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Topic: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020 (Read 1631 times) previous topic - next topic
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Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
I understand its a year or so from now but .....
DW and some other LD folks are planning a trip to ABF in October 3, 2020 - October 11, 2020
Albuquerque International Balloon Festival

I'm posted this early for folks planning.  It's still a year awhile.  This will be a notice to let others  plan also.

Lizbeth will be posting more as it get farther up her planning list.

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #1 –
We went in 2018 and only saw one other LD in the camping area.  We had a great trip but there are large crowds.

      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: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #2 –
"...and only saw one other LD in the camping area."


Back in the day... 2005-06-07, etc. rows 3 and 4 were filled with Lazy Dazy's, often as many as 30. But, back then we had a Wagon Master/Mistriss who made all the pre-arrangements, both with the LD owner and the Fiesta Park. It was a thankless job and I was amazed that the two Ramrods that I knew were up to that task.   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #3 –
it makes a Big difference to stay in Fiesta Park because you are right there and you can walk or ride on shuttles to the event.  Now reservations are required and in 2018 they were sold out in February when we checked.  We were told that they would take a few early drive-ups if there was space available but when we got there they were very disorganized.  We did end up in a space, we arrived the night before and were parked in the entry line till morning when they assigned us a space.  Later we saw them turning away people all day.  As we walked around daily there were many spaces open that were never filled.  Definitely having a point person who could make the reservations for a group and get there early to make sure everyone was placed together would be Key.

                       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: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #4 –
"Definitely having a point person who could make the reservations for a group and get there early to make sure everyone was placed together would be Key."

When I started attending in 2005 it was Marial Gertz who was Ramrod for the Lazy Daze folks. Somehow she had wrangled rows 3 and 4, tight up to the Alameda, just across from the Balloon Field. Since the weather patterns (The Box) were such that the newly launched balloons came just over our heads on the way south and then later, at a much higher altitude came back north to land right where they had been launched. Quite a show!   :o   8)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #5 –
I would love to be there!

How soon can reservations be made and where (I couldn't tell from the link)?
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #7 –
When I checked in early April, there were no reservations available for this coming October and the wait list had already been closed.

Besides the popularity of the Balloon Fiesta, I think that the RV parking there has been filling up because the nearby casinos are now charging to park in their parking lots as of last year. It used to be free to park at Sandia Casino.

Reservations for 2020 will start to be taken on Oct 22, 2019 at 10am Central Time.

Nancy McKenna
former owner, '98 FL
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #8 –
We hope to make it to the Fiesta some day. To see that many balloons in one place at the same time must be an awesome experience!  In the meantime, we'll be satisfied with our little 4th of July event.  ;)

Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #9 –
"...we'll be satisfied with our little 4th of July event."

Take the number of balloons in your photo, multiply by a factor of 40 and you've got the Albuquerque event in a nut shell!
Yes, seeing over 200 balloons in the air all at once is a thrilling scene. Been there...    :o
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #10 –
Way back when, I had a blog:

Blue's Adventures

Click on the early October 2009 posts for the Lazy Daze group fun.....
2005 RB
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #11 –
The Balloon Festival is tons of fun! We've gone three times and each time parked with the Lazy Daze group.  Marial Gertz first time then next two visits were organized by John and Linda Leach.  My cousin is a balloon pilot and we volunteered on his crew  for the Freedom Flight balloon each time we attended.  Very memorable experience to say the least! You have to get up quite early each day to see the festivities and walk on the balloon field among all the colorful balloons.  Then you have the day free to sightsee around Albq. Fun times!
Marti
2011 Blue MB
Seattle
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #12 –
I agree! Volunteering to be on a balloon crew is a wonderful experience. I did this the year I was there with dad. I didn’t mind getting up early. The whole thing was exciting.
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
UPDATE Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #13 –
Hello everyone... Lisa Tonks and I are spearheading a Lazy Daze gathering for the Balloon Fiesta... 2020. and if we want 2025, 2030, etc.

Here is what I know so far, prices are either $40 or $50 a night depending on location in the South RV lot. have a look.. https://balloonfiesta.com/files/galleries/RV_location_map-0003.pdf

The reservation system has changed in that it is now online only, with 50% down payment at the time

I have contacted the manager of the RV camping to see if it will be possible to get a space for 12-15 rigs together, rather than the rally style that they have adopted which means we ALL would need to show up at the same time to be placed together. That sounded rather like herding cats so I am hoping to get us an official LD spot.

Here is why I am putting this out so early. Start thinking about next Oct 2020..and Balloons. If you haven't been you must. It is really quite amazing, both on ground as they fire up and watching the sky as they float by.

Please reply to say "absolutely definitely I want a space in the LD group for the 2020 fiesta!! "  OR reply with a
"strong possibility I will come along". That way we can order up the appropriate number of spots required. I was thinking between 12-15 but that could be way off in either direction.  I was told that 2019 spots sold out in minutes...yikes!

Payment discussion will happen here later.

 over and out for now,
Liz
Lizykat
2014 TK
Keep calm and always carry yarn
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #14 –
Back around 2010 or so when Marial Gertz  was in charge the LD folks always had Rows 3 and 4, not too close to the street but nearly perfect for walking to the shuttle stop by the gate. We had those same rows reserved just for us year after year and you could arrive or depart at will.

Heads up for pet owners, that parking lot is covered with Goats Head Stickers, so bad that a lot of owners put boots on their dog's paws.   :o


Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #15 –
Thank you... row info is good to know. Hoping to negotiate our "space" rather than be shuffled in with other rigs as we arrive. Fingers crossed!.
Lizykat
2014 TK
Keep calm and always carry yarn
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #16 –
For those interested in what it’s like to attend the festival and even crew for a balloon, we blogged our experience:  Houn's Journal: October 2008
I hope that works. — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #17 –
"Absolutely definitely I want a space in the LD group for the 2020 fiesta!!" :-)
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #18 –
"For those interested..."

Oct. 2008... I was there that year, one of the eight consecutive years that I attended.

Jon, that was an astounding blog post, your detail doesn't leave much to the imagination, especially to those of us who have experienced it. If memory serves that was the year that LazyBones2 volunteered to crew. Alarm clock, what the hell for?
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #19 –
I'll be there .....  

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #20 –
David and Wendy Harris would love to join the LD group at the Oct 2020 balloon festival!   If we had any doubts, your blog convinced us, Jon!
2002 MB
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #21 –
Okay Balloon Fiesta potential attendees!!!  Here is the latest from the the planning committee..

The dates will be Oct 7 thru Oct 11, 2020. That gives us 4 nights, Wed thru Sunday which is the end of the fiesta. If you want the come earlier, that can be arranged, I will need your info and will pass it on to the festival folks.  

The only "issue" is that we DO need to arrive at the same time to be placed together. Perhaps that can be changed but for right now that is what I was told, two times.  So you will need to consider where you want to be the night before so we all can meet up at the camping area at our designated time...tbd. (I will contact the organizers after this years event to get some details on how to make it a smooth entry.)
the committee will gather up some names of places that are nearby and list them here. I suspect we all need to think about reserving something this Oct for next Oct as I imagine due to the popularity of the fiesta, they might fill quickly. 

Oct 22 2019 8am PST I will go online and reserve 15 slots in a group under the name Lazy Daze. The system will give me a link which I will post here and those interested will use the link to register and pay for their spot. 

 The following are those who are interested and planning on attending; Debinvenice, David/Wendy, Karen/Liam, Liz/Glen, Lisa, Dan/Lynn, Jeanne, and Laurie A. 
 
links of interest.... do's and don'ts for RV's    https://balloonfiesta.com/files/galleries/2019_RV_Rules.pdf
2019 schedule of events, will likely be the same-ish for 2020, just to give you an idea...  https://balloonfiesta.com/files/galleries/2019_Schedule_4-10-19_no_CS.pdf 
map of the RV location. We will be in the South RV Lot  http://balloonfiesta.com/files/galleries/RV_location_map-9-10.pdf. 
Standard camping is $40. Box view is $50. I will aim for the Box view but if that is taken then it will be standard.    
cancellation process. RV Information  there is a $10 fee to cancel any portion of your 4 night commitment.

ok everyone, over and out for now!
Liz and Lisa

            
Lizykat
2014 TK
Keep calm and always carry yarn
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #23 –
Hey potential Balloon Fiesta Attendees .... Oct 2020 show. I am sending this out to remind you that if you have NOT told me already AND you want to be in the group reservation...Please reply so I have you on my list.  To refresh your memory the details are on my last post from Sept.

Thanks everyone, Liz Plam
Lizykat
2014 TK
Keep calm and always carry yarn
Re: Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2020
Reply #24 –
We attended the Balloon Festival in 2007, the first time we meet Steve and his daughter Cynthia, also know as Lazy Bones 2.
She was volunteering for one of the balloon crews that year.
This the only photo I could find of the two them. Cynthia was doing the same as the rest of us, taking photos.
Hard to believe that was twelve years ago.


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