Save The Date

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

Balloon Fiesta Insider

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta announces that Julie Morgas Baca, will lead the non-profit organization as its new Executive Director.

Selected through an intense nationwide search process by Berkhemer Clayton Retained Executive Search in Los Angeles, Morgas Baca succeeds Paul Smith as Executive Director of AIBF who has been with the organization for 27 years. As a highly respected government executive, she has led Bernalillo County as County Manager since 2015, and has extensive experience in policy development, strategic planning, fiscal management, and community engagement. Previously, she was CEO of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation and Deputy Bernalillo County Manager for Community Services.

Get to Know Julie Morgas Baca:

1. Can you tell us about what you are most excited about working at Balloon Fiesta?

It is an honor to lead one of New Mexico's most recognized, colorful and exciting events. We host balloonists and guests from all over the world which also gives them the opportunity to explore the beautiful elements of our city and state. I am supported by an excellent staff and a well-versed board of directors who have served for many years providing stability and growth. I am especially excited to get to know the volunteers who return year after year to offer their assistance and I am looking forward to meeting attendees who wake up so early to get to the events on the field. Since this is my first Balloon Fiesta as director, I know it will be memorable in many ways.

2. When was your first time attending Balloon Fiesta and most memorable time?

My husband Ted and I first brought our daughter Celina when she was three years old. We were so impressed by the sounds, the colors and the vibrancy of the atmosphere. Watching Celina experience the wonder of hot air balloons for the first time was truly magical. Since then, we have visited many times as a family and it became

a tradition over the years to attend.

3. Can you tell what your favorite spot is on the field to watch the balloons and why?

I like to be right in the middle of the activity. You can see balloons inflating and launching, the smiles on the pilot's and crew members' faces, you can feel the chill in the air and the smell of the propane mixed with the delicious smell of breakfast being prepared. I really love to watch the reactions of people, both young and old, awed by wave after wave of spectacular balloons floating up to the sky.

4. What is your favorite special shape balloon?

There are so many incredible, creative, and beautiful special shapes balloons that it's impossible to choose just one favorite. Each one brings something unique and magical making them equally captivating.  

Merchandise Update

We’re excited to celebrate the 52^nd Balloon Fiesta with you! And, to help mark the occasion, don't forget to find your perfect souvenir! Newly released official tee shirts will be available for purchase along with other Balloon Fiesta sportswear, pins, posters, keychains, magnets, and commemorative 52^nd Balloon Fiesta items during the event at our gift shop, official merchandise tents, and online merchandise store. More information about where to purchase Balloon Fiesta merchandise can be seen below. 

• Balloon Fiesta's Gift Shop is located at 4401 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
• Balloon Fiesta's Gift Shop hours, leading up to and during the event are: 
• September 28: 9am-2pm 
• September 30-October 12: 8am-5pm 
• October 13: 9am-2pm 
• Normal Hours Resume October 14: M-F 9am-5pm 
• The south Official Merchandise Tent is located on the south end of Main Street in Balloon Fiesta Park 
• The north Official Merchandise Tent is located near the north end of Main Street in Balloon Fiesta Park 
• Official Merchandise Tents' Hours during Balloon Fiesta are: 
• Mornings: 5am-10:30am 
• Evenings: 4pm-8:30pm 
• Beat the crowds and shop the South Official Merchandise Tent early, October 3 and 4^: 9am-5pm
• *Please note: You must enter the park off of San Mateo and Balloon Fiesta Parkway, parking in the general admission parking lot behind the main tents. No parking or driving on the field.
• Visit our online merchandise store at balloonfiestastuff.com

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

Inside the Basket

There will be 106 Special Shapes balloons flying in the 52nd event, and 16 making their Balloon Fiesta debut this year!

In this month’s Inside the Basket, get to know pilot Alain Baird from Canada, who will be flying Météo, his special shape “weather balloon” for the first time at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Join us in welcoming him along with the other international pilots to Albuquerque this year.

This Month in Ballooning

Each September the FAI World Hot Air Balloon Championship features international competitors showcasing their skills in various tasks and challenges in hot air ballooning. 

This year the event is held in Szeged, Hungary, from September 8-14.

This year, there is one hot air balloon pilot from New Mexico competing in the events. Cameron Wall will be flying his own balloon at the Balloon Fiesta in October. The last time a someone from Albuquerque competed in the World Championship was in 2014.

Learn more about this year’s competition here.

Photo-of-the-Month

We have received some beautiful pictures of past years' events, submitted through Balloon Fiesta's social media! Below is the photo chosen for September. Thank you to Facebook user Alan Wintz!

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

• KOAT Action 7 News highlights the Zozobra balloon expected to make its appearance at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Zozobra hot-air balloon debuts in park ahead of 100th burning
• Albuquerque Journal highlights Former Bernalillo County Leader to take over Balloon Fiesta
• KOB reports about NMSU to debut hot air balloon this fall at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
• Albuquerque Local News reports Airline adds more flights to Sunport for Balloon Fiesta
• KRQE highlights the new special shape balloons to look for at the 52^nd Balloon Fiesta
• Family Vacationist highlight Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta as one of the 10 best family vacation ideas for fall 2024, according to travelers and experts

Sponsor Spotlights

The New Mexico Tourism Department aims to make New Mexico the primary destination for venturesome travels in the United States. The New Mexico True brand was created in response to common misconceptions about New Mexico. Built upon the idea that a trip to New Mexico is an “adventure that feeds the soul”, the brand advertising campaign provides a platform for unified messaging for more than 50 communities and 480 businesses around the state. For the past three years, the New Mexico Tourism Department has supported the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta through its Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability (TEGS) program. The 52^nd event marks 14 years for the New Mexico Tourism Department as a sponsor of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. Along with their sponsorship booth and state balloon, they additionally sponsor the Flight of the Nations mass ascension. The New Mexico Tourism Department recognizes Balloon Fiesta as a crucial element of New Mexico's travel and tourism industry, extending its impact beyond Albuquerque to the entire state. Their presence on Main Street during the event serves as a valuable resource for visitors seeking information about travel opportunities throughout New Mexico. During the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, the New Mexico Tourism Department loves being a part of the event as it brings people from all over the world to the Land of Enchantment in early October each year to gaze upwards as hundreds of balloons take to the skies and while they are here, guests experience what make up the “New Mexico True” elements; the cuisine, the art, experiencing the multicultural heritage and much more. We thank them for their support.

Coca-Cola® has been a long-standing part of the New Mexico community since 1904. Swire Coca-Cola acquired the Albuquerque distribution center in mid-2016. The Swire Coca-Cola Company produces, sells and distributes Coca-Cola and other beverages in 13 states across the American West. The Company’s territory includes parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Neveda, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Our purpose is to deliver refreshments to the communities we call home. Our Mission at Swire Coca-Cola is we win together by serving as constant and true advocates for our people, our customers, our partners, our community, and our planet. Swire Coca-Cola is the OFFICIAL SOFT DRINK of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. The 52^nd event marks 7 years of Swire’s partnership with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. As a proud sponsor, Coca-Cola has created a series of limited-edition Balloon Fiesta® pins that will be available in the Albuquerque area Circle K™ stores. Swire Coca-Cola enjoys being part of this great event each year. We thank them for all the support.

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