Event News & Updates

Process Benefits Locally Operated and New Mexico Owned Business

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® (AIBF) announced that it has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Food Concession Manager.

Click here to download the Food Concession Manager RFP.

Now that the balloon glows and mass ascensions of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are just memories, we would love to hear your impression of the event.

Albuquerque, NM—The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is pleased to announce the principal officials for flying events at the 42nd annual Balloon Fiesta, October 5 through 13, 2013. Sam Parks will be the Balloonmeister, Chuck Raskob will be the Assistant Balloonmeister and Dan Rose will return as Chief of Safety.

In the first America’s Challenge in six years to reach the Eastern seaboard of the United States, Cheri White and Mark Sullivan have officially been declared the winners.

The Command Center has received word that the last balloon aloft in the 17^th America’s Challenge race for gas balloons has landed safely.

The Command Center has been advised that Team 2, Russia’s Leonid Tuykhtyaev and Germany’s Willi Eimers, have landed safely near Elkton, VA.  Team 3, the USA’s Peter Cuneo and Barbara Fricke, are down safely near Ridgeland, South Carolina.     

Three teams, six pilots, and under 200 miles to go.  As the day dawns in the Eastern time zone, three America’s Challenge gas balloon teams are inexorably headed towards the Atlantic – and the end game.     

 

The gold standard for having a shot to win the America’s Challenge has always been the ability to fly through three nights.  Three formidable teams have reached that standard, and now the question is who can prevail to win this distance contest as the teams near the U.S. East Coast.

Take a look at behind the scenes photos from Graphic Connections, the official apparel supplier of Balloon Fiesta.

For this month’s “Inside the Basket” we highlight a unique magician who has performed on Main Street during Balloon Fiesta for the past 10 years. Robert Smith, with Street Magic LIVE! is a wonderful addition the Balloon Fiesta experience.

Don Chalmers Ford is a proud sponsor that provides vehicles to international pilots during Balloon Fiesta. “The dealership takes pride in supporting international pilots as they venture around Albuquerque to local businesses and attractions,” said Don Chalmers, CEO of Don Chalmers Ford.

Thank you Don Chalmers Ford for your support!

For this month’s “Inside the Basket,” we highlight a unique chase crew and member.  The 501^st is the group of Stormtroopers that have brought the Star Wars experience to life during Balloon Fiesta. If you’ve ever watched Darth Vader’s ascent at his launch site, you’ve probably taken a picture with a Stormtrooper.  Meet Lor TK-7883, stormtrooper of the 501^st.

Event sponsors play a key role when it comes to the success of this event. Pepsi-Cola has been a partner of Balloon Fiesta for more than 25 years. As a worldwide brand, the beverage company continues to be a part of the Balloon Fiesta experience for the fans and fun. Read more about Pepsi-Cola here.