Balloon Fiesta Park Events and Activities on October 14, 2023

October 11, 2023

ExxonMobil Day will include Popular Mass Ascension, Annular Solar Eclipse “Ring of Fire” viewing, Music Fiesta, Balloon Glow and More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group 505.898.8689, media@balloonfiesta.com

Albuquerque, NM – As the world’s largest hot air balloon event, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta presented by ExxonMobil provides a visual feast for nine days each October. On Saturday, October 14^th there will be a variety of events occurring at Balloon Fiesta Park, one particular event is attracting galactic awareness: The Annular Solar Eclipse. The once in a lifetime “Ring of Fire” event will occur on Saturday, October 14^th at the tail end of Saturday’s Mass Ascension of 500+ hot air balloons.

The flying events will start at 5:45am with the drone light show, Dawn Patrol and Krispy Kreme Morning Glow. The Mass Ascension of 500+ hot air balloons will start their launch at 7am and will continue throughout the morning with the last balloon launching no later than 10:00am. All events are weather permitting.

The Annular Solar Eclipse will occur 9:13am-12:09pm MDT; with totality occurring between 10:34am until 10:39am. New Mexico is one of eight states in the path of the Solar Eclipse to have a view of the “ring of fire”, a rare phenomenon where the moon does not fully cover the sun, leaving a thin outer ring visible, making Balloon Fiesta Park a prime location to view.

On Balloon Fiesta Park, 72 hot air balloons have been selected to participate in a special Annular Solar Eclipse Balloon Glow. Officials invited the 72 pilots and crew to commemorate the year the Balloon Fiesta first took to the skies, 1972. Special exhibits will also be available at the north end of Main Street featuring the Balloon Discovery Center, NASA and the Dubai Astronomical Society. Guests entering Balloon Fiesta Park on Saturday, October 14^th, will receive solar eclipse viewing glasses, provided by NASA. It's important to note that during the annular eclipse, it is not safe to look directly at the sun. Viewing a partial or annular solar eclipse directly with your eyes is not safe, you must look through certified solar safe viewing glasses.

To provide guidance and insight for Balloon Fiesta guests, KOAT-TV Action 7 News Chief Meteorologist Joe Diaz will emcee a program from the main stage starting at 9:00am until 10:45am. Joe Diaz will be joined onstage by a number of world-renowned experts including Steve Kates (a.k.a. Dr. Sky), representatives from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), New Mexico Tech, Dubai Astronomical Society and other guests. The 44^th Army Band will also be playing a special set of music to complement the Annular Solar Eclipse activities.

After the completion of the solar eclipse, many other activities can be enjoyed at Balloon Fiesta Park including the Great American Kite show, Chainsaw Carving Exhibition, Music Fiesta, concessions and artisan booths, Music Fiesta, Balloon Glow, drone show and fireworks.

Full October 14^th Morning Session Schedule Below:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - ExxonMobil DAY

5:45 am Drone Light Show sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino

6:00 am Dawn Patrol Show presented by Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort

6:30 am Krispy Kreme Morning Glow

7:00 am Mass Ascension, powered by ExxonMobil

8:00 – Noon Chainsaw Carving Exhibition

9:00-10:45am Balloon Fiesta Annular Solar Eclipse Program

9:13-12:09pm Annular Solar Eclipse

10:00 Great American Kite Show

10:00 am Chainsaw Carving Auction

11:00 am Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Tour Tent north end of Main Street)

1:00-5:00pm Music Fiesta (Brandon Saiz, Runaway June, Lee Brice)

3:00-6:00 pm Chainsaw Carving Exhibition

5:00 pm Team FastraxTM Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.

6:00 pm Night MagicTM Glow, powered by ExxonMobil

6:00 pm Fiesta de Los Globitos (Remote Control Balloons Exhibition) sponsored by the City of Las Vegas, NM

7:30 pm Team FastraxTM Skydiving, sponsored by Accident Insurance Company, Inc.

7:45 pm Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino

8:00 pm* AfterGlowTM Fireworks Show

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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. The 2022 event generated $203.19 Million into the Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico economies. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.