Inside the Basket - Brenna Moore, Balloon Fiesta Navigator

Brenna Moore is a member of Balloon Fiesta’s media committee, is a navigator for the media tent and works with Visit Albuquerque.

In this month’s Inside the Basket, take a look at her favorite recommendations for planning your Balloon Fiesta visit

1. Provide a brief explanation of your role with Balloon Fiesta.

I serve as a member of the Media Committee as well as a Navigator for the Media Tent. Like many Navigators, I assist with guest and administrative services, set-up and logistics, balloon coordination and safety and provide on-field assistance during the event.

2. What is your favorite part of being involved with Balloon Fiesta?

Balloon Fiesta is truly magical, even for someone like me who is a native New Mexican and has had the opportunity to attend multiple times. I love being on the field surrounded by people and listening to their exclamations of pure joy and awe.

3. What is there to see and do in Albuquerque between Balloon Fiesta event sessions?

Albuquerque is brimming with activity during Balloon Fiesta! From daily Native American dances at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and heart-pounding flamenco performances to tours of all kinds and our more than 20 museums and cultural centers, there is no shortage of things to do.

4. Where can guests find help for planning their Albuquerque visit?

VisitABQ.org is a fantastic resource, as is NewMexico.org.

5. What tips do you have for first-time Balloon Fiesta guests?

1. Dress in layers. October mornings in Albuquerque can be chilly, but by the afternoon it’s much warmer. Bring a bag or backpack to carry your layers as the day heats up.
2. Arrive early or find alternate transportation. With nearly 1 million people attending Balloon Fiesta during the nine-day event, traffic delays are expected. If you’d prefer not to drive, take the Park & Ride, or, for an added adventure, join a bike tour with Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals or a trolley tour with Albuquerque Tourism & Sightseeing Factory.
3. Bring water and sunscreen! Due to Albuquerque’s high elevation, it’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, no matter the time of year.
4. Don’t miss the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum while you’re at Balloon Fiesta Park, where you can explore the history, science, sport, and art of ballooning (and other innovative forms of flight).