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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Most photographed event in the world?

[additional-authors]
October 16, 2015

Come early October the mornings turn cooler in Albuquerque, New Mexico while the daytime skies are a brilliant cerulean blue. Located at high desert elevations ranging from 4,900 feet near the Rio Grande to over 6,700 feet in the foothill areas of Sandia Heights, the conditions are ideal for hot-air ballooning.

According to state officials, “With nearly a million visitors each year, Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta may be the world’s largest and best-known ballooning event.” Event organizers also say that it is one of the most photographed events in the world.

The 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta recently concluded, marking the 44th year of the world’s largest hot air balloon event. The 9-day event saw more than 550 registered balloon teams, with 105 registered “special shapes.”  (There are 18 special shapes new to the Balloon Fiesta). Held from October 3-11, 2015, it annually draws almost a million visitors with nearly $15 million generated in tax revenues and almost $9 million in state and local taxes.

A total of 17 countries were represented this year. The line-up of countries included: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Russian Federation, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

For Peter Kaserer, born in Austria and long-time resident of Corrales, “The event was amazing and spectacular – from the balloons, night glow, and laser lights to the luminous fireworks.” He was so inspired by the personalities and events that he pulled together a collage of people and moments at the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta into a Youtube video. Check it out to find out about Tara’s hat and the wandering Royal Honey Bees:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKQAyCdbBuk

Presented by Canon

Canon U.SA., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, was the presenting sponsor for 2015 and will be for 2016 and 2017 events. With their own red balloon and several cameras mounted on tripods with long lenses for the testing, the Canon commitment was visibly present.

“We are proud to be a member of the local Albuquerque community and be the presenting sponsor of the Balloon Fiesta,” said Eliott Peck, senior vice president and general manager of the Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “Through this sponsorship, we want to help inspire creativity and show attendees how the right tools can help capture memorable images of this vibrant event.”

The Wonder Bread Balloon

This year also featured some unusual contests for the public with financial incentives. One of them was spotting the Wonder Bread Balloon, photographing it, and then sharing the photo(s) on Twitter and Instagram for a chance to win $1,921, the year the Wonder brand was born.

The Wonder Bread Balloon was piloted by Chris Sabia from Overland Park, Kansas and included his wife Amanda, an accomplished balloonist who serves on the crew and accompanies him everywhere. Chris admitted that he got hooked on ballooning when his dad gifted him with his first hot air balloon ride when he was 12 years old. “My love for ballooning and my aviation career took off from that point on,” Sabia remarks. “I pilot the Wonder balloon in festivals all across the country and seeing the look of awe and wonder on the faces of spectators as they watch these giants ascend up into the sky reminds me every day what a dream job I have.”

The Wonder brand was born in 1921 after Elmer Cline, a key executive, was awed with wonder at the kaleidoscope of balloon colors at the International Balloon Race at the Indianapolis Speedway. The Wonder Bread Balloon is a fitting tribute that pays homage to the history and wonder of Wonder Bread.

Growing list of new events

Sky Racers and lasers were two of the latest additions to a growing list of new events for the Balloon Fiesta.

Parabatix Racers: 12 Sky Racers

The Parabatix Racers is a freestyle competition of pilots that displays their skills and acrobatic talents in a new aerial discipline known as “Sky Racing.” The Sky Racers can fly at speeds up to 43 miles per hour (mph), while flying at low altitude with giant inflatable pillars and engine-powered paramotors strapped to their backs.

“After our last major sky race in the city of Dubai (UAE), we are excited to bring the Parabatix Sky Racing Series to the US! What better place than the largest ballooning event in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta,” said Pascal Cambell-Jones, Parabatix founder.

Laser Light Shows

The laser light shows were officially debuted at the 2015 event, and took place every day, during the morning and evening sessions. Lasertainment was the company who has staged entertaining light shows throughout the country. The shows featured straight beams shooting across the Launch Field, with projected images onto balloons along with choreographed music.

Save-the-dates for 2016

If you want to witness one of the most photographed events in the world, make sure to “save-the-dates” for next year:  October 1-9, 2016. Don’t forget to bring your camera, smart phone, and a selfie stick. This is a bucket-list item for just about anyone!

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