Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – “Know Before You Go....” (Read 110 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – “Know Before You Go....”
Parking:
It seems that the folks who are attending with the Lazy Daze group were concerned about arrival and parking together.  Your “area” is already plotted out and a volunteer will escort you to your group area when you arrive.  However, if you have a “leader” within your group that wants you to park in a certain configuration or spot that's up to their discretion.

Getting to Balloon Fiesta Park from the RV Parking area:
1. If you're adventurous, chipper and young, (fill in the blank) you can actually walk from the RV parking area to the gates of Balloon Fiesta Park (it's roughly one mile).
2. There “are” school busses that make frequent runs (about every 15 minutes) doing a loop from the RV parking area to Balloon Fiesta Park.  At times when events are “packed” the busses are often full and you have to wait until the next one.  Since these workers are actual school bus drivers, it's nice to “tip” them for their service.
3. If you have a bicycle, you can ride and have a volunteer bike valet park your bicycle at no charge.

What to wear:
We've had an unusually warm summer here in New Mexico and today (09/16/21) the high was 95 degrees here in Las Cruces.   However, in the pre-dawn hours on the Balloon Field (Dawn Patrol)  it can be quite chilly.  Dressing in layers that you can peel off will be your best friend (as well as a small backpack to store your peeled off clothing).  Also, please don't forget a proper sunhat as well as sunscreen (you're at a higher elevation).

Traffic:
When there are “well attended” events at the Balloon Fiesta, the Albuquerque police often divert traffic.   In 2018 I recall sobbing in my car trying to get to the ER for an abscessed tooth with a swollen face.  Therefore, I recommend trying to get your chores, shopping, etc... done beforehand and not “travel around” after you're parked.

Covid-19 Precautions:
No one likes to hear or read this.  Some venues with large gatherings are requiring “proof of vaccination and/or a recent negative Covid-19 test.  The Balloon Fiesta is NOT.  EVERYONE is required to mask indoors, but it only “recommended” outdoors for those non-vaccinated.  Sadly, I check the NM Covid-19 statistics daily, and Bernalillo currently AVERAGES about 280 new cases/day.  At the end of the day, you're all adults and know what you need to do to keep yourself safe.   The latest NM Public Health Order was issued on 09/15/21 here:  https://cv.nmhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/091521-PHO-Masks.pdf
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – “Know Before You Go....”
Reply #1 –
I stayed overnight in New Mexico on the way to the Grand Canyon. NM pinged my phone to download a state sponsored COVID tracking app called "NM Notify". I wasn't in state long enough to test it.

I do have the NY Times email me daily with nationwide and select county case tracking.

I'll be masked and ready for fun. See you all soon!
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
 
Re: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – “Know Before You Go....”
Reply #2 –
Volunteering at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

I don't know if the Lazy Daze group knows about volunteering at the Balloon Fiesta, but basically there are two areas:
1.  Navigator - various volunteer positions within Balloon Fiesta Park (I'm personally volunteering in the Navigator Tent with prepackaged food service donated from various restaurants and Hospitality with parties like the Pilot's Picnic.)
2.  Balloon Chase Crew - helping various balloon pilots with their balloon launch and recovery.

Both areas of volunteering give you an inside view of the workings of the Balloon Fiesta (and offer some nice perks as well).  While it's too late this year to volunteer online for either of these areas, there is still an opportunity to help at the Balloon Fiesta.

At the Balloon Fiesta, there are pilots that need assistance and you can sign up to help.  At the gate, you can ask an information volunteer where the sign up area is for this year.  You'll need to fill out a form and sign a waiver.  Not all of the volunteer assistance requires heavy lifting, and sometimes you might just be required to greet people around the balloon while it is being set up and pass out information cards.  You can sign up for one session or several - it's up to you. 
The "perk" is by volunteering you get a free pass to the grounds for the entire Balloon Fiesta.  Usually after a successful flight, there's a small celebration out on the field with champagne.  However, the biggest perk that often happens is that the pilot will tell you to "hop in" when the balloon launches.  This is not a guaranteed perk, and if the pilot gives you the go ahead you won't have time to hesitate and think about it. 

My first time volunteering experience with the "Earth Balloon."  (See photos...)

This Balloon Chase Crew Volunteer Video will give you a taste of what's it's like to volunteer in this area. 
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V