Balloon Fiesta Golf,” the center of the in-cheek, “BFD”) requires pilots to launch a minimum target is a flag-marked golf hole, and closest to the pin of one mile away and drop markers on an “X”-shaped wins. target on the field. Closest to the center of the “X” wins In “Balloon Fiesta Hold ‘Em”, the targets are large – and the difference is often measured in hundredths of playing cards, and pilots must try to build the best an inch! possible hand by dropping markers on oversized playing The "Minimum Double Drop” is a variation of the cards. In some years, “Balloon Fiesta Blackjack,” a Balloon Fiesta Drop, but with the challenge of having variation of this competition, has been staged. to drop two markers in order to earn a score. Two “V” When it comes to recreating one of Sid Cutter’s fabled shaped targets are set up facing each other in this competitions, the “Sid Cutter Memorial” has everything manner: > <. The pilot must drop one baggie inside each but the water. Pilots drop their markers into or onto a “V”; markers closest to the point of the “Vs” win. A drop boat which, in the original competition, was moored in a outside the “V” does not score. lake. (Photo on page 227.) Fore! That object flying at the pin isn’t a golf ball – it’s ® 228 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 2022 Oﬃ cers Al Tetreault Judith K. Nakamura Richard W. “Dick” Rice Neil Jackson PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY 2022 Board Of Directors J.R. Allison Raymond Bair Gary Bennett Jay Czar John C. Davis IV Barbara Fricke Cheryl Frost Jim Garcia Matt Guthrie Steven A. Komadina, Jeﬀ Lawrence Rodney A. May Tom McConnell, M.D. Frank A. Mezzancello M.D. Doug Schwebach Harry Season John Sena Mark Sullivan Bill Walker Ty Young OFFICIAL PROGRAM 229

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Board of Directors 1976-Present We thank the 142 individuals who have served during AIBF’s 50-year history as members of the Balloon Fiesta Board of Directors: Ben Abruzzo Sandy Dawson Rick Johnson Linda Rutherford Richard Abruzzo Bill Derr Jean Jordan Harold Schlather J.R. Allison Lynn Dick Al Kinney Jim Schumacher Jim Amlong Ann Dickey Charlotte Kinney Doug Schwebach Patty Anderson Gloria Dodson Patrick Kloster Harry Season Bill Anthony Gail Doyle Dr. Steve Komadina Cookie See Scott Appelman Bob Epstein Jeﬀ Lawrence Vic Segura James Baca Carl Esbeck Janet Long John Sena Sherri Bachtell Moore Dave Finley John Lynch Clyde Sharrer Ray Bair Barbara Fricke Jim MacDonald Jim Shiver Roger Baldwin Barie Fritz Doug March Steve Shope James Barela Cheryl (Lété) Frost Ellie Mason Gail Short Sam Baxter Steve Gammill Chuck Mason Linda Smith Mary Beck Felix Garcia Rod May Bill Squire Ron Behrmann Jim Garcia Dr. Tom McConnell Peggy Stevens Gary Bennett Art Gardenswartz Lloyd McKee Rod Stewart Dick Blondeﬁ eld Milt Garrett Pamela Metz Jeﬀ Stocker Wayne Bond Brad Gibbs Frank Mezzancello Deborah Stone Art Bouﬀ ard Karen Glaser Ned Miller Mark Sullivan Pat Brake Cheryl Goettsche Sandra Miller Harry Summers Sam Brown Lynda Grasty Robert Moore Art Swenka Frank Bruno Dorothy Gruber Steve Morgan Kathy Tennies Gene Buescher Matt Guthrie Pat Mosher Al Tetreault Beverly Bull George Hahn Brian Moynier Tim Thorsen Marilea D. Bush Bruce Hale Judith K. Nakamura Sharon Ulibarri Dick Butterﬁ eld Charlsie Hare Anna Nalley Kim Vesely Chet Caldwell Jim Harrington Jim Paxton Bill Walker Ron Caldwell Charlie Hines Betty Perkins Henry Willis Chuck Clark Jacqueline Hockey Rayburn, Carol Mark Wilson Aubrey Cookman Phil Hontz Pat Raymond Rick Ximenes Neida Courtney Ann Hood Dick Rice Ty Young Cynthia Cranston Barbara Hooe Mike Rice Scott Cummings Virginia Huﬀ man Judy Roberts Sid Cutter Betty Hutchinson Bob Ruppenthal Jay Czar Neil Jackson Marge Ruppenthal Doug Davis Bobby John Pam Ruppenthal John C. Davis, IV Lona Johnson Chuck Russell, Jr. ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 230

2022 Staﬀ Amanda Brady Taylor Caldwell Celia Capron Curt Dahlquist Damian Duran-Arias Jennifer Garcia TRANSPORTATION RECEPTIONIST SPONSOR SALES WAREHOUSE MANAGER FIELD MANAGER ASSOCIATE EVENT MANAGER REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTOR Tom Garrity Shamaine Giannini Martha Gonzales Samantha Greenwald Erica Hahn Tracey Hawkins MEDIA DIRECTOR VIP HOSPITALITY MANAGER CONTROLLER NAVIGATOR MANAGER CONCESSIONS & ARTISANS SPONSORSHIP SALES MANAGER ASSISTANT Chani Kaibetoney Mike McKnight Andie Mercer Amanda Molina Lisa Mulder Sam Parks ASSISTANT MERCHANDISE IS MANAGER MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE MERCHANDISE MANAGER DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS MANAGER Stephanie Prendergast Angela Sanchez Jennifer Schurman Paul R. Smith Ken Tuley Sean Wallace SPONSORSHIP SALES BOOKKEEPER RV MANAGER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VIDEO PRODUCER PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR DIRECTOR 2022 Photographers 2022 Balloon Fiesta Live! Hosts and PA Announcers Victor Banta Art Lloyd, Jr. Tom Ewart Glen Moyer Triston Garcia Don Henderson Scott Hughes OFFICIAL PROGRAM 231

THE 2010s: 2010-2019 ® 232 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The 2010S y 2010, the Balloon Fiesta we know today was mostly in place, an oasis from a topsy- turvy, seemingly increasingly polarized national and world climate. Through its history, the Balloon Fiesta has remained remarkably removed from the disputes of B life outside the confines of Balloon Fiesta Park. People may not agree about the President or much of anything else, but they pretty much can agree that balloons are really cool to look at and a whole lot of fun. Through the second decade of the 2000s, the Balloon Fiesta continued to focus on security and safety and further improving the experience for participants and guests. The opening of the Sid Cutter Pilots' Pavilion, in mid-decade, and the Balloon Museum a decade before, are the most visible improvements to the Park, but not the only ones, and there will be more to come. By 2019, the Balloon Fiesta was already preparing for its 50th year, then just two years away. Like the rest of the country, little did we know of the surprises the beginning of the next decade would bring. PHO T O B Y VIC T OR B ANT A OFFICIAL PROGRAM 233

THE 2010s: 2010-2019 When people think oWhen people think off B Baalloon Glolloon Glowwss,, they generally expect them to be held in 22001010the evenings. But in 2010, the Balloon Fiesta decided to try something new: a Morning Glow, sponsored by Krispy Kreme. The morning glow balloons inﬂ ate shortly after Dawn Patrol. But instead of ﬂ ying away like the Dawn Patrol does, the morning glow balloons remain on the ﬁ eld for guests’ enjoyment during the lull between the Dawn Patrol’s departure and the beginning of balloon inﬂ ations for the mass ascensions. Sadly, 2010 was founder Sid Cutter’s last Balloon Fiesta. As always, he was cheerful and actively involved in the event, but he had been battling cancer for some time and did not live to see the Balloon Fiesta’s 40th year. The disappearance of Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer Davis, while ﬂ ying in the Gordon Bennett in Europe, also cast a shadow over an otherwise joyous event. ® 234 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The ballooning community in Albuquerque began the 2011 Balloon 2011Fiesta with heavy hearts. For the ﬁ rst time founder Sid Cutter would not be there to ﬂ y with them, having lost his battle with cancer in May. The Balloon Fiesta dedicated its 40th year and beauty of the event. The book won numerous to Sid, and during the awards and is the deﬁ nitive history of the Balloon Fiesta opening ceremonies up to that point in time. The Balloon Fiesta’s Heritage paid tribute to him Committee has since collaborated on two additional and other departed books, 2016’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta balloonists. and 2022’s 50 Years of Magic. The Balloon Fiesta As ﬂ ying events began, the Balloon Fiesta’s ﬁ rst celebrated its 40th year second-generation balloonmeister was in charge. with the publication Neida Courtney-Bueno’s mom, also named Neida, had of a book, The World been balloonmeister in 1983 and 1984; now “Neida Comes to Albuquerque: Kid” followed in her footsteps and demonstrated The Dream Takes Flight, the prowess of a new generation of balloonists in recounting the history Albuquerque. New Mexico celebrated the centennial of statehood in 2012 – the 47th state 2012was admitted to the union in 1912 – and Balloon Fiesta celebrated along with the rest of the state. The Balloon Fiesta gives people one more reason to discover the Land of Enchantment in all its beauty and diversity – with a built-in party to boot, complete with balloons. It’s diﬃ cult now to remember what Albuquerque was like in October before Balloon Fiesta. The New Mexico State Fair was the big fall season draw, and October was the time everybody took a deep breath and time oﬀ after the fair, and got rested up for the busy holiday season. Then came the Balloon Fiesta, drawing tens of thousands of people into Albuquerque and the state to see the sights, scarf down some green (or red) chile, and of course watch balloons. Today’s Balloon Fiesta brings hundreds of millions of dollars into New Mexico’s economy and joy to the faces of the tens of thousands of visitors who attend the event every year. It changed Albuquerque and New Mexico forever – and for the better. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 235

Balloons and music somehow 2013go together. The late NBC news correspondent Jack Perkins, after visiting the 1977 Balloon Fiesta, noted that it’s impossible to watch balloons without hearing music. What kind of music depends on what you like – but you’ll hear music! Musical acts, from Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits to Three Dog Night to local high school and middle school bands, have always been part of Balloon Fiesta. But in 2013, country music fans rejoiced at the addition of Music Fiesta to the Balloon Fiesta’s attractions. The concert, held the ﬁ nal Saturday afternoon of the event, features headliners on the way up the charts. The ﬁ rst Music Fiesta Headliner in 2013 was pop and country music superstar Darius Rucker. To learn more about this year’s Music Fiesta, visit page 22. In addition to the big Music Fiesta concert, throughout the week the Balloon Fiesta’s Main Street Stage features a wide variety of local musical acts, variety performances, and visiting bands, including outstanding armed forces bands and performing groups. The Balloon Fiesta has always been a volunteer-driven 2014organization. The majority of the people you meet at Balloon Fiesta Park – from Zebras to greeters to chase crews to the people who run the RV lots, and drive the shuttles – are Navigators, the Balloon Fiesta term for volunteers. Some, including almost all the ﬂ ight operations staﬀ and oﬃ cials, are in highly technical positions. get oﬀ the ground without Navigators. The members of the Board of Directors are also all 2014 saw the retirement of one of the Balloon Navigators. There are fewer than two dozen paid Fiesta’s great Navigators, Tom Rutherford. Tom’s story permanent staﬀ . But the Balloon Fiesta never would is told in more detail elsewhere in this publication, but he was working in radio at the time he became part of the Balloon Fiesta. He became a pilot and Sid Cutter’s business partner, and later served in the New Mexico State Legislature and on the Bernalillo County Commission. For more than a quarter-century, Tom was the Balloon Fiesta’s golden voice, commentating for KOAT and serving as event announcer, notably with Glen Moyer. If you’d like to become a Navigator, it’s easy to sign up! All the information you need is on the Balloon Fiesta website at balloonﬁ esta.com/Volunteers-New. ® 236 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The success 2015of Troy Bradley’s and Leonid Tiukhtyaev’s Two Eagles transpaciﬁ c gas balloon ﬂ ight in January of 2015 set an optimistic tone for the whole year. And when Balloon Fiesta time rolled around, a wonderful new on-ﬁ eld facility was there to greet pilots and guests: the Sid Cutter Pilots’ Pavilion. The 12,000 square foot facility (with bathrooms!) replaces the big temporary tent used as pilot headquarters in previous years. A statue by Reynaldo “Sonny” Rivera of Sid in one of his favorite ﬂ ying poses, with Albuquerque (see the articles beginning on page 36), his dogs Sombra and Coco along for the ride, greets but if there’s any one piece of that legacy that makes him visitors. smile in heaven, this would probably be it. Sid’s wife, Jewel, worked alongside Sid on the Balloon Fiesta for many years and today is still hard at it. She recalls that when she once complained about how hard it was, Sid replied, it was, Sid replied, “But look how many “But look how many people we we’re people we we’re making happy.” Sid making happy.” Sid left quite a legacy to left quite a legacy to OFFICIAL PROGRAM 237

In 2016, the Balloon Fiesta hosted its ﬁ rst national championship event since 20161973, when the U.S. teams competed for the right to represent America in the Women’s World Hot Air Balloon Championships. More than a dozen of the nation’s leading female pilots vied for the title at the U.S. Women’s Nationals, held separately from the Balloon Fiesta’s regular competition events. The winner was Cheri White, from Texas, who had also ﬁ nished third earlier that year in the Women’s World Championships in Lithuania. Cheri is also a highly respected gas balloon competitor who, with ﬂ ying partner Mark Sullivan, is a two-time America’s Challenge champion. In 2017, in an increasingly digital world, a logical next step for Balloon Fiesta 2017was to grow its electronic footprint. This included providing pilots with updated weather information from a network of Fiesta sessions. European gas balloonists were weather stations, interactive maps showing their especially excited to be able to view the launch of the balloon’s position in relation to restricted landing areas, America’s Challenge live – and what a race it was! and text reminders and safety- Switzerland’s Nicolas Tièche related updates. For the public, and Laurent Sciboz annihilated website upgrades, social media, the competition and the record online ticket purchases, an online books with an astounding 3,771 store, and more enhanced the km (2,276 mi.) ﬂ ight to near guest experience. Labrador City, Quebec. You can The worldwide reach of the read more about Balloon Fiesta Balloon Fiesta grew with the Live! on page 240 — and watch inauguration of Balloon Fiesta past events on the Balloon Fiesta Live!, streamed coverage YouTube channel. via YouTube of all 14 Balloon ® 238 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Balloon Fiesta has long had a special relationship with Wile E. Coyote 2018and the Road Runner, dating back to the very ﬁ rst Coyote-Roadrunner (or is it Roadrunner-Coyote?) balloon race in 1972. With Warner Bros.’ permission, the two famous scoundrels decorated Roadrunner II, the local balloon club’s balloon that was a prominent ﬁ xture in the early years of Balloon Fiesta. Leading up to the 50th anniversary, the Balloon Fiesta began working with the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity on a series of posters featuring the delightful rascals. The series began in 2018, and was originally intended to be in four parts, telling a story about Road Runner and Coyote at Balloon Fiesta. When the 2020 event was postponed, the third poster in the series had already been issued, so the series was quickly expanded to ﬁ ve to extend the story into the new Balloon Fiesta 50th year in 2022. These collector’s items are on sale in the Balloon Fiesta Stuﬀ online store, under the merchandise tab on store, under the merchandise tab on the Balloon Fiesta the Balloon Fiesta 2019 brought an exciting new evening attraction to Balloon Fiesta, the Team 2019Fastrax aerial exhibition team. This precision team of skydivers brought the American ﬂ ag into Balloon Fiesta Park to open the evening events. After the Balloon Glows and Glowdeos, they made a second jump, this one featuring pyrotechnics! OFFICIAL PROGRAM 239

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Y SEL KIM VE O: T PHO Voices and Video: Field Announcers and Balloon Fiesta Live! By Ken Tuley Above: Field announcers Glen Moyer and Tom Rutherford, 24 years into their partnership, on the then-still Top Secret Announce Tower. ® 240 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

allooning is a multi-sensory activity, from the station folks. On the other hand, no one imaged that beautiful colors to the smell of propane and 20,000 people would show up for the event. the outdoors, to the sounds of the burners, Tom Rutherford is generally thought of as being the and in the case of a balloon rally, the PA ﬁ rst Voice of Fiesta, but in those early years he was a (public address) announcer. There’s nothing corporate balloon pilot and ﬂ ew in the Balloon Fiesta. like being on the ﬁ eld in person, but for those Although Tom was known for grabbing a mic and B who can’t get to Albuquerque, Balloon Fiesta Live! is explaining ballooning to anyone in earshot, there is no the next best thing. This livestream combines years of record of who the oﬃ cial announcer(s) may have been in experience from the event’s on-ﬁ eld announcers with the ﬁ rst few years. The ﬁ rst oﬃ cial record of announcers the technology now available to provide high-quality live at Balloon Fiesta shows up in the 1980 program, listing coverage of the Balloon Fiesta for balloon enthusiasts Rutherford, Paul Douglas and Lew Witz as announcers, worldwide. with Doug Davis listed as part of the team in 1985. As you have probably read elsewhere, the very ﬁ rst Somewhere along the line, Rutherford became a Balloon Fiesta was really a birthday party for KOB Radio. reporter and commentator for KOAT-TV’s live weekend No one seems to remember there being an announcer at broadcasts, creating a vacancy on the announce team Coronado Center in 1972, however, ﬁ lm shot of the event on the weekends. Enter Glen Moyer, a balloonist who got suggests there was a microphone with dignitaries and his start in the sport as a TV reporter covering balloon probably some sort of announcements made by radio rallies. Starting in 1990, Moyer announced on weekends OFFICIAL PROGRAM 241

S GHE HU TT O C O: S T PHO Above: The new dynamic duo, Art Lloyd, Jr. and Glen Moyer, on the now not-so-secret announce tower. and flew his balloon during the week, while Rutherford This arrangement continued for a number of years was the PA announcer during the week, and on TV for the until, on the 25th anniversary of their being together, weekends. In 1995, this tag team became more of a duet, Rutherford stepped down from his partnership with with both men on the tower for all sessions. Moyer. Three people with media backgrounds were The purpose of the announcers was to point out asked to “fill-in” for the 2014 Balloon Fiesta. Larry Ahrens, the launch of sponsored balloons. However, at the who had a long history with Balloon Fiesta through his old Balloon Fiesta Park south of the current site the position with KOB Radio did a few sessions. Kim Vesely, team, along with their spotter, Glenda Watson, was on long-time pilot and America’s Challenge media liaison, scaffolding behind the Main Street Stage, which was did a few sessions. And Art Lloyd Jr, also a pilot and located at mid-field. Since the sponsor balloons typically long-time Balloon Fiesta volunteer, did the majority of the took off from the south end of the field and flew south, sessions. away from the announcers, this was a less-than-ideal Lloyd recalls it being a proposed as a “fill-in” slot. In setup. With the move to the current field, it quickly reality, it turned out to be more of an audition to replace become obvious that the ideal spot for the announcers Rutherford. Officials said it was a tough decision, but in would be on the south end of the field, and there just the end, Art Lloyd Jr., was chosen to replace Rutherford happened to be a nice roof on top of the building there. on the tower. Just one small problem. The building is directly in the But that was only the start of bigger changes to come. path of ascending balloons, and the FAA (Federal Aviation In 2016, as part of an effort to better coordinate the PA Administration, in charge of air safety) was concerned announcing with the officials' launching the balloon of that balloons might not gain enough altitude fast enough the day at mid-field and the performing of the national to avoid hitting the building and injuring the people on anthem on the Main Street Stage, Balloon Fiesta added the roof. It took some negotiations, but the FAA finally cameras and a live video stream to the mix. Due to his allowed the announcers and only the announcers on the television experience, Lloyd was tapped to produce the roof. No one else was allowed, and people who managed video production. It was bare bones: three cameras with to get up there were promptly chased away. This no- Moyer and Lloyd announcing from the rooftop. Ahrens access led to Moyers and Rutherford referring to their provided relief to allow Moyer and Lloyd to take a couple location as the Top Secret announce tower. of sessions off, and Vesely provided information on ® 242 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

A In 2020 COVID challenged everyone. After months ANT of back and forth, the decision to postpone the actual B OR event was made in the interest of safety. Everyone T was devastated and couldn’t imagine surviving an O: VIC October without a Balloon Fiesta. The solution? Offer T a virtual Balloon Fiesta, via Balloon Fiesta Live! Windfire PHO Productions had just taken over control of Albuquerque’s community access cable channels, which set the stage, literally. Balloon Fiesta Live! set up shop in a newly renovated studio to produce 14 live streams, timed to what would have been the actual event sessions. It was quite an undertaking. Lloyd produced and anchored from the set in Albuquerque. Moyer and his cat, Ranger, joined via Zoom from his home in Louisiana. The team showed edited video highlights from past PHOTO: BOBBIE TULEY Above: The “competition cam”: Lloyd explains the Sid Cutter Memorial Task, where the target is a boat. America’s Challenge. Due to the uncertainty of how it would work, the live stream was not announced until the Friday before the 2016 event. And while the production had some technical issues, the online audience logged in by the tens of thousands. With all the knowledge and experience gained in that first “pilot” year, Lloyd and Balloon Fiesta made plans for a truly professional experience moving forward. Windfire Productions was hired to provide the technical expertise for the stream. Graphics and a show open and close were produced. A dedicated line to the internet was added to ensure the live stream would be reliable. Additional cameras and a master control room in a trailer were brought on site to handle the show and stream. Once again, the shows drew thousands. In fact, it was calculated that as many people tuned in to watch as showed up on the field that year. The next year, an additional camera was added to allow for video from the basket of a balloon. Ruth Lind, a hot air and gas balloonist and former editor of the national publication Ballooning, and Kim Vesely joined the team as reporters. Both usually work the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Event, but with no event in 2018, they needed something to do. They proved to be a huge asset Above: Balloon Fiesta Live! pandemic edition: Lloyd in to the on-air team. Albuquerque, and Moyer in Louisiana In 2019, Balloon Fiesta Live! expanded its reach by adding a low power TV station. In addition to streaming live on Balloon Fiesta’s website, YouTube and Facebook, Balloon Fiestas. Just like during a live event, guests people with an over-the-air antenna within about 4 miles joined in, either in person or via Zoom. The team also of the Balloon Fiesta Park could now watch on their tapped into the opportunity created by the “Lifting Spirits television. This allowed RVers and hospitality tents to Around the World,” movement, where balloonists flew in install TVs to watch Balloon Fiesta Live!, instead of just their hometowns during Balloon Fiesta week to thank listening to the PA speakers. Coverage of competition got first responders. Pictures and tapes and even live video a boost by putting Lloyd and a camera crew in the middle were brought into the show of balloon flights and events of the competition field, so viewers got a close up look around the world. and listen to balloons coming into the target. At one point, Moyer and Lloyd counted down an OFFICIAL PROGRAM 243

PHOTO: BOBBIE TULEY There was an additional side beneﬁ t as well. One of the live segments on the show was a merchandise or shopping segment featuring Balloon Fiesta merchandise ordered before the postponement, along with limited- edition “Balloon Fiesta Siesta” collectibles. Viewers could see the merchandise on the show and purchase items online through the website. In eﬀ ect this provided a “re-launch” of the Balloon Fiesta Stuﬀ online store and provided some needed revenue to Balloon Fiesta. Fortunately, in 2021, things returned more to normal. The full announce and production teams were back, PHOTO: VICTOR BANTA with thousands of people tuning in. Support volunteers TOP: Merchandise on display. Above: The Balloon Fiesta Live! announce Bobbie and Greg kept the “talent” looking and sounding team: Kim Vesely, Art Lloyd, Jr,, Glen Moyer, and Ruth Lind have a com- good. For the 50th Balloon Fiesta anniversary in 2022, bined total of more than 130 years of broadcast experience; with each we plan to add some video history moments as well as of them also being balloon pilots, that’s another 130 years of ballooning expanding our reach through additional over-the-air experience including both hot air and gas balloons outlets, to make the broadcast available to anyone in the Albuquerque-Santa Fe area in addition to the all-burn for a group of balloonists doing an traditional streaming locations. impromptu Balloon Glow at an Albuquerque Watch the shows, or use the QR code to see parking lot. Remember, Moyer’s in Louisiana, the more than 200 hours of live shows. And catch Lloyd’s in a downtown Albuquerque studio the live stream on the Balloon Fiesta’s Website, and the balloons are on the other side of YouTube and Facebook channels, Community town. Bringing all these live elements together Access (Cable) channels, and our low power TV technologically rivaled the ability of the best station. TV stations in the country to produce such a live show. The 2020 Balloon Fiesta Live! shows Balloon Fiesta staﬀ video and digital content captured the attention of the local media as they were producer Ken Tuley is better known by his nom-de- featured on numerous TV newscasts. broadcast Art Lloyd, Jr. He’s been involved with Balloon Fiesta as a volunteer and balloon pilot for 40 years. ® 244 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

1000 Legion Place, Suite 725 | Orlando, FL 32801 CustomMedia.Golfweek.com The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta oﬃ cial program is published by Golfweek Custom Media, a division of USA Today Sports Media Group. For information on national advertising opportunities, special event magazine production or any of our other custom publishing capabilities, please call 407.563.7012 or visit www. CustomMedia.Golfweek.com. Publisher/Creative Director Michael C. Hagmann Production Coordinator Gabi Weaver ADVERTISING Director of Sales Ted Mersch 407-563-7045 [email protected] Advertising Director Eric Smooke Oﬃ cial Publisher of 407-563-7010 the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta ® 50th Anniversary Program Golfweek Custom Media is the nation’s leading publisher of highly targeted event programs for the nation’s most prestigious events. For more information and to browse all of our digital editions, please visit us at www.custommedia.golfweekcom.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Worlds of Balloon Fiesta® ® 246 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHOTO: CINDY CLARK OIS JE DEBER UL A O: P T PHO iterally thousands of people are involved in putting on the Balloon Fiesta. The balloonists – pilots and chase crews – and some of the oﬃ cials are “onstage” – on the launch ﬁ eld, where the ballooning action is. L But what goes on “backstage” is just as important. During the nine days of Balloon Fiesta, Balloon Fiesta Park literally becomes a small city, with everything that entails: sanitation, public safety, ONG transportation, shops, fast-food restaurants, and ON L even thousands of people living on site in the various RV parks. Some of these areas are featured in other O: MARL program articles, and others are shown here. We T can’t include every area, but here’s just some of PHO what goes on behind the scenes at Balloon Fiesta. PHO T O: BENNIE B O S PHO T O: KIM VE SEL Y PHO T O: BILL W AL T ON FL PHO YNT T O: KIM VE SEL Y OFFICIAL PROGRAM 247

S O O: BENNIE B T PHO CLARK Y O: CIND T PHO PHO T O: CIND Y CLARK Y SEL O: KIM VE T PHO Y SEL O: KIM VE T PHO ® 248 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

PHO T O: BENNIE B O S A ANT OR B T O: VIC T PHO PHO T O: P A UL DEBER JE OIS Y HARD O: SELENA T PHO OFFICIAL PROGRAM 249

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS A Year-Round Presence: The Balloon Museum eople often wonder about the big building to has a strong educational emphasis, oﬀ ering interactive the south of the Balloon Fiesta launch ﬁ eld. exhibits for children and families and a Weather Lab. Those who know what it is often think it is run In the Museum’s oﬀ site archives, its curators collect by the Balloon Fiesta. and conserve a large collection of balloon systems and That big building has a big name: the artifacts. This year, special exhibits honor Balloon Fiesta Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque founder Sid Cutter and recount the 50-year history P International Balloon Museum. It is part of the of the Balloon Fiesta. City of Albuquerque’s museum system (not The Museum oﬀ ers expanded hours and run by the Balloon Fiesta), but it is located in hospitality packages during Balloon Fiesta, but Balloon Fiesta Park and, of course, has a close it’s open all year and gives ballooning a year- connection with both the Balloon Fiesta and the round presence to be enjoyed by both visitors ballooning community in Albuquerque. to Albuquerque and residents. It also oﬀ ers The Museum is named after Ben Abruzzo special events throughout the year and gratefully and Maxie Anderson, two of the three men accepts donations through memberships and (the third was Larry Newman) who were ﬁ rst other fundraising opportunities. The City of to cross the Atlantic Ocean by balloon. Both later went Albuquerque’s Balloon Museum website and the Balloon on to achieve other epic “ﬁ rsts” in ballooning – you can Museum Foundation website both oﬀ er much more read more about it on page 188. Both tragically died in detailed information about the Museum, its programs, separate aviation accidents: Maxie while ﬂ ying in the and additional material related to exhibits. Gordon Bennett balloon race in Europe, and Ben in a small plane accident in Albuquerque. In 1984, the year after Maxie’s death, the Anderson family began looking into the possibility of creating a museum to honor his memory and to preserve and promote the culture, art, science, and history of the world’s oldest form of aviation. After Ben passed away in 1985, the Anderson and Abruzzo families joined forces. It took two decades to realize the dream, with a lot of support from city and state public oﬃ cials as well as the local ballooning community. But ﬁ nally, in 2005, the new Balloon Museum opened its doors to the public. A The Museum contains exhibits ANT about the history of ballooning and the OR B T epic ﬂ ights of Abruzzo, Anderson, and VIC others (including some of the gondolas Y O B and ﬂ ight gear actually used during T their record-breaking exploits). It also PHO ® 250 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Balloon Fiesta® Photography Tips: Have Fun and Be Unique Here are some tips for getting amazing images of this spectacular event! Dawn Patrol Now That You See What A Pilot Sees Rising into the dark skies each morning is the Dawn Going on a balloon ride? Get your camera in either Patrol. At about 6:00 am every day, Dawn Patrol pilots Auto or P (Program) Mode so you can focus on your launch into the sky with only their burners to light the aerial experience instead of the camera settings. way. Pro Tips: Now would be a great time to bring a point- Pro Tip: Early in the morning, we suggest using a tripod and-shoot. Neck straps and wrist straps are your best and remote. If you use your tripod and have an IS lens, friend. With your camera properly secured to your person, make sure you turn oﬀ the IS function while you shoot. you can feel more conﬁ dent shooting extreme angles. Since the balloons lift oﬀ while it’s still dark outside, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Balloon Glow® This sets the mood for a magical evening. Don’t miss Mass Ascension the random twinkling lights of balloons just before the Imagine seeing nothing but 600 brightly colored orbs order for an ”All Glow”, when a warm light illuminates the and shape balloons where ever you look. Pilots will ﬁ re entire ﬁ eld. up their burners, shooting ﬂ ames into the balloons to Pro Tips: Adjust your angle. Set-up your gear with the inﬂ ate them. main ﬁ eld in front of you and the mountainside behind Pro Tips: Use a wide-angle lens to get photos of the you, for the best shots. Use a tripod and a wireless remote ground activity. Use a telephoto-zoom lens to get detail or cable release to reduce motion blur. shots or portraits of reactions in the crowd. Shooting with the sun rising behind the balloons will provide some Fireworks beautiful silhouettes and add ambiance to the scene. Getting your camera dialed-in to the correct settings can make or break a fantastic light display. Special Shape Balloons Pro Tips: Fireworks need long exposure times, so use The Special Shape Rodeo™ and Special Shape a tripod for this event. A remote or cable release prevents Glowdeo™ are big hits with kids of all ages! accidental camera shake to you get clear, sharp images. Pro Tips: Frame other balloons with the ones in the Use a longer shutter speed to increase the trails of the foreground. Use special shape balloons as fun backdrops ﬁ reworks. for family photos and selﬁ es. Be Creative Balloons In Flight Whether you’re going for a day or the entire Balloon By this point in the morning, the horizon will be awash Fiesta, there are plenty of chances to grab amazing with vibrant colors as balloons inﬂ ate and take to the shots. While we’ve suggested some camera settings skies to ﬂ y across the valley. here, the ultimate goal is for you to have fun! Find your Pro Tips: Once the sun is on the rise, try to shoot with own style and see what you like best. the sun to your side or back. At this position you can use it to better show the curve of the balloons and illuminate their colors. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 251

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Pins, Patches and other Baubles of Aﬀ ection By Ty Young Updated from the 2010 Balloon Fiesta program ince the start of ballooning in 1783, balloonists and observers alike have had their own personal ways of keeping their ballooning memories close at hand. While the most common form of memories are probably photographs, there is a large world of hobby S enthusiasts that feverishly collect and treasure balloon pins. Pins typically range in size from as small as ¼” all the way up to very rare examples checking in at over 8”. Pins are traditionally manufactured from some form of metal and a variant of enamel type materials that provide the colors on the pin. Early pins were primarily metals with very little if any color, varying from bronze to sterling silver or even solid gold. Later, a beautiful type of pin evolved called “cloisonné” which entailed the melting of glass type materials that are common in many types of jewelry. True cloisonné pins are quite expensive to produce and in the 1980s, alternative forms started to appear to help keep the cost down and also provide a wider, broader scope of colors. Present day pins are limited only by the imagination, with bright colors, springs, ﬂ ashing lights and other enhancements being commonplace. The most common pins are often exact miniature representations of the balloons themselves. Some balloon owners choose to produce several diﬀ erent versions of their pins each year, some for people lucky enough to ﬂ y in the balloon, others for crew members and others that they might freely trade, sell or give TT away, and others that simply represent their balloon. A W Though not all balloonists produce pins, most that do Y A R are usually happy to trade with collectors on the ﬁ eld. O: T The best time to trade with a pilot or crew member is either before inﬂ ation or, even better, after their ﬂ ight PHO is over and the work is done. The easiest way to obtain Above: A young trader starting a pin collection at the Balloon Fiesta’s oﬃ cial Pin Trading event. ® 252 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

TT A W Y A R O: T PHO a pin or start collecting during one at all. Some individual pins Balloon Fiesta is by purchasing today bring more than $300 each pins from the oﬃ cial Balloon based on scarcity and demand. An Fiesta merchandise tents on the average pin will usually cost from ﬁ eld and/or from vendors on ﬁ ve to twenty dollars. Main Street. Buying two or three It’s a common sight to see provides extras that can be used vests, hats and jackets covered as “traders”. from top to bottom with people’s Most ballooning events complete collections, regardless produce “event” pins for the of value or maybe just one or event itself as well as events two of their favorites. Locals and within the event. The Balloon visitors alike always look forward Fiesta produces dozens of to local celebrity newscaster Steve oﬃ cial pins for individual events, Stucker as he reports live from oﬃ cials groups like Safety Y the ﬁ eld covered head to (nearly) Oﬃ cers and “Zebras,” and more! SEL toe with his favorite pins. Some The Balloon Fiesta’s website people will happily trade what they includes a collectors page KIM VE proudly display while others would O: (https://balloonﬁ esta.com/1- T never dream of parting with even pins-archive) showing hundreds PHO one of their many acquisitions. of oﬃ cial pins produced over the The Balloon Fiesta holds “balloon event’s 50-year history; more are Above: Steve Stucker, festooned with pins! pin trading days” each year so being added all the time as new traders can get together and swap pins are produced and old ones pins, tell stories and catch up with surface. friends they may only see once a year at the event. Sure, a picture is worth a thousand words, but just Other forms of collectibles have become popular how much is a pin worth? As with anything, value is over the years including patches, posters and trading how much is a pin worth? As with anything, value is over the years including patches, posters and trading determined via supply and demand. Traders and cards. Trading cards provide a more aﬀ ordable item collectors will search high and low for the “hot” for pilots and crews to give away to the growing pin each year at Balloon Fiesta. Those pins vary number of balloon fanatics each year. Since 1979, each year from the obvious (Darth Vader) to the AIBF has produced an oﬃ cial poster for the event, unexpected (oﬃ cial Pin Trading Day pins). Age is and they have become quite collectible in their own also a factor in value, as it is with most collectibles. right. As time goes by, who knows where people display The true value associated with a particular pin or or put them for safekeeping . The pin that you collectible should always be the great memories it could ﬁ nd for $1 at seemingly every vendor’s booth in brings back every time you see it, wherever those might 1982 might run you $50 today, assuming you can ﬁ nd be. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 253

THE 2020s: 2020-2022 ® 254 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The 2020S lanning for the Balloon Fiesta® is a year-round undertaking, which begins just a couple of weeks and a few nights of sleep after the previous year’s Balloon Fiesta ends. The event’s small permanent staff and Board of Directors dissect what went well and can be P improved from the previous year, and by the next New Years’, work on the next Balloon Fiesta is well underway. But 2020 was different, as the global COVID pandemic shut down normal life not just in America, but around the world. Even ballooning was not immune, as the 49th Balloon Fiesta was postponed for a year, or took a “Fiesta Siesta,” as it came to be called. By the next October (2021), despite lingering effects of the pandemic, Balloon Fiesta was back, with additional safety and hygiene precautions. Now, in 2022, the Balloon Fiesta celebrates not only its 50th event, but the 50th anniversary of that very first Balloon Fiesta at Coronado Center in 1972. It’s been quite a ride, and the only journey more exciting will be the years of beautiful balloon flights to come. PHO T O B Y VIC T OR B ANT A OFFICIAL PROGRAM 255

THE 2020s: 2020-2022 In March 2020, planning for that October’s Balloon Fiesta was well 2020underway. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, and everything changed. After months of work to determine if the event could go forward in 2020, the 49th Balloon Fiesta was postponed in the interest of safety. Much of the merchandise for 2020 had already been ordered, and items that made it onto the market are collectors’ items today. Added “Balloon Fiesta Siesta” items commemorating the postponed event were an even bigger hit. And not all of Balloon Fiesta took a siesta – Balloon Fiesta Live! streamed new interviews and highlights of past events all nine days. Learn more about Balloon Fiesta Live! on page 240 ® 256 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

After the oﬀ again, on again, and oﬀ 2021again uncertainty of 2020 and the unprecedented postponement of Balloon Fiesta, everybody was more than ready for the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. Some COVID precautions remained in place, notably mask wearing in tents and indoor spaces. Some large events, like the Music Fiesta, were put on hiatus for the year. Masks were optional in the open air on the ﬁ eld, but recommended in crowds. The number of international balloonists attending dropped dramatically, since many countries still had travel restrictions in place. But people were thrilled to see the Balloon Fiesta return. Many guests thanked the balloon teams for being there, saying they’d really missed their sky full of balloons. With preparations for the 50th Balloon Fiesta well underway, everyone looked forward to a party to rival the KOB Birthday Bash of 1972 that started it all. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 257

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta celebrates its 2022golden anniversary this year, the culmination of 50 years of bringing joy, delight, and magic to people in Albuquerque and around the world. As we do so, we look back on the past, but also eagerly await the future. sensation of being a child on the ﬁ eld, sensation of being a child on the ﬁ eld, During the 2021 Balloon Fiesta, skilled craftspeople watching their balloon ﬂ y away and wishing they could from Cameron Balloons, working in the Sid Cutter ﬂ y with it. At Balloon Fiesta, you can. Pavilion, assembled the Balloon Fiesta’s new balloon, Thousands of people – pilots, crews, sponsors owned and ﬂ own by members of its Board of Directors. (we welcome ExxonMobil as presenting sponsor this Fiesta Gold , in addition to the event’s 50th anniversary year), volunteers, vendors, law enforcement and ﬁ rst logo, includes the images of the ﬁ rst 13 balloons to ﬂ y responders, and more – make this event possible in the Balloon Fiesta, and on its crown, in silhouette, every year, and we thank them. We look forward to founder Sid Cutter, making another waving to the 50 years and crowd. Those 13 more of magic at original balloons the Albuquerque represent 50 years International of safe ﬂ ights, Balloon Fiesta. soft landings, and that inexplicable ® 258 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

OFFICIAL PROGRAM 259

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS FieFiesstta de La de Loos Globits Globitooss,, the “Mini Balloon Fiesta” the “Mini Balloon Fiesta” By Sam Parks ® 260 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The tradition of adding new, he concept of hosting a remote-control fun, and exciting events to the balloon rally during Balloon Fiesta came Albuquerque International Balloon from a web site where I learned about a Fiesta® is still alive and well Guinness world record being established when 50 remote control balloons were today. Sam Parks, Balloon Fiesta’s inﬂ ated at the same location. I then T Director of Operations and former learned that several American balloon pilots actually Balloonmeister, describes how this own and operate RC balloons. A few enthusiasts have new event for remote-controlled even brought them to Balloon Fiesta over the years, (RC) hot air balloons began and is as curiosities and toys to play with during post-ﬂ ight tailgating. becoming the Balloon Fiesta’s latest Without much expectation for its ﬁ rst year, we – and popular! -- attraction. organized a rally of ¼ scale hot air balloons to participate during three days of the 2021 Balloon Fiesta. I was pleasantly surprised when over 30 RC balloon owners responded to our invitation. This year Balloon Fiesta will again host the Fiesta de Los Globitos Remote Control Balloon Rally with 83 balloons, which will be the largest gathering of remote-controlled balloons in the world. I am thrilled at how much interest there S has been in RC balloons GHE since our ﬁ rst rally in 2021. HU The balloons are built TT O from lighter weight nylon C O: S and use a small propane T burner to provide the PHO heat for lift. The burner is radio controlled remotely by the operator and the balloons are typically tethered to the ground. When the RC balloon operator adds more heat the balloon will rise. Allowing the balloon to cool oﬀ causes the balloon to descend. Remote control ballooning does not require a FAA pilot’s license, and people of all ages can enjoy ballooning on a smaller scale. I know several FAA-certiﬁ ed balloon pilots who have built a miniature RC version of their full-size balloon, a hot new trend among balloonists in Albuquerque and elsewhere. Some are so realistic that it’s diﬃ cult, at a distance, to tell them apart from their full-size cousins. The average cost to buy a remote- control balloon is $5,000. Balloon Fiesta is very pleased to grow the sport of PHO ballooning through the Fiesta de Los Globitos, which is T O: VICSpanish for party of the little balloons. T OR B ANT A OFFICIAL PROGRAM OFFICIAL PROGRAM 261

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS People Who Make It Happen: The Balloon Fiesta® Wall of Fame Information compiled by Charlotte Kinney, Tom McConnell, and Kim Vesely of the AIBF Heritage Committee ehind every Albuquerque International Ben Abruzzo Balloon Fiesta are thousands of people – Hall of Fame 1985 pilots, crews, volunteers (Navigators), staﬀ , As co-captain of the ﬁ rst manned gas law enforcement and military personnel, balloon transits of the Atlantic and Paciﬁ c city and county workers, sponsors, Oceans, Ben Abruzzo’s record-setting ﬂ ights vendors, civic organizations, and many put Albuquerque on the ballooning map; B others – each of whom makes a special and unique he also triumphed in the Friends of Gordon Bennett gas balloon race. contribution to the magic. Through its “Wall of Fame,” the Balloon Fiesta recognizes some of those people, individuals whose exceptional eﬀ orts have played pivotal roles in the Richard Abruzzo creation and continued success of the event. The Wall Hall of Fame 2011 of Fame recognizes: In his father’s adventurous tradition, Richard • Inductees into the Balloon Fiesta Hall of Fame Abruzzo set dozens of world records, • Recipients of the Heritage Award completed a transatlantic crossing of his • Presidents of the AIBF Board of Directors own, and won the Coupe Gordon Bennett • Balloonmeisters (the lead oﬃ cial in charge of (2004), ﬁ ve America’s Challenge gas balloon races, and two Balloon Fiesta Key ﬂ ying operations) Grabs. • Executive Directors, Directors of Operations and Event Directors (the highest- ranking staﬀ members) Maxie Anderson Hall of Fame 1985 Maxie Anderson focused world attention on Albuquerque as he co-captained the ﬁ rst transatlantic crossing, completed the ﬁ rst non-stop transcontinental ﬂ ight, and took the ﬁ rst steps leading to successful non- stop around-the-world balloon ﬂ ights. ® 262 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Scott Appelman Jim Benson Heritage Award 2013; Hall of Fame 2017 Hall of Fame 1998 Scott Appelman played a key role in creating Jim “Badtoe” Benson was the Balloon some of the Balloon Fiesta’s biggest events, Fiesta’s ﬁ rst full time Field Manager; Jim including the Balloon Glows and the Special was pivotal in laying the foundation for the Shape Rodeo and Glowdeo. Thousands of infrastructure at the current Balloon Fiesta passengers experience the thrill of ﬂ ying Park and the groundwork for turning ﬁ eld in the Balloon Fiesta through his company, management into a professional operation. Rainbow Ryders. Jim Baca Wally Book Hall of Fame 1998 Balloonmeister 2001-02 In 1975, as an aide to then-Mayor Heritage Award 2014 Harry Kinney, Jim Baca was one of the One of the Balloon Fiesta’s earliest pilots, Wally Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Book began ﬂ ying in the event in 1974, but is original incorporators. In the early years he best known as a staunch advocate for pilot coordinated city services supporting the safety. He’s served for more than 30 years as a Balloon Fiesta, and later served as Mayor of Safety Oﬃ cer, was Balloonmeister in 2001- Albuquerque. 2002, and as a ﬂ uent French speaker has been an ambassador for international pilots. Ray Bair Pat Brake President 2009-10; Hall of Fame 2012 Balloonmeister 1996-97 Balloon Fiesta past president and a former Event Direrctor 1998-2010 FAA Designated Examiner who has certiﬁ ed Among a long line of strong female leaders dozens of balloon pilots, Ray Bair is a former at Balloon Fiesta, Pat Brake stands out, hav- head of the America’s Challenge gas race ing been Balloonmeister, Event Director, and Command Center and, in 2021 at age 80, board member. In 2005, she became the became the oldest pilot to place in the top ﬁ rst woman to ever serve as Event Director three overall in Balloon Fiesta competition. for the Coupe Gordon Bennett, the world’s oldest air race. Jodi Baugh Dick Brown Hall of Fame 1999 Heritage Award 2012; Hall of Fame 2016 The dynamic Jodi Baugh transformed the Another early Balloon Fiesta ﬂ yer, Dick Balloon Fiesta’s marketing and advertising Brown is one of the Balloon Fiesta’s leading structure in the 1990s, creating a sponsor- historians and experts on ballooning. A for- ship structure which helped to establish the mer editor of Ballooning magazine, Dick has Balloon Fiesta’s ﬁ nancial security and im- contributed dozens of articles to the Balloon proved amenities for sponsors and guests. Fiesta program and is co-author of three books about the Balloon Fiesta. Sam Baxter Dick Butterﬁ eld Hall of Fame 2011 Balloonmeister 1990-91 Patriarch of the “Adams Family” ballooning Longtime safety oﬃ cer and 1990-91 group, for more than a decade Field Balloonmeister, Dick Butterﬁ eld is another Manager Sam Baxter led the team that strong advocate for safety. His alter ego, turns Balloon Fiesta Park into a “city” “Captain Stupid,” jolted sleepy balloon pilots capable of supporting 100,000 people and awake to hear his safety messages (and safely launching more than 500 balloons. occasionally get taken to task) at dozens of early morning pilot brieﬁ ngs. Gary Bennett J.W. Byrd President 2006-07 Hall of Fame 2004 Albuquerque businessman and balloonist One of Albuquerque’s early pilots and Gary Bennett has served on the Balloon earliest Balloon Fiesta Safety Oﬃ cers, J.W. Fiesta Board since 1999. A real estate Byrd also was a pilot examiner and national developer by trade, he is also a competitive competition oﬃ cial. At Balloon Fiesta, he balloonist and former President of Top Gun, was the scoring oﬃ cer in charge of calculat- the Albuquerque competition ballooning ing competition results, and a mentor and club. friend to hundreds of balloonists. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 263

Jim Byrd Jay Czar Heritage Award 2020 President 2016-17 Jim Byrd followed in his father’s footsteps 2016-17 AIBF President Jay Czar was for as a pilot and then as the Balloon Fiesta’s many years the director of the Albuquerque number-cruncher for both hot air and gas International Sunport. The City of Albuquer- balloon competition; he is still the America’s que is an important partner in putting on a Challenge scoring oﬃ cer. Jim has spent successful Balloon Fiesta, and Jay’s exper- years developing and reﬁ ning the Balloon tise helped facilitate that relationship. Fiesta’s scoring software. Ron Caldwell Carol Rymer Davis Balloonmeister 1980 Hall of Fame 2005 In addition to serving as Balloonmeister Carol Rymer Davis, probably the most and a safety oﬃ cer and board member, Ron decorated female balloonist in history, is the Caldwell leveraged his military connections only woman to date to win the Coupe Gordon to bring the Navy Leapfrogs and Army Bennett, set world altitude, duration, & distance Golden Knights to the Balloon Fiesta, records, was a safety oﬃ cer at Balloon Fiesta, beginning a tradition of thrilling parachute and mentored a generation of balloonists. She exhibitions at the event. will be inducted into the FAI Ballooning Hall of Fame this year. Aubrey Cookman John Davis Hall of Fame 1998 President 1982; Hall of Fame 1985; A retired journalist with a distinguished Balloonmeister 1988-89; Heritage Award 2006 record, Aubrey Cookman was one of the Bal- The Balloon Fiesta’s longest-serving Board mem- loon Fiesta’s original incorporators and its ber – more than 40 years – John Davis’s contri- ﬁ rst media director. He laid the foundation butions to the event are too many to count. John for a press operation which facilitates media and his wife Carol were among Albuquerque’s coverage for hundreds of photographers earliest balloonists, and as an instructor and FAA and print and television journalists. Designated Examiner, John certiﬁ ed dozens of balloon pilots. Neida Courtney Don Draper Balloonmeister 1983-84 Balloonmeister 1972 Neida Courtney is one of the earliest female The long line of Balloonmeisters begins with balloon pilots in Albuquerque, and in 1983 Don Draper, who with Sid Cutter ran the became the second woman to serve as very ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta in 1972. Don and Balloonmeister. Neida also served on the Sid had 10 days to stage the event, and it is board of directors and was instrumental said that as they ﬂ ew oﬀ in the lead balloon, in founding the Balloon Explorium, bring- Sid turned to Don and said, “Well, we’ve ing children’s educational exhibits to the ﬁ nally seen a balloon race.” Balloon Fiesta. Neida Courtney-Bueno Don Edwards Balloonmeister 2011-12 Event Director 2010-15 “Neida Kid” to old-timers who remember A veteran pilot and event organizer, Don when she was little, Neida Courtney-Bueno Edwards joined the Balloon Fiesta in 2010 as grew up at Balloon Fiesta, became a pilot, Event Director. Don had ﬂ own in the Balloon and was a launch oﬃ cer, safety oﬃ cer and Fiesta and the Special Shape Rodeo for Assistant Balloonmeister before becoming many years and from time to time continues the Balloon Fiesta’s ﬁ rst second-generation to participate in the event. Balloonmeister. Sid Cutter Paul Enz Balloonmeister 1972, 1974-75 Balloonmeister 1981 Executive Director 1973-75 Paul Enz was the Balloonmeister in 1981, Hall of Fame 1983; Heritage Award 2005 one of the earliest years where the Balloon “The father of us all,” Sid Cutter’s vision Fiesta began to incorporate other forms and imagination led directly to the creation of ﬂ ying for spectator entertainment. The of the Albuquerque International Balloon “Wild Waco” air show featuring biplane aero- Fiesta. Sid started and nurtured the Balloon batics was one of these, and Paul ﬂ ew as the Fiesta and the hundreds of Albuquerque wing walker in one of the shows. balloonists whose expertise sustained the event. Read more about Sid on page 36. ® 264 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Cheryl Frost Charles Hines Balloonmeister 2006-08 President 1977, 1985; Hall of Fame 1984 Cheryl Mathews Frost (Cheryl Lété) has A key ﬁ gure in the Balloon Fiesta’s early been ﬂ ying balloons since the 1980s and history, Charlie Hines was on hand for the was Chief Safety Oﬃ cer and Assistant Bal- ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta in 1972 and organized loonmeister before guiding Balloon Fiesta chase crews and volunteers in 1973 and ﬂ ying events for three years as Balloonmeis- 1974. When Albuquerque International Bal- ter. She still serves as a member of the AIBF loon Fiesta, Inc. began operations in 1976, Board of Directors. Charlie became the organization’s very ﬁ rst President, and later served as Chairman. Doug Gallagher Jacqueline Hockey Balloonmeister 1985 Hall of Fame 1992; Heritage Award 2016 The 1985 Balloonmeister, Doug Gallagher, The gracious hostess to generations of came up through the ranks as a pilot participants and guests, Jacqueline Hockey and oﬃ cial and did a great Mr. Rogers established the event’s ﬁ rst hospitality suites, impersonation (“can you say, ‘Balloon organized years worth of oﬃ cial galas, and Fiesta?’”) Doug continues to serve the still brings a continental ﬂ air to Balloon Fiesta Balloon Fiesta as a safety oﬃ cer, as he has events. for nearly four decades. Matt Guthrie Bruce King President 2020-21; Heritage Award 2017 Hall of Fame 2010 Ballooning captivated Matt Guthrie at a One of the dignitaries at the very ﬁ rst Bal- very young age, and became for him both a loon Fiesta in 1972 was New Mexico Gover- hobby and a career. He was a launch direc- nor Bruce King, who went on to serve three tor while still in his teens, earned his pilot non-consecutive full terms as Governor. As license, and worked his way up through the the state’s longest-serving chief executive, Balloon Fiesta ranks. As President, he guid- he was a staunch supporter of New Mexico’s ed the Balloon Fiesta through the pandemic largest international event. years of 2020-21. George Hahn Gary King Balloonmeister 1986-87; President 1991; Balloonmeister 2003-05 Hall of Fame 2002 Gary King (no relation to Bruce) was the George Hahn raced powerboats before ﬁ rst Balloonmeister -- the oﬃ cial in charge taking up a slower sport, ﬂ ying hot air and of ﬂ ight operations -- from outside Albu- gas balloons, training and certifying pilots, querque. Gary, who brought extensive promoting ballooning safety, operating a experience ﬂ ying in and running ballooning sales and repair station, and serving the events around the country, served three Balloon Fiesta as Balloonmeister, Board years as Balloonmeister. member, and Board President. Bruce Hale Al Kinney President 1995-96; Hall of Fame 1997 Hall of Fame 1994 A local businessman and contractor, Bruce As a volunteer at the ﬁ rst World Hot Air Hale literally helped build the Balloon Balloon Championships (2nd Balloon Fiesta’s infrastructure, donating time, Fiesta) Al Kinney installed utilities and money, and services. He ﬂ ew both hot air organized concessions and infrastructure. and gas balloons at the Balloon Fiesta, and He was instrumental in obtaining funding spent two years as the event’s President. for the event and coordinating the city bond issue to buy the current Balloon Fiesta Park. Sam Hancock Charlotte Kinney Executive Director 1996 Balloonmeister 1982, 1984 During the crucial year of 1996, when the Heritage Award 2018 Balloon Fiesta moved to its current and per- The daughter of Mayor Harry Kinney, Char- manent home at Balloon Fiesta Park, Sam lotte Kinney was one of Albuquerque’s early Hancock served as the event’s Executive balloon pilots. She broke barriers as the Director. Balloon Fiesta’s ﬁ rst female Balloonmeister and one of the ﬁ rst women in the country in command of a major balloon event. She now is one of the Balloon Fiesta’s historians. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 265

Harry Kinney Frank Mezzancello Hall of Fame 1984 President 1994; Hall of Fame 2004 The Balloon Fiesta might have died an During more than 30 years ﬂ ying in Balloon early death, had it not been for the vision Fiesta and working mostly behind the and eﬀ orts of Mayor Harry Kinney. Mayor scenes, Frank Mezzancello served on every Kinney formed a citizen’s committee to take committee and been a valuable media- over the Balloon Fiesta’s operations and tor who championed the cause of pilots, helped arrange for city services to support smoothed upset neighbors, and handled the event. issues on the ﬁ eld. Sadly, Frank passed away this year (see page 272). Steve Komadina Sheri Moore President 1999 President 1978-79; Hall of Fame 1987 A pilot for more than 40 years and member Sheri Bachtell Moore is among the ﬁ rst of many of the Board of Directors since the late strong women who played key roles in the 1980’s, Dr. Steve Komadina is perhaps early success of the Balloon Fiesta. Sheri was better known to Balloon Fiesta guests as a member of the ﬁ rst Citizen’s Committee and the pilot of the Stork balloon, which was AIBF’s ﬁ rst female President, helping to set the originally named Great Eggspectations. course the newly-formed corporation would take for years to come. Randy Lefevre Sam Parks Hall of Fame 2019 Balloonmeister 2013-18 Weather observations and forecasting have Director of Operations 2018-Present always been vitally important to the safety The Balloon Fiesta’s longest-serving bal- of the Balloon Fiesta, and Randy Lefevre has loonmeister, Sam Parks is now part of the been an event meteorologist for 20 years. event staﬀ . As Director of Operations, Sam As one of the world’s experts in forecasting oversees the year-round eﬀ ort required to weather and long-distance trajectories for coordinate safe ﬂ ying events and smooth balloon operations, he also serves as the behind-the-scenes operations. America’s Challenge’s meteorologist. Doug March Betty Perkins Balloonmeister 1977-78 President 1975-76; Hall of Fame 2016 He was the Balloon Fiesta balloonmeister In 1975, Betty Perkins chaired the very ﬁ rst in the year the “pole grab” brought new Citizen’s Committee that facilitated the in- excitement to competition, but Doug March corporation of the Balloon Fiesta. She then is perhaps better remembered for founding became AIBF’s ﬁ rst Chairperson, urging the a company that designed and sold most City of Albuquerque to assist with infra- of early Albuquerque balloonists’ balloon structure for the ﬂ edgling event, thus laying pins -- pins that are today highly valued by the groundwork for today’s Balloon Fiesta. collectors. Rod May Paul Petrehn Balloonmeister 1994-95 Event Director 2015-17 President 2004-05; Hall of Fame 2012 As one of the top competitive pilots in Longtime Board of Directors member the United States, Paul Petrehn brought a and past President Rod May served as lifetime of involvement in balloon events balloonmeister in the years the Balloon Fiesta around the world to the Balloon Fiesta when hosted the World Gas Balloon Championships he became its third Event Director in 2015. and founded the America’s Challenge gas Paul is a three-time US national champion. balloon distance race, giving Albuquerque a permanent presence in gas ballooning. Tom McConnell Chuck Raskob President 1992; Hall of Fame 1995 Balloonmeister 2009-10 Heritage Award 2008 Chuck Raskob climbs and repairs radio and Fondly called “Father Time,” Dr. Tom McCon- TV towers (on Sandia Crest! In the winter!) nell was at the ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta in 1972, and for a living, so he knows the importance of in 1973 (with Don Barz) co-created the iconic safety. A pilot as well as balloonmeister, he Zia balloon. A former AIBF President and still is a safety oﬃ cer for both the hot-air board member for more than four decades, Balloon Fiesta events and the America’s Tom founded the Heritage Committee and Challenge. has written or co-written a plethora of books and articles on the event’s history. He is also a noted author and lecturer on balloon safety. ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 266

Allen Rector Linda Rutherford Balloonmeister 1998 Executive Director 1979-89 Balloonmeisters typically have years of Hall of Fame 2001 experience before they become the Balloon One of the ﬁ rst female corporate balloon pi- Fiesta’s chief ﬂ ying events oﬃ cer, and Allen lots, Linda Rutherford was well-known even Rector’s path is typical – he ﬂ ew in the Bal- before becoming the Balloon Fiesta’s ﬁ rst loon Fiesta as a pilot and served as a safety paid staﬀ member and Executive Director. oﬃ cer and assistant balloonmeister before She laid the groundwork for the year-round assuming the top job. staﬀ and volunteer operation that makes the Balloon Fiesta happen. Dick Rice Tom Rutherford President 1983; Heritage Award 2016 Hall of Fame 1983; Heritage Award 2010 Hall of Fame 2015 As a young KOB radio employee, Tom In 1975, with the Balloon Fiesta’s existence Rutherford was instrumental in organizing teetering in the balance, Richard (Dick) Rice was KOB’s 50th anniversary celebration, resulting brought onto the ﬁ rst Citizen’s Committee to in the ﬁ rst Balloon Fiesta. Tom became a manage the event’s ﬁ nances. He’s still doing it, corporate balloonist and state legislator, and having served as treasurer from 1978-85 and for 40 years as an event announcer was the from 2002 to the present. When Dick’s not busy golden voice of the Balloon Fiesta. writing checks, he is still an active balloon pilot. Mike Rice Jim Schumacher President 2014-15 President 1993 When Mike Rice joined the Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque restauranteur Jim Schum- board in 2002, he was an experienced avi- acher brought his business acumen to the ation administrator as well as a balloonist. Board of Directors, and to his roles as Vice As is the case with most AIBF presidents, President and President, working with local he served as secretary and vice-president organizations to resolve issues and promote before assuming the presidency. the Balloon Fiesta. Henry Rosenbaum Harry Season Balloonmeister 2019-2022 Balloonmeister 1992-93: Hall of Fame 2009 Henry Rosenbaum, the Balloon Fiesta’s 25th President 2000-01 and current balloonmeister, is beginning Harry Season was Balloon Fiesta president his fourth year in the job (counting 2020, during two of its most historic years: the when the Balloon Fiesta was postponed). “1,000 in 2000” largest Balloon Fiesta ever, Like most balloonmeisters, he worked his and 2001, when the event lifted spirits and way up the ladder as a safety oﬃ cer and as helped to heal a shattered world in the wake assistant balloonmeister. of 9-11. Harry still serves on the Balloon Fiesta board. Bob Ruppenthal John Sena Balloonmeister 1976; President 1989-90 President 2010-11; Hall of Fame 2013 Hall of Fame 1991; Heritage Award 2007 A colorful storyteller and longtime In 1973, a group of grubby British balloonists balloonist, John Sena (so far) has served participating in the World Championships were more than two decades on the board. A taken in by the Ruppenthal family, and that was banker by trade, John was the event’s just the beginning of Bob Ruppenthal’s storied treasurer and ﬁ nancial advisor for many involvement in the Balloon Fiesta. Bob was also years. John is also the founder of another of a huge contributor to ballooning safety through New Mexico’s iconic ballooning events, the his research, lectures and articles. Taos Mountain Balloon Rally. Marge Ruppenthal Jim Shiver President 1980-81; Hall of Fame 1988 President 1986-88; Hall of Fame 1993 Executive Director 1989-95 Heritage Award 2011 Heritage Award 2007 Guests enjoy today’s Balloon Fiesta Park in Marge Ruppenthal, like her husband Bob, large part thanks to the eﬀ orts of Jim Shiver. became an accomplished pilot before He played a major role in securing the property, serving in just about every leadership role in and through his construction company contrib- Balloon Fiesta. She was Executive Direc- uted thousands of dollars and man-hours to tor for six of the Balloon Fiesta’s greatest building this and previous launch sites. Jim is growth years, which included the addition of the Balloon Fiesta's only three-time President. the Balloon Glow and Special Shape Rodeo. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 267

Gail Short Kim Vesely President 1984 Heritage Award 2009; Hall of Fame 2012 Matriarch of a ballooning family – she, her A former TV journalist and a writer and am- husband, and son all were pilots – Gail Short ateur historian, Kim Vesely has documented spent countless hours behind the scenes ballooning and the Balloon Fiesta for nearly doing all the little things that make any great a half-century through articles, video, and event happen before becoming vice presi- photographs, as co-author of three books, dent and then president of AIBF. and editor of the oﬃ cial program. She is also a balloon pilot and serves as an oﬃ cial, volunteer, and commentator. Paul Smith Bill Walker Executive Director 1997-Present President 2012-13 Heritage Award 2022 As an ex-FBI agent, Bill Walker has been an For half the Balloon Fiesta’s history, Paul invaluable advisor on event traﬃ c and security Smith has been in charge. An attorney by and an all-around whatever-you need Balloon training, he served the Balloon Fiesta in Fiesta liaison. A balloonist since 1993, board that capacity before becoming Executive member since 1999, and board President a Director in 1997. When not working (which decade ago, Bill still serves on the Board. is almost never), he’s a highly-regarded and successful competitive balloonist. Mark Sullivan Mark Wilson President 1997-98; Hall of Fame 1999 Balloonmeister 1979 Mark Sullivan is a championship-caliber Mark Wilson was the ﬁ rst to standardize the pilot in both hot air and gas balloons and the information Balloon Fiesta pilots receive by current president of the World Air Sports presenting their pre-event brieﬁ ng through a Federation (FAI) Ballooning Commission. A video. Mark was one of Albuquerque’s ear- member of the AIBF board since 1989, he liest pilots and instructors and taught many is a co-founder of the Special Shape Rodeo ﬁ rst-generation New Mexico balloonists. and founder of the America’s Challenge gas race. Art Swenka Steve Yazzie President 2002-03 Balloonmeister 1999-2000 Businessman, balloonist, and philanthro- Hall of Fame 2006 pist, Art Swenka devoted time, energy, and Jovial, always professional, and breaking money to supporting ballooning events and ground for diversity, Steve Yazzie served as activities around the state for more than two a safety oﬃ cer and – at the 2000 Balloon decades before joining the AIBF board and Fiesta, the largest ever – the ﬁ rst Native serving as President. American Balloonmeister. A ﬁ ne pilot himself, he was highly respected among his colleagues and fellow balloonists. Al Tetreault Ed Yost Hall of Fame 2007 Balloonmeister 1973 President 2021-Present 1973 balloonmeister Ed Yost is the generally Today’s Balloon Fiesta public safety acknowledged inventor of the modern hot operation owes a huge debt to current air balloon, ﬂ ew most of the way across the AIBF President Al Tetreault. As a law Atlantic solo, and built (among others) Double enforcement oﬃ cer and a member of the Eagle II and Double Eagle V, the balloons Balloon Fiesta board, Al brought together that completed the ﬁ rst successful manned federal, state, and local law enforcement crossings of the Atlantic and the Paciﬁ c. agencies to keep guests safe. Ken Tuley (Art Lloyd, Jr.) Ty Young Hall of Fame 2021 President 2018-19 Ken Tuley brought Balloon Fiesta into the As a wide-eyed little boy visiting Balloon digital age, remaking the website, devel- Fiesta, Ty Young traded pins with Sid Cutter oping apps and operational software, and and so began a lifelong love aﬀ air with both founding and (as his alter ego, Art Lloyd Jr.) balloons and pins. Now a successful busi- hosting Balloon Fiesta Live!, which streams nessman, expert on Balloon Fiesta collect- live coverage of all Balloon Fiesta ﬂ ying ibles, and former AIBF President, Ty’s journey events. He’s also a longtime volunteer sets an example for how 50 years of Balloon oﬃ cial and pilot. Fiestas have changed and aﬀ ected lives. ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 268

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS The 2022 Heritage Award he Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® (AIBF) Heritage Award recognizes individuals who have made signiﬁ cant and long-time contributions to Balloon Fiesta through the preservation of AIBF Tcorporate or event history, promotion, communication, or educational activities, or through other innovations that have been shown to help achieve AIBF’s mission statement. This year, the Balloon Fiesta is honored to recognize Paul Smith, the event’s Executive Director for the last quarter-century. Paul, a lawyer by professional background, assumed leadership of the event the year after Balloon Fiesta moved to the current Balloon Fiesta Park. Many improvements to the park enjoyed by balloonists and guests today happened under his watch, including a fully grassed launch ﬁ eld, VIP guest experiences including the Gondola Club, Chaser’s Club, Glamping, and Concierge services, Bike Valet, expanded RV parking, new activities and shows such as Music Fiesta, the Chainsaw Carving exhibitions, the ﬁ reworks “candle line,” and more. Pilots beneﬁ t from the addition of weather stations around the area to monitor changing conditions and more advanced brieﬁ ng and forecasting tools. Paul leads a permanent staﬀ of about 20 full- and part-time people, supported by hundreds of Navigators (Balloon Fiesta volunteers), and works with city and county oﬃ cials, law enforcement agencies, and the FAA to facilitate a safe event both on the ground and Above: Paul Smith in the sky. For nine days every year, and through the two months of setup and teardown, he is the de facto manager of the state’s second-largest city, dealing with everything from tickets to transportation to sanitation. A few years ago, when the popular TV series hit the air, someone with a sense of humor developed “Better Call Paul” pins recognizing the many hats Paul wears. They sold like hotcakes. Paul is also a formidable pilot and competitor in his own right, with a string of victories and high ﬁ nishes in local, state, and national competition. This past fall, Paul received the Ed Yost Master Pilot Award, reﬂ ecting 40 years of safe ﬂ ying. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 269

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Balloon Fiesta® By the Numbers 672(584 primary and 88 additional) PILOTS(2019) 102 SPECIAL SHAPES 81 INTERNATIONAL PILOTS 170 NM PILOTS 900 LBS OF COFFEE 400 LBS HOT COCOA 255 GOLF CARTS ® 270 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

83,295 GALLONS OF PROPANE PUMPED 375 PORTA POTTIES 78 ACRES OF GRASS ON THE FIELD 200 PARK & RIDE BUSES 286 PICNIC TABLES 38 FOOD VENDORS 41 MERCHANDISE CONCESSIONS OFFICIAL PROGRAM 271

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Remembering Frank Mezzancello, Jr. his spring, the of Jim “Badtoe” Benson. He Albuquerque joined the Balloon Fiesta Board International Balloon in 1990, and straight out of Fiesta lost one of its the gate became the head of great friends and true the Field Committee where Tcharacters, longtime he had served as a volunteer. Board member and balloonist Frank Being the life of the party, Mezzancello, Jr. entertainment was always While Balloon Fiesta was part of Frank’s agenda, and he taking root in the sunny climes of became head of entertainment, Albuquerque, Frank was living in helping to bring in bands such his hometown of Cranston, RI and as Paul Revere and the Raiders, running an HVAC business. But Three Dog Night, and Daruis after a very bad snowstorm in Rucker along with many more. 1978, Frank had had enough of cold In 1994, Frank was elected weather and headed west, ﬁ rst to President, and – among New Orleans (he loved the parties, many other things – focused but not the “mosquitoes the size on the “pilot tent” (now Pilot of pickup trucks”) and ﬁ nally to Hospitality in the Sid Cutter Albuquerque, taking his family and Pavilion) where you could get his air conditioning business with something such as a cup of him. coﬀ ee to start your day, and In Albuquerque, Frank soon the big ﬁ reworks displays discovered what he called “bocce Above: Frank Mezzancello, Jr. after Balloon Glows we all look balls in the sky,” better known as hot forward to today. Frank was air balloons. Before long, he asked voted into the AIBF Hall of his beloved wife Pat if she wanted a vacation or a hot Fame in 2004 and served on the Balloon Fiesta Board for air balloon? Well, Frank did not listen to his wife, and his 32 years. He also served as Vice President and special love for wingless ﬂ ight began. Soon after he purchased events liaison for the AAAA (the local Albuquerque his ﬁ rst balloon, Fantasia, honoring his love of Mickey balloon club) and ﬂ ew in events from Colorado to Mouse and all things that came with him. In the balloon Santiago Nuevo Leon, Mexico. With his passion for community, he felt at home with his family and lifelong ballooning but a family man to the core, he built a legacy friends made along the way. Ironically, a man whose for his family and his community to enjoy. mission it was to keep things as chilly as possible learned People could always count on Frank; many called him to use heat to give him wings. (By the way, Pat became a “The Fixer.” If you had a problem, Frank had a solution. balloon pilot too!) And if he could not ﬁ x the problem himself, he would ﬁ nd Frank began his journey with the Albuquerque someone who could. He was always good for a laugh, but International Balloon Fiesta® in 1987, on the ﬁ eld crew an even better friend and a Balloon Fiesta hero to many. ® 272 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Official POSTERS Limited Edition and Collectable Daniel Killen’s fifth and final poster in the series leading up to the 50th event has been released! This poster, titled “Rising to 50 years” tells the ending to the story that began in 2018 with Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. After a four-poster chase, the duo is ready to enjoy Balloon Fiesta in a balloon ride of their own. But, if you look closely, things may not work out as planned for Wile E. Coyote. This poster features a number of loveable Looney Tunes characters and is now available, along with the first four, at Balloon Fiesta’s Gift Shop, during the event on the field, or online at balloonfiestastuff.com. Get yours today! FULL SETS AVAILABLE • SIGNED OR UNSIGNED • 2022 AVAILABLE IN METAL PRINTS www.balloonfiestastuff.com