Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: A close friend and I went to the Balloon Fiesta on Oct 12 & 13. It was the first time for both of us. I highly recommend going to this event. Here is a link...

endjr Loc: Maryland

A close friend and I went to the Balloon Fiesta on Oct 12 & 13. It was the first time for both of us. I highly recommend going to this event. Here is a link to some of my photos on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/deickman/sets/72157636665575515/

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

endjr wrote:

A close friend and I went to the Balloon Fiesta on Oct 12 & 13. It was the first time for both of us. I highly recommend going to this event. Here is a link to some of my photos on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/deickman/sets/72157636665575515/

Pretty colorful. :thumbup: :thumbup:

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Outstandingly beautiful pictures Earl! My cousin and her hubby went to this every year and they had good pictures (film camera). Thanks for sharing these! Have you ever taken a hot air balloon ride? We did! :)

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Gorgeous photos!!! There are some really awesome balloons. Love spider-pig!

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Colorful!!!
Looks like a large crowd...
If you can, please tell us about the overall experience!
Hope to go there someday!
Pat

endjr Loc: Maryland

There are 2 things that stand out, the number of people attending and the number of balloons. We were there for the last 2 days of the Fiesta. We got up at 4 AM so we could get a good parking spot. When we arrived at around 4:45 there was a line of cars already. We did get a good spot on the lot, so I say get there early and get your ticket. At that hour there were thousands of people there. Dress in layers because it can be cold. For the glow at night, again go early. We arrived around 2:30 to get a good spot. we napped in the car. Around 5 go in to see the balloons as they are getting inflated. The last day we again went early and this time we napped in the car till around 5:30. There is a hill at the north end of the field that provides a great place to shoot from. The Fiesta is well organized. I will be going again in the future.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

endjr wrote:

There are 2 things that stand out, the number of p... (show quote)

Thanks for the "insider" info!!!
Great tips!
Pat

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

luvmypets wrote:

Gorgeous photos!!! There are some really awesome balloons. Love spider-pig!

LOL, that was my favorite balloon too! I use to read the comic all the time as as youth.

marlinman1 Loc: Sunny New Mexico

I love those balloons. I have lived in NM for 17 years and have never been able to get up there and see the fiesta. I am about three and a half hours south in Alamogordo and we have a balloon fiesta here where they launch from the white sands national monument. Was hoping to get up to ABQ this year as my daughter just moved right near the fiesta park but had a knee replacement in aug and was not quite up to speed yet. great photos and I will try to get there next year

endjr Loc: Maryland

You have to go, I can't describe how awesome it is.

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

marlinman1 wrote:

I love those balloons. I have lived in NM for 17 years and have never been able to get up there and see the fiesta. I am about three and a half hours south in Alamogordo and we have a balloon fiesta here where they launch from the white sands national monument. Was hoping to get up to ABQ this year as my daughter just moved right near the fiesta park but had a knee replacement in aug and was not quite up to speed yet. great photos and I will try to get there next year

If you go with someone... Make sure they are with the understanding that they will have to get up VERY early. I went with my at the time girlfriend. I stressed how important it was we get up early and get out to the grounds way before sun up. She said okay, but when the time came, well.... long story short, we didn't get there till after the mass ascension and couldn't bet closer than about a mile and a half away due to all the traffic. I was very upset because I had traveled down there on vacation just for this one moment. My pictures were less than spectacular because of this. I hope to get back there again some day. Cheers.

endjr Loc: Maryland

Getting there early is important, at least by 5 AM and for the glow as early as 3 PM. Nap in between.