News & Updates
Inside the Basket - Ursula Richards, Balloon Fiesta pilot, Navigator and pin collector
August 18, 2020
Ursula Richards wears many hats during Balloon Fiesta. She pilots a special shape balloon during the event, is a team lead for the Balloon Fiesta Trolley team and is an avid Balloon Fiesta pin…
Jim Byrd - 2020 Heritage Award Winner
July 14, 2020
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF) Heritage Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and long-time contributions to Balloon Fiesta through preservation of AIBF c…
Inside the Basket - Michelle Healy, Balloon Fiesta Chief Launch Director
July 14, 2020
As a Balloon Fiesta Launch Director, Michelle Healy helps balloons safely take flight. In this month’s Inside the Basket, Michelle shares more about how pilots are cleared for takeoff an…
2020 Balloon Fiesta Update
June 22, 2020
49th Event Rescheduled to October 2-10, 2021 Balloon Fiesta is an event that brings our community, city and state together to host thousands of pilots, volunteers and guests from around the wo…
Inside the Basket - Nancy Abruzzo, Balloon Fiesta Welcome Committee International Pilots Team Leader
May 27, 2020
Nancy Abruzzo is a Balloon Fiesta Navigator who helps create a seamless event for first-time Balloon Fiesta pilots. She has also created a Balloon Fiesta-based children’s book that bring…
A Letter From Balloon Fiesta's President and Executive Director
March 29, 2020
As always, safety is our top concern and as we prepare for the 49th Balloon Fiesta, the safety and health of our pilots, volunteers, staff, guests and community is Balloon Fiesta's top priorit…
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Announces Pricing for 49th Event
March 27, 2020
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Announces Pricing for 49th Event “Time Flies” Launches October 3-11, 2020 For Immediate Release Contact: Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group | 5…
Inside the Basket - Damian Duran-Arias, Balloon Fiesta Assistant Field Manager
March 26, 2020
Damian Duran-Arias is Balloon Fiesta’s Assistant Field Manager. In this role, he prepares year-round to ensure that Balloon Fiesta Park is ready for the launch of 500+ balloons and the a…
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Presented by Canon Generates $ $186.82 Million into Albuquerque Economy
March 16, 2020
2019 Economic Impact Study Shows Benefits to New Mexico Visitor Industry as well as State and Local Tax Base FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO- New Mexico’s largest visitor…
Inside the Basket - Henry Rosenbaum, Balloon Fiesta Balloonmeister
February 25, 2020
As Balloonmeister, Henry Rosenbaum works to keep pilots and Balloon Fiesta guests safe. He is involved in coordinating the flight operations of each day’s event-filled sessions during Ba…
Inside the Basket - Pat Young, Balloon Fiesta Deputy Director of Public Safety
January 21, 2020
Pat Young is Balloon Fiesta’s Deputy Director of Public Safety. For the nine days of the Balloon Fiesta, he works with the rest of the public safety team to keep guests from around the w…
Inside the Basket - Dennis Christiansen, Balloon Fiesta Transportation Manager
November 19, 2019
Dennis Christiansen is Balloon Fiesta’s Transportation Manager. He works with several local and state entities to help get guests to and from the event. In this month’s Inside the…
Inside the Basket - Braylea Fisher, Balloon Fiesta Guest
October 23, 2019
Braylea Fisher was a a second-time guest at the 2019 Balloon Fiesta. And, with some Balloon Fiesta experience under her belt, she brought a first-time attendee to experience the wonder and awe…
Inside the Basket - Allen Tetreault, Balloon Fiesta Public Safety Director
August 22, 2019
As the Director of Public Safety for Balloon Fiesta, Allen Tetreault works to keep guests safe at the event. His duties range from being involved with the first aid clinic on the field, to co…
Guest Update - July 31, 2019
July 31, 2019
Balloon Fiesta Guests and Supporters, We are about two months from the October 5th start of the 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Our staff and board of directors are busy finaliz…
Inside the Basket - Daniel Killen, Official Balloon Fiesta Serigraph Poster Artist
July 17, 2019
Daniel Killen is the artist of the 2019 Official Balloon Fiesta Serigraph Poster. He is also an illustrator at the Chuck Jones Gallery, which owns the rights to many of the loveable Looney Tun…
Inside the Basket - Jonathan Abdalla, Chasers' Club
May 24, 2019
Jonathan Abdalla has been involved with Balloon Fiesta for many years. Since 1988, he has been involved with everything from designing pins to greeting guests. In this month’s Inside th…
Inside the Basket - Jeff Rowe, Kiwanis Treasurer
April 25, 2019
Jeff Rowe is the Kiwanis Club of Albuquerquepast president and the current treasurer. The Kiwanis Club works the admission gates at Balloon Fiesta. In this month’s Inside the Basket, l…
Inside the Basket - Erica Hahn, Balloon Fiesta Concessions & Executive Assistant
March 29, 2019
Erica Hahn oversees a variety of areas at Balloon Fiesta, including concessions and Artisans. This month’s Inside the Basket explores her role within the event, and some of her favorite…
Inside the Basket - Helen Chavez, Balloon Fiesta Navigator
February 25, 2019
Helen Chavez is one of many Balloon Fiesta Navigators. This month’s Inside the Basket provides insight into her role at the event and what her favorite part of volunteering is. 1. Give a…
Inside the Basket - Dean Carlton, Balloon Fiesta pilot
January 24, 2019
Dean Carlton pilots the balloon CaZooee and has participated in Balloon Fiesta for many years, along with his son and his sister. Take a look at this month’s Inside the Basket to see h…
Inside the Basket - Beverlee Henry, X Marks-the-spot winner
November 25, 2018
Beverlee Henry is one of 2018’s X Marks-the-Spot winners.
In this month’s Inside the Basket, we learn more about her experience with this new program and her favorite pa…
2018 FINAL NUMBERS
October 31, 2018
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2018 – FINAL NUMBERS For Immediate Release Contact: Tom Garrity, Director of Media Relations (505) 898 - 8689 Event Theme: Carry Me Away Final N…
Inside the Basket - Keelie Garcia, Balloon Fiesta Navigator
October 29, 2018
Keelie Garcia is a long-time balloon enthusiast, but first time Balloon Fiesta Navigator. In this month’s Inside the Basket, we take a look at her new role with Balloon Fiesta and explor…
Inside the Basket - Craig Degenhard, Co-Team Leader, Bike Valet
August 27, 2018
Craig Degenhard is the Co-Team Leader of Balloon Fiesta’s Bike Valet. Read this month’s Inside the Basket for his advice on why and how to use this service, available to Balloon Fi…
