Jan 05, 2016
The first balloon event in Albuquerque took place
on April 8, 1972, at Coronado Shopping
Center. Thirteen balloons participated.
The first event to be called the "Balloon
Fiesta" took place in 1975, in the fall.
The first Special Shapes Glowdeo began with just 28 special shape
balloons.
Because the event has an excellent
safety record, the Balloon Fiesta is one of the only balloon events
where viewers can walk among the balloons and talk
to the pilots.
The Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta is the largest annual international event held in the United
States.
The Dawn Patrol began at the
Balloon Fiesta in 1978, when two
California balloonists
developed position lighting systems
that allowed them to fly at night.
Balloon Fiesta Park is the size of 56 Football
Fields.
Inflated hot air balloons are around 70 feet tall.