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Topic: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!  (Read 1040 times) previous topic - next topic
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2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Hello all ... I have the best news for you!! Folks in charge of the RV reservations have confirmed that they are familiar with our group, they will have our space all marked out and WE CAN ARRIVE AS WE DO...NO NEED TO CARAVAN TOGETHER!!!   

Arrival time is Noon to 3pm...after 3 you will be waiting for the next day!

here is the website Covid update...Know Before You Go COVID Information Status Update May 3 2021          this may affect the staging area and crowds.

This is also on the website...
Check-in hours, once the event begins, are 12:00 NOON to 3:00 PM each day. It is strongly recommended that you arrive before 3:00 PM on days other than Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to avoid heavy traffic congestion.
If you arrive after 3:00 PM to check-in, you will be staged in line for parking the next morning. You will not receive a refund for that evening's stay. Due to safety concerns, we do not park after dark. 

More later,
Liz and Lisa
Lizykat
2014 TK
Keep calm and always carry yarn
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #1 –
Have a good time, it’s a fun filled week.
If you have a tow car, take it, there is much to do during the day, nothing is close to the parking area

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #2 –
Great tip Larry, thanks!

Does anyone know if special arrangements have to be made for a toad in the Lazy Daze area, or are the spaces deep enough for the motorhome and toad? Don & Tery Ecklin

2015 MB and 2017 Jeep Wrangler

Quote

On Jun 21, 2021, at 16:30, Larry W
Don & Tery
2022 MB 27.5 towing a 2017 Wrangler
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #3 –
"...are the spaces deep enough for the motorhome and toad?"

Cannot speak to the current rules and regulations but back in the day (2005-10) LDers had row 4 and 5. There was plenty of room for multiple toads.   8)

I mean, it's just a big old dirt parking lot, former city land fill.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #4 –
My wife and I will be unable to attend the Balloon Fiesta this year. We are therefore offering our reservation for the nights of October 6 (in) to 10 (out), to the group. If there were interest, I will coordinate with the organizers to arrange the transfer (I imagine that they will cooperate but there is of course no guarantee).

Interested person(s) please reply by PM

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #5 –
Thanks Warren! Message sent. Best,

Sasha

Quote from: WhiteElk  - 
My wife and I will be unable to attend the Balloon Fiesta this year. We are therefore offering our reservation for the nights of October 6 (in) to 10 (out), to the group. If there were interest, I will coordinate with the organizers to arrange the transfer (I imagine that they will cooperate but there is of course no guarantee).

Interested person(s) please reply by PM

Warren
2005 Mid Bath
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #6 –
Gee, I didn't know that the Lazy Daze owners had a site at the Balloon Fiesta.  I'm actually going and camping with the Escapee Boomers and volunteering as a Navigator.  I'm there for the full fiesta and would love to meet some of you that are attending...
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
 
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
If you have a tow car, take it, there is much to do during the day, nothing is close to the parking area

Starting early the morning and running late at night they use school buses to transport people from the RV lot to the Balloon Fiesta Park.  Also, you can ride a bicycle and there are volunteer bicycle valets to "check" your bicycle...
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #8 –
Quote from: desertdivanm  - 
Starting early the morning and running late at night they use school buses to transport people from the RV lot to the Balloon Fiesta Park.  Also, you can ride a bicycle and there are volunteer bicycle valets to "check" your bicycle...

I suggest taking a tow car due to all things to do that are away from the RV and Balloon Park..
We put several hundred miles on the toad the week we went to the Balloon Festival, in 2007.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #9 –
Or take a toad-scooter and motor on up to Sandia Peak!
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #11 –
Not to "rain on anyone's parade," but just realize that traffic is CRAZY during the Balloon Fiesta and police often close streets and "re-route" traffic.  In 2018 I was unfortunate to have to visit the emergency room (tooth abscess which led to a root canal) and getting to the hospital was an "experience."  There's lots to explore in the Albuquerque area, but I recommend going just before or immediately after for sightseeing...
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #12 –
Quote from: desertdivanm  - 
Not to "rain on anyone's parade," but just realize that traffic is CRAZY during the Balloon Fiesta and police often close streets and "re-route" traffic.  In 2018 I was unfortunate to have to visit the emergency room (tooth abscess which let to a root canal) and getting to the hospital was an "experience."  There's lots to explore in the Albuquerque area, but I recommend going just before or immediately after for sightseeing...
They do indeed!  We went out to dinner one evening and tried to get back to the rig at the Fiesta parking lot. Not!  The police had shut down all roads leading to the Fiesta until the evening light show had finished and all the spectator cars had departed. We had to sit with the (quite friendly) local constabulary for a couple of hours before we could go the last mile. — Jon & Loni
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #13 –
Question regarding the festival - Are RV's allowed in and out of the RV parking lot just as towed vehicles are(within the designated times) after we have been checked in?  We do not have a towed vehicle yet but will be most likely bringing electric bicycles.  We would like to explore some of the surrounding Albuquerque area and was planning on taking the Lazy Daze out for sightseeing during the day.  I'll be driving the Lazy Daze down from North Central Wasington State but Spouse will most likely be flying in.  I have reservations with the group.

JohnF
2003 TK
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #14 –
I have a question...  I can't drive my 2005 Vibe (which is my toad) due to it being a stick-shift.  I am scheduled for knee-replacement surgery in November, first on my left leg (the clutch leg).  I'd be willing to tow the Vibe to the Fiesta, but would need a driver that can deal with a finicky clutch (it's the computer system, not the driver).   So we could have an another toad, if we have a driver!  I could try to drive it but worry in a hilly situation.
2005 RB
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #15 –
Quote from: JohnF  - 
Question regarding the festival - Are RV's allowed in and out of the RV parking lot just as towed vehicles are(within the designated times) after we have been checked in?  We do not have a towed vehicle yet but will be most likely bringing electric bicycles.  We would like to explore some of the surrounding Albuquerque area and was planning on taking the Lazy Daze out for sightseeing during the day. 

The short answer is "yes," but the traffic in Albuquerque is going to be crazy and heavy during Balloon Fiesta and parking will be at a premium.   I'd opt for taking public transportation during the Balloon Fiesta, and if you want to visit Santa Fe there's the Light Rail.  You'll have a tag to put in your front window with your "in and out" dates. 
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #16 –
When we went to ABF in 2018 we did not have a reservation for camping and got in by last minute a cancellation or extra space.  We did arrive after hours so we had to wait in line to the side of the entrance for when they reopened the next day to be processed and go in.  We did get a spot and on the second drive our LD out for some work we had to do on the LD but were able to reenter to our spot during open hours.  We saw many RVs coming and going including one LD. 

        Karen~Liam
          98 ~ MB
            NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #17 –
Quote from: Lisa T.  - 
I have a question...  I can't drive my 2005 Vibe (which is my toad) due to it being a stick-shift.  I am scheduled for knee-replacement surgery in November, first on my left leg (the clutch leg).  I'd be willing to tow the Vibe to the Fiesta, but would need a driver that can deal with a finicky clutch (it's the computer system, not the driver).   So we could have an another toad, if we have a driver!  I could try to drive it but worry in a hilly situation.

I sympathize with you - I had both hips replaced in 2019 and chose my left (clutch leg) first.  Albuquerque is basically pretty flat, so hills wouldn't be an issue.  However, the traffic will be crazy and heavy!
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #18 –
I imagine all sites are filled.  Was there a site for reservations for this group?

Thanks, friends and if you go enjoy!
Mari Casanova
2004 Rear Bath "Koko"
1996 Rear Bath  "Cool Runnings"
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #19 –
Quote from: mamanova  - 
I imagine all sites are filled.  Was there a site for reservations for this group?

I obviously missed the notice for the Lazy Daze group, but I'm attending with the Escapee Boomers.  You "do" have to be an Escapee, and the membership is $49.95/year.  You'll have to have an Escapee membership number when you register, but if you stay several days you do get a slight parking discount.  If you're not a member, (and want to be) I'd call and see if you can be issued your I.D. number immediately.)  There are lots of sub-groups (I'm also a SOLO) and IMO worth the investment.  I'm imagine some folks in the forum are already Escapee members.  Link to join the Escapees

There are 50 spaces, and when I just checked there are 8 spaces left.  The Boomers will have pilots come and talk to the group, and if you like they will help "match" you if you're interested in helping with a Balloon "crew."  (A big perk is you get a free pass for the entire festival.) 

Please don't think I'm trying to dissuade Lazy Daze people getting together (as I want to visit you all sometime during the Balloon Fiesta).  However, if you've thought about going and act somewhat quickly this should help secure you a spot.  Here's the link and you can alter the days you'll be attending:  2021 Boomers & Balloons



Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #20 –
Thanks for the great info.  I'm in.  I'll be the one in LD, lol!  I'll stop by and say hi.  Booked the 4th-11th.
Mari Casanova
2004 Rear Bath "Koko"
1996 Rear Bath  "Cool Runnings"
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #21 –
Quote from: mamanova  - 
Thanks for the great info.  I'm in.  I'll be the one in LD, lol!  I'll stop by and say hi.  Booked the 4th-11th.

I'm glad you got a spot and look forward to meeting you.  I'm sending you a PM with some info from Judy the coordinator. 
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #23 –
"All three just as good or do you have a favorite?"

If you download the menus for each you will find small differences! I have not eaten in any but the original, downtown on 4th St. but it is sooo good.   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #24 –
We need to cancel our reservation to the Balloon Fiesta this year.  We need to cancel by August 31st to receive half of our money back.  If anyone would like our tickets for the amount we will be refunded, please PM me by August 27th.  They will need your name, email and phone number.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB