29 SCHOOLS + 141 PILOTS = LOTS OF GLEEFUL STUDENTS
Albuquerque Aloft Makes for Exciting Lesson Planning at Albuquerque and Rio Rancho Schools

Contact: Kathie Leyendecker, Director of Media and Community Relations
(505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Oct. 1, 2003—This Friday, Oct. 3, students from 29 schools throughout Albuquerque and Rio Rancho will witness the third-annual Albuquerque Aloft, a neighborhood flight the Friday before Balloon Fiesta starts. 141 Balloon Fiesta registered pilots (and their colorful balloons) will launch from designated elementary schools peppered throughout the community.

Albuquerque Aloft is the only Balloon Fiesta event in which balloons launch from pre-designated sites outside of Balloon Fiesta Park. Balloonists at the schools may elect to fly from the campus or may remain inflated at the school site. Weather permitting, inflation is scheduled at approximately 7:00 a.m., with launch scheduled for 7:25 a.m. Schools are encouraged to invite parents and students to be on hand for the event, and groups at some schools will have refreshments for sale.

Participating Elementary Schools

For a complete 32nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta schedule of events (Oct. 4-12, 2004), visit www.balloonfiesta.com.
# # #
Balloon Fiesta executives are available for interview.