Trade.Information

Company Name: bcritelli

Company Type: Manufactur Association

Company Profile

For ten days in October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Park. Nothing rivals the power of Mass Ascension on crisp early mornings as these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean desert sky. For ballooning fans worldwide, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a pilgrimage. There's something for everyone to enjoy . . . whimsical special shapes filled with equal parts of hot air and wonder, and Balloon Glows that create a magical night landscape for spectators to wander. No matter who you are, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will leave you awestruck and wanting more. What is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction and destination for kids of all ages. For more than three decades, the first week in October brings the smell of roasting chiles and the beautiful, magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air. Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. Literally hundreds of balloons will be taking flight from the Balloon Fiesta Park this year October 6 through 15, 2006. From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to multiple events launching year-round at the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Our signature event remains Balloon Fiesta—which, with 700 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States. Imagine 54 football fields, all put together. That’s the size of Balloon Fiesta Park’s 78-acre launch field! And at this Park’s “playing field,” there are no losing teams and no viewing stands. Guests walk the field and are part of the action. Hundreds of thousands of smiling, upturned faces, awestruck by the spectacular beauty of hot air balloons filling the big blue New Mexico sky. What you can’t hear until you walk our field at nightfall is the thrilling roar of hundreds of burners simultaneously igniting, turning the Park into a huge lighted Christmas tree of colorful balloons. What you can’t feel until you join us is the massive joy everywhere around you. Balloon Fiesta Park is located north of Alameda Boulevard, one mile west of I-25.

About Company

Dress in layers. It's sometimes very cool in the morning, but after the sun comes up it will warm up noticeably. Bring sunscreen to put on after the sun is up. You're at a high altitude and are at risk for sunburn. Bring appropriate eye protection. Sun and wind could be your enemies on a bright, sunny or windy day. Don't smoke anywhere near the balloons! A lit cigarette could possibly ignite a balloon's fuel tank and an ash can melt the balloon envelope. Decide among your group where you could meet in case someone gets separated or lost. Make sure your children have some identification on them. Watch where you're going! Don't "drive and watch" at the same time. The balloons are a magnificent but distracting sight. Move completely off to the side of the road to watch. Beware of vehicles moving around the field, especially emergency vehicles needing to get through the crowd. For evening events, bring a flashlight. Also, take note of where you have parked your car. It's more difficult to find in the dark. Watch the amount of alcohol that you drink. You're at a mile-high altitude which could increase alcohol's affect. Lovelace Health Systems, one of New Mexico's largest health care organizations, is the official health care provider for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Lovelace physicians, nurses and other medical staff will be providing emergency medical care at an on-site medical facility (next to the Public Safety Center) at the Balloon Fiesta.