Balloon Fiesta ideas (1 Viewer)

[alia176]

Hey guys,

I am hoping to take Isabelle, our 3.5 year old, to the Balloon Fiesta this year. Not having ever attended this cool event, I need some hints/trips. We'd like to see the mass ascension and probably should stay/camp somewhere close or perhaps even in someone's driveway. This way we won't have to drive from Tijeras to the park super early. No, the wife will not be attending as she isn't a morning person

Let's hear some ideas. Ideas like which days are the best days to see things, or where to see everything from. Where should we stay for the night? Is anyone else going? Should we make this a group event?

Thanks.

 

[BionicCruiser]

you know you are welcome to stay here with us. we aren't far from the place. special shapes glowdeo is great on thurs. evening. mass ascentions are cool when you are on the field. those are our favorites.

Hey guys,

I am hoping to take Isabelle, our 3.5 year old, to the Balloon Fiesta this year. Not having ever attended this cool event, I need some hints/trips. We'd like to see the mass ascension and probably should stay/camp somewhere close or perhaps even in someone's driveway. This way we won't have to drive from Tijeras to the park super early. No, the wife will not be attending as she isn't a morning person

Let's hear some ideas. Ideas like which days are the best days to see things, or where to see everything from. Where should we stay for the night? Is anyone else going? Should we make this a group event?

Thanks.

 

[Cruisergreg]

You could also set up camp at my place. I've a bit more room than Shawn and the balloons often end up landing in Corrales yards (happened twice at the old house).

 

[bonfire]

I would normaly suggest being on the field on the off field competition launch day (key grab) . You sit on the field and watch all the balloons vie for space while attempting to drop markers and grab things from poles . The take off place for this event is Sandia reservation property. i guess this year they have not allowed balloons to launch from their property. So in the absence of those events, any mass ascension is cool. I crew with a local pilot who flies a traditional shaped ballon "ajuua dreamer" launch / tailgate spot of S7 (or close by). I should be out there almost every day 95 fj80 (yes still stock height) or 94 4runner both white. come on by anytime!

 

[marcfj60]

Keep in mind the big, spectacular mass ascensions only happen on weekends. During the week are the competitions so balloons launch from several places depending on the event. Mass ascension days are also the most crowded, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of people. Be prepared for a huge crowd. And get there early. Balloons typically start taking off about 7. Do your best to be on the field at 6. Which means with inevitable heavy traffic, leave Corrales or Rio Rancho about 5.

Special shapes rodeo is also great. Consider one of those if you can't or don't want to be in the middle of the big mass ascension. As Shawn mentioned, the Glowdeo (balloon glow with the special shapes) is always a favorite for the kids. There are balloon glows on the weekends too. Regardless of which glow you attend, they are followed by fireworks shows.

The only complication is that special shapes events are not on the same days (Thu & Fri) as mass ascensions (Sat & Sun). But there are typically plenty of special shapes that launch during the weekend mass ascensions.

 

[alia176]

Good grief, lots of good info. Thanks.

 

[evanz80]

Oh, yeah - have a blast! Besides the crowds and the traffic, prepare to be wowed. If you haven't been before, and especially for Isabelle, any event will be lots of fun.

 

[pappy]

Best to start working out. The best view for Isabelle will be on your shoulders.

 

[alia176]

Are you allowed to walk around on the field where the balloons are being lit off? Or do you have a special access pass or something?

 

[Beowulf]

Are you allowed to walk around on the field where the balloons are being lit off? Or do you have a special access pass or something?

No "pit pass" required. Everyone walks on the balloon field during the mass ascensions. The smells and sounds and the heat from the propane burners ... all add to the excitement, especially on a cold morning.

-Mike-

 

[Bad Mojo]

Don't forget about the food. There is a ton of food. There is a row of food vendors. It is kinda like a mini state fair.

 

[OGBeno]

I hate Balloon Fest.

Bah humbug!

 

[alia176]

No "pit pass" required. Everyone walks on the balloon field during the mass ascensions. The smells and sounds and the heat from the propane burners ... all add to the excitement, especially on a cold morning.

-Mike-

Cool, that's what I'm after. I think Isabelle will get a kick out of it.

Thanks for the info.

 

[evanz80]

Cool, that's what I'm after. I think Isabelle will get a kick out of it.

Thanks for the info.

She'll love it!

 

[marcfj60]

No trip to the Fiesta is complete without getting a big old fat breakfast burrito.

If you're worried about balloons launching with people milling about, no need. There are launch directors who clear the area and give the go ahead for each balloon to take off. You'll spot them easily in black and white 'zebra' outfits of various designs and whistling with those metal whistles the high school track coaches use. They clear the path that the gondola might take as the whole thing begins to lift of the ground and make sure it's clear overhead as well.

Be prepared for Isabelle to get a little scared if a pilot gives his burners a blast while you're standing near one. Imagine a handheld propane weed-burner X1,000. Lots of heat and quite loud. But it's still amazing.

Don't forget your camera either. At one time, I heard it was the most photographed event in the country. Not sure how accurate that statement is but Kodak was the primary sponsor for a few years so it wouldn't be that surprising.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

I hate Balloon Fest.

Bah humbug!

Me too! It's cool and all, but dang: does it have to mess with my commute so badly? I only got a seat home tonight because 15 Germans from Dusseldorf missed the flight to ABQ. Lucky me, I was treated to the screamy kids and whatnot. It was pretty cool for 3 hours.

Ash: definitely take her, but be prepared for the noise. Those burners aren't exactly "tranquil."

Dan