November/December 2018 - Follow Up: 47th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Another year of color graced the New Mexico skyline as the 47th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta took place in Albuquerque. This year's theme was "Carry Me Away," and the event brought out an estimated 886,000 attendees. Fourteen countries represented including Brazil, Columbia and, Mexico.

A new competition, X Marks the Spot, was presented. More than 150 eager landowners picked up white Xs to mark their land as an approved spot for balloonists to land. Nine winners and one grand prize winner was awarded gift baskets for their participation. The event was sponsored by Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. A team of four skydivers, Team Fastrax, gave ten performances during the evening sessions, starting with the AfterGlow Fireworks show sponsored by Sandia Resort and Casino.

There was a Hot Air Balloon Competition presented during the event. First, second and third prizes were awarded:

1st: Maurice Petrehn of Kansas

2nd: Patrick Fogue of Missouri

3rd: Josep Llado-Costa of Spain.

New this year, the International Balloon Fiesta offered Glamping and Concierge Programs. There were 22 Glamping reservations and 28 Concierge Program reservations. Photos of the event can be found in this issue and on New Mexico Entertainment’s Facebook page at https://bit.ly/2RkKIbY.