Albuquerque, NM (high 62 degrees, low 40 at night, blue skies most days)
 |
| Check off your bucket list |
 |
| Opening Ceremony |
We returned again to enjoy the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. The last time we were here was five years ago. In our opinion, it's a "must do" for your bucket list. Previously we only stayed four days and most of the events were cancelled due to weather. This time we decided to stay for the whole nine day event and made reservations with the Boomers, an
Escapee RV club social group. Our daughter Jen and friends Bob and Patsy also joined us.
 |
| The Lovebirds |
I've posted just a
few of my photographs (I took over 700 photos). It such a fun and happy event to attend and when the weather cooperates it just splendid. What really makes this event so incredible is your ability to walk right out onto the launch field. You can talk to the pilot and crew and oftentimes see the balloon lift up right in front of you. Wow!
 |
| Creamland Cow |
 |
| Smokey the Bear |
Making your RV reservations with the Boomers is by far the best and most economical way to see the Fiesta. The sites they have reserved are great and oftentimes the hot air balloons landed right outside our coach in an adjacent field. The sites are asphalt and rock and do not have hook ups. A water truck goes frequently down the streets and waters the road to keep dust to a minimum,. There is a shuttle service which takes you back and forth to the launch field. We usually did not have to wait very long except after the fireworks and it took about 30 minutes to get to the field on average. You can walk or bike as an option (approximately one mile).
 |
| Darth Vader and Master Yoda |
Here is a cost comparison of an escorted tour vs attending with Boomers:
- Fantasy RV tour cost about $2700 for seven days.
- Our cost with Boomers for ten days was $427 plus $39 membership to Escapees. By volunteering to crew we received free admission to all morning and evening events.
- To be fair the Fantasy Tour has some additional perks but we were really happy with this alternative
 |
| Fireworks opening day |
 |
| Flying Gator |
The Boomers are a fun group and over 55 rigs were here for at least part of the time. Most of them help crew for the hot air balloons. Judy, our host and organizer, has lots of contacts and did a fantastic job. She sent out four newsletters before we arrived with tons of information. A happy hour is planned around 4 pm where you can catch up with what everyone is doing. There were several organized dinners out and even a beer and wine excursion. A "white board" is posted at Judy's rigs with detailing what is happening each day.
 |
| Scorch |
Each day there are special events planned. Each morning is started withe a Dawn Patrol. About 11 hot air balloons go up around 5 am to test the conditions. It's a very pretty event. The hot air balloons look like fire flies in the air as they ascend.
Sometimes there are Mass Ascensions where everyone goes up. In the evening there are Glow Events where the hot air balloons are inflated but stationary. The balloons all light up (firing propane into the balloon) at the same time during countdowns and it's a very fun event.
There are two days of Special Shaped Balloons which is my favorite event. The hot air balloons are so imaginative and fun to see. Special competitions also take place where the hot air balloons try to drop a type of bean bag on a target. There are some great prizes for the winner. Here is a
link to this years events.
We were offered a few perks for crewing:
- An unlimited pass to all morning and evening sessions (worth about $180)
- Free breakfast every morning
- Brunch one morning at Sandia Casino with the pilots and crew
- And, the best perk of all - our daughter Jen got to go up in the balloon and fly over the launch field - awesome!
 |
| Neptune |
 |
| Kermie |
 |
| Joelly |
Things to keep in mind if you crew:
 |
| Betty Jean Butterfly |
 |
| Happy Orca |
 |
| Dawn Patrol |
I cannot tell you how much I love this post and would give anything to attend this. It has been on my list ever since we went full timing. We have just had so many restrictions on where we can go and when. I sure did enjoy all your tips and the info on cost and crewing. Thanks so very much! Wish I could for sure say see you next year but everything is always one day at a time here. How early did you have to book to be with the boomers. We're Escapees members but haven't joined the boomers yet.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. We loved volunteering at this event. They treat their volunteers with respect. I totally agree that is this is a "must see" experience of a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, Jen looks like she's texting...8^)
ReplyDelete