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Topic: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!  (Read 1011 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #25 –
Question from a Newbie!  I've never been to the festival, I think I need to buy admission tickets?  Or is most of the activity outside of the grounds?

Looking forward to an adventure!

Thanks!

Holly and Riley (golden doodle)
'08 MB 
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #26 –
You can go either way.  Most people would recommend a combination of experiences.  Here are my 2 cents as a one time Fiesta attendee and a many time balloon festival participant.

(1) Spend at least one session on the main field, in and amongst the balloons.  Fiesta is unique in that you can walk among the balloons as they launch.  It's an experience to hear the fans, see the envelopes inflate up close, feel the heat, see the launch zebras, and everything that goes along with it.  You will see, hear, and feel the sights.  I walk all the way to the north end of the field and work towards the south as balloons launch.
 
(2) Spend at least one session watching from the field, but at a distance.  The hill in front of the Museum is a great place to bring a chair and see things from a distance.  Take everything in and enjoy as balloons fill the sky.  This is best on a day when the box winds are working. 

(3) Sometimes the balloons will float right over the campground (and even land in the campground).  This can be a great time to sleep in a little and enjoy things from close to your RV. 

(4) Don't forget to watch the people!  Everyone from 1 to 99 enjoys watching the balloons.  People say balloons are useless for any practical purpose, but they leave a trail of smiles.  That's worth something, especially this year. 

(5) Go early for the evening glows.  It's a tailgate type atmosphere on the field with people hanging out, eating, tossing footballs, and so on.  Stay late for the fireworks. 

(6) Consider volunteering as chase crew if you can, especially on weekdays when pilots tend to need a little more help.  You should get free tickets as part of the deal.

(7) Watch the weather.  Be flexible.  Watch twitter (@balloonfiesta), local news, and dawn patrol balloons to get an idea of what will be happening that day.  Learn the red, yellow, green flag system (see the link below - it means what you think it should mean)

(8 ) Bring a coat.  The cool air that sweeps down and drives the famous box winds makes the temperature drop a bit on the field as the sun comes up.

Resources:

Flag will signal if balloons will fly

Guide to RVing at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta | Technomadia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEf8T28yTik&ab_channel=TheWeatherChannel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqhnZz17amw&ab_channel=It%27sOkayToBeSmart


Rich
  


 
2003 MB
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #28 –
Oh that's perfect!  Thank you!

I may need a new chainsaw bear as well  :D
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #29 –
Just received this.   I looked at my reservation and it is for Oct 4 - 10th.  When are other people planning to arrive?  I'd heard that we were going to meet somewhere and caravan in to stay in one group.  It that still the plan?
Joel

Dear Balloon Fiesta RV Reservation Holders,
 
We are a month away from the 49th Balloon Fiesta and look forward to seeing all of you at Balloon Fiesta Park. As you plan for your visit with us, we’d like to make you aware of measures we’ve taken to protect your health and safety. 

In addition to eliminating some close-proximity and high-touch attractions like Music Fiesta and the Balloon Discovery Center this year, we have increased hand sanitization stations throughout the park and in portable toilets and made efforts to encourage social distancing. Per New Mexico’s Public Health Order, we will require masks to be worn inside our buildings and tents regardless of whether the person is vaccinated or unvaccinated. Additionally, we will require masks to be worn in crowded outdoor settings per the current CDC recommendation. For more details on COVID-safe practices, you can visit our website’s Know Before You Go page, which will be updated by 10:00am MDT today. Below is a QR code link to our Know Before You Go page as well.

We have always taken the safety of our guests very seriously and it is with these measures that we will continue to uphold that pledge this year. Also playing a major factor in our direction is that many of our guests will be children who are not eligible to get vaccinations.
Attached is a map of all the RV lot locations and directions on how to access each lot. Please double check your reservation to make sure that you arrive at the correct lot. There will also be signs to assist along the way.
Adobe Acrobat

Thank you for your support and cooperation as we all work together to enjoy another Balloon Fiesta.

    
Know Before You Go

Thank you.

Jennifer Schurman
RV/Navigator Manager
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc.
4401 Alameda Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
505-821-1000 x117
jschurman@balloonfiesta.com
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #30 –
I am understanding that we DON'T need to come in as a group.  And you are 10/4-10/10 on the list.  Liz has been handling all the correspondence with the Balloon Fiesta Folks, so I'll need to confirm the above with her.
2005 RB
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #31 –
Quote from: joel wiley  - 
Just received this.   I looked at my reservation and it is for Oct 4 - 10th.  When are other people planning to arrive?  I'd heard that we were going to meet somewhere and caravan in to stay in one group.  It that still the plan?
Joel

Joel,
see post #1 in this thread.  No need to caravan.
Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #32 –
Quote from: Holly Scott  - 
I've never been to the festival, I think I need to buy admission tickets?  Or is most of the activity outside of the grounds?

The majority of the activity is outside ON the grounds, but you will need to buy a general admission ticket (each day) to gain admission into Balloon Fiesta Park. 
This year, general admission tickets are $15.00.  However, you can purchase a four pack of tickets from the gift shop for $48.00.
Balloon Fiesta | Purchase Tickets
In the past, Costco has sold sets of tickets at a discounted price.  However, I don't know if they are doing so this year. 
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #33 –
Quote from: desertdivanm  - 
The majority of the activity is outside ON the grounds, but you will need to buy a general admission ticket (each day) to gain admission into Balloon Fiesta Park. 
This year, general admission tickets are $15.00.  However, you can purchase a four pack of tickets from the gift shop for $48.00.
Balloon Fiesta | Purchase Tickets
In the past, Costco has sold sets of tickets at a discounted price.  However, I don't know if they are doing so this year. 

Yes. 

And General Admission tickets are typically reusable (good for a future session) if the balloons don't fly.  So maybe don't buy one for every session until you see how things work out.

Rich
2003 MB
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #34 –
Quote from: Lisa T.  - 
I am understanding that we DON'T need to come in as a group.  And you are 10/4-10/10 on the list.  Liz has been handling all the correspondence with the Balloon Fiesta Folks, so I'll need to confirm the above with her.

GOOD GRIEF.... my gmail account sent all my LDO messages and notifications to the spam folder... no clear idea why..I will have my IT guy (colddog) get right on that! :}

Correct, no need to gather together and caravan over. Fiesta folks have the LD spot ready for you. Some are coming before Oct 6..but the majority of you will be coming for the 4 nights Wed thru Sat...leaving on the last day Sunday.

Thank you all for your suggestions of places to eat...things to do...answering questions and reaching out with suggestions for the newbies.... it is truly an amazing thing to observe those balloons...how many.... the fun shapes... and that unmistakeable pssshhhhhhtt as a balloon goes overhead...you will not regret this trip!! 

so sorry to miss it this year. I have been in contact with Jennifer in the office. I will forward the final group list to my committee!
Lizykat
2014 TK
Keep calm and always carry yarn
Re: 2021 Balloon Fiesta UPDATE!!!
Reply #35 –
Nevermind. I think the problem has been fixed.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty