LIFT OFF LANE, PILOTS PARKWAY, GONDOLA GULCH ARE THE THREE BALLOON FIESTA PARK STREETS NAMED BY APS STUDENTS

For immediate release
Contact: Kathie Leyendecker 228-9874
5/22/2003 Community Relations Director

Albuquerque….Balloon Fiesta Committee members selected three street names from 730 submitted by more than 500 Albuquerque Public School students from twenty-five schools in the district, which were approved by the Balloon Fiesta Board of Directors last evening.

According to Media Director, Kathie Leyendecker, “For ten days in early October, balloonists gather from across the country and around the world to fly hot air and gas balloons in our beautiful New Mexico skies. Kids of all ages have been swept up in the excitement and the magic of Balloon Fiesta for 32 years.”

“ It only seemed fitting to ask Albuquerque Public School students to participate in naming two North to South streets in Balloon Fiesta Park. I was delighted with the number of entries we received. Some were accompanied by pictures of balloons drawn by children, and some came with remarks from teachers who were excited to participate because Balloon Fiesta is such a part of this community,” Leyendecker added.

Caitlan Hammond in Janet Letscher’s 3rd grade class at Double Eagle Elementary School submitted the name “Lift Off Lane” to identify one of the two north/south streets intersecting Balloon Fiesta Park.

Kylie Hosken in Catherine Davis’ 5th grade class at E.G. Ross Elementary School submitted the name “Pilots Parkway” to identify one of the two north/south streets intersecting Balloon Fiesta Park.

Carmen Vigil in Holly Smith’s gifted classroom at Petroglyph Elementary School submitted the name “Gondola Gulch” which will identify the street leading to the area where the Board of Directors/Pilots park their vehicles during Balloon Fiesta.

The Balloon Fiesta will sponsor a balloon ride for each of the students in October, and each student’s class will be treated to a VIP party in the Balloon Discovery Center during the 32nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta this year.