Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and Wishing Star Foundation Team Up to Make a Wish Come True

September 24, 2024

Spokane Valley Washington-based foundation aims to grant Sam’s wish at the 2024 Balloon Fiesta 52^nd Event

Albuquerque, NM – The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil, is set to launch on October 5-13, 2024, as the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the world. This year, Balloon Fiesta is working with the Wishing Star Foundation, based out of the city of Spokane Valley, Washington, to fulfill a wish for Sam, a 21-year-old with a lifelong dream of attending the iconic ballooning event. Sam will visit the event with his father.

The Wishing Star Foundation has been operating since 1983 and has granted over 600 wishes to children from ages 3-21 who are battling life-threatening illnesses.

Sam is from Washington and loves clocks, Star Wars, and most of all, hot air balloons. Sam will be in Albuquerque, New Mexico attending the Balloon Fiesta on the first weekend of the event. Balloon Fiesta made arrangements to provide Sam with the experience of a lifetime – a hot air balloon ride. Visit Albuquerque and Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque/Journal Center also worked together to make the family’s trip memorable.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has worked with several wish-granting organizations over the years. With help from local businesses and organizations, Balloon Fiesta has been able to impact many children’s lives. For this wish in particular, the Balloon Fiesta staff coordinated with Visit Albuquerque to secure accommodations for Sam and his family, and provide a VIP experience at the flying event.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sam and his family to the 2024 Balloon Fiesta,” said Balloon Fiesta Executive Director Julie Morgas Baca. “Our event has always been about inspiring wonder and making dreams come true, and working with the Wishing Star Foundation allows us to do just that in a very special way. Sam's enthusiasm for hot air balloons embodies the spirit of Balloon Fiesta, and we're honored to play a part in fulfilling his wish.”

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is committed to providing an accessible experience for all guests. The event offers over 170 ADA-accessible parking spaces across six parking lots, with color-coded lots and QR codes to help visitors easily locate their vehicles. Free ADA Courtesy Shuttles run continuously throughout each session, providing transportation from parking areas to the launch field. For those needing mobility assistance, scooters, wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons are available for rent on-site, with advance reservations possible. The Balloon Fiesta staff encourages guests with accessibility needs to review the detailed information at balloonfiesta.com/ADA-Accessibility to plan for the best possible experience at this world-renowned event.

About Wishing Star Foundation:

Wishing Star Foundation provides hope, memories, support, connection and financial assistance long before and after wishes are granted. Wishing Star’s goal is to walk beside families every step of their own unique journeys. Wish Kids and their families must reside in one of the following Washington or Idaho Counties: Spokane, Kootenai, Benton and Franklin. Wishing Star Foundation is a 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization.

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil, is a festival of hot air balloons that takes place in October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on X/Twitter @BalloonFiesta, Facebook, and Instagram.

###