On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, our hundreds of Navigators (volunteers) and our super staff, it is my great privilege and honor to welcome everyone to the greatest ballooning event in the world. This year, we celebrate a historic milestone, “50 years of Balloon Fiesta,” and we have prepared an exciting and wonderful event for you. Louisville has the Kentucky Derby, Pasadena has the Rose Bowl and New Mexico has the Balloon Fiesta! We will have 648 hot air balloons flying in this year’s event and each of our pilots represent our neighbors and friends who invest in this great sport of ballooning. The event generates more than $180 million into the economy that provides revenue for the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and State of New Mexico. Come enjoy our events, from mass ascensions and nighttime glows to the unique gas balloons, and onward to our spectacular special shapes. Enjoy our balloon flying competitions during the week, where you can cheer on your favorite balloon or pilot to victory. Visit our concessions; try unique cultural foods from New Mexico. Thank our sponsors for their part in making the Balloon Fiesta possible. While in the Albuquerque area, visit our local businesses, attractions, and restaurants. Most of all, meet and greet the balloonists and crews from all over the world who make the Balloon Fiesta so spectacular. We have come a long way from our small, modest beginning in the Coronado Center parking lot in 1972, when 13 balloons inflated for the first Balloon Fiesta. It is so important that we remember our history, but most importantly, that we remember the people who got us here. Over the years, many directors, volunteers, pilots and crews and members of staff have worked tirelessly and selflessly to put on this great event. Please take the time to say “thank you” when you see them for all their efforts and successes. A big ballooning “Thank You” goes out to everyone attending the 50th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta powered by ExxonMobil. Again “Welcome and Enjoy.” Al Tetreault President, AIBF 2022 MEDIA GUIDE WELCOME