Buggs' Media Network

Every October I try to cover the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Balloon Fiesta is the largest balloon convention and the most photographed event in the world. The number of registered balloons reached a peak of 1,019 in 2000, prompting the Balloon Fiesta Board to limit the number to 600 in 2009, citing a desire for "quality over quantity." On any given day during the festival, up to 100,000 spectators may be on the launch field where they are provided the rare opportunity to observe inflation and take off procedures. Countless more people gather at landing sites all over Albuquerque to watch incoming balloons. The Dawn Patrol takes off before sunrise and fly until it is light enough to see landing sites. Fellow balloonists appreciate the Dawn Patrol because they can watch the balloons and get an early idea of wind speeds and directions at different altitudes. The biggest event of the fiesta is the mass ascension when participating balloons launch in two waves, filling the sky with hundreds of balloons at once. Launch directors, also known as "zebras" serve as "traffic cops," coordinating the launch so balloons leave the field in a safe and coordinated manner. The special shape rodeo displays uniquely shaped balloons that are launched at the same time. Some of the most famous shapes include a milk cow, a wagon coach and the twin bees. One of the bees was stolen in 2022 but was recovered soon after. This is a very popular part of the event when families can see balloons in different shapes and sizes. I spend a lot of time taking photographs during the balloon fiesta, usually waking up at 3am to avoid the rush times. Of course you can see many of my photographs in the menu of this website under "Events." I posted some photos below to give you an idea.