Save The Date

Join us Oct. 5-13, 2024, for the 52^nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta powered by ExxonMobil in Albuquerque, New Mexico. More information is available at www.balloonfiesta.com.

Balloon Fiesta Insider

Recreational Vehicles (RVs) are a popular way to experience Balloon Fiesta. RV reservations for the 52^nd event will go on sale Jan. 10, 2024, at 9 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. Reservations will be available for all RV lots:

To learn how to reserve your space, visit: https://balloonfiesta.com/RV-Information.

Merchandise Update

Last Week to Shop Balloon Fiesta Stuff!

Wow, what a weekend for our December Sale. Thanks for shopping with us. We have shipped the orders received over the weekend and sent emails for orders ready to be picked up. Even with the huge success of the sale, we have some inventory remaining. The blow-out prices are still in effect, however, we're up against the year-end deadlines to get orders delivered in time for Christmas. Here are a few things to remember:

• Friday, Dec. 15 is the last day to order for shipping in time for Christmas and the last day to shop in person.
• Monday, Dec. 18 is the last day to order online for 2023.
• Orders will be available for free pick up locally through Friday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m. Please pick up your order by then!

Our physical gift shop will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 and will reopen Jan. 2, 2024. 

Our online store closes at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18 and will reopen 8 a.m. Jan. 1, 2024. 

The entire calendar of dates is available, visit https://balloonfiestastuff.com/pages/2023-holiday-hours

To be the first to know about new items, sales, and other Balloon Fiesta Stuff, make sure you are subscribed to What’s Up Wednesday. https://balloonfiestastuff.com/pages/wuw-subscribe

Faces of Fiesta

Name: Cavell Ann Miller

Title: Director of First Impressions (Receptionist)

Years with Balloon Fiesta:1 year

Overview: My first experience working the Balloon Fiesta was about 20 years ago in the north and south merchandise tents. That’s when I realized my dream job, working with Balloon Fiesta. Last year, I had the pleasure of working in the gift shop for Fiesta. I got to know several of the staff and enjoyed working with all of them. At the beginning of this year, I was given an opportunity to join this amazing team, and do you think I would turn that down? Not a chance! I am the first smiling face you see when you walk in and the last to say “Have a wonderful day!”

Rapid fire with Cavell:

Start time during Balloon Fiesta:During Fiesta, my day starts at 4 a.m. Our teams are up and bustling, getting ready for the joyous chaos that’s about to start. The main office and gift shop open at 8 a.m., so our teams have to be prepared for guests coming in. We help our community in obtaining their passes for business and residential, and we help the gift shop with disbursing online orders. Need a crash course in all things Fiesta? We can do that too! We are there to assist in any way we can! 

Favorite spot on the field to watch the balloons: Smack dab in the middle of it all. I love the magical views when you look to the sky while the balloons climb to incredible heights. I don’t get to make it to the field much during Fiesta, so I would have to say my other favorite spot to watch them is from the Hospitality Deck during Dawn Patrol. It’s so dark, and it’s breathtaking when those lanterns light up the sky.

Current favorite special shape balloon: Joey, Lilly, and Joelly. When Joey and Lilly made their first debut, holding hands, it was such a wonderful sight! Then, when Joelly came to town, I was so excited. Family means so much to me, and seeing those beautiful bees and how they always stick together reminds me how important family is!

Inside the Basket

As Balloon Fiesta’s assistant balloonmeister for Fiesta de Los Globitos, Michael Steward helped to coordinate the safe launch of the remote controlled (RC) balloons during the 2023 Balloon Fiesta.

In this month’s Inside the Basket, he shares more about how he became an RC balloon pilot of the Steggy the Dino-Soar, and explains these types of balloons and how you can learn about them.

December in Ballooning

Calling all artists! Now accepting artwork submissions for the 2024 Official Serigraph Poster! Showcase your unique vision and include a hidden roadrunner in your piece. Our tip: The more vibrant and colorful, the better!

Enter by submitting your original artwork to Lisa Mulder at 4401 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87113, or emailing a digital image of the artwork (minimum of 300 DPI) to lmulder@balloonfiesta.com. Title each submission with your name and contact information, including email.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: Dec. 15, 2023

What is a serigraph? A serigraph is a high-quality, limited-edition fine art print, made on high-quality absorbent paper. Since 1978, this Balloon Fiesta poster has become a coveted collectible item. To view posters from previous years, visit https://balloonfiesta.com/Poster-Archive.

December Photo-of-the-Month

We received beautiful pictures of the 51^st event  through the Cindy Petrehn Memorial Photo Contest! Below is the Mass Ascension first place winner, submitted by Mark Stuen.

Do you have a Balloon Fiesta photo of which you’re proud? Share your favorite Balloon Fiesta image on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, and tag our page for a chance to be featured in next month’s newsletter!

Read all about it

Check out the latest media coverage about Balloon Fiesta:

• The New York Times highlights Love hot air balloons? Join the crew.
• Albuquerque Journal highlights A top notch event. Looking back on the 2023 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Sponsor Spotlight

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta thanks each and every one of our sponsors of the 51st event! It takes a village of balloon sponsors to official sponsors to help make Balloon Fiesta a success. We hope you enjoyed the exposure of your brand to guests from around the world. We look forward to working with you in 2024. We always welcome new sponsors! If you’d like more information on becoming part of the 52^nd event as a sponsor, please contact Stephanie Prendergast at sprendergast@balloonfiesta.com.

For a complete list of Balloon Fiesta sponsors, click here.