(Albuquerque NM)
Another ‘must do’ event was attending the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. A group of Lazy Daze RVers gathered together on the grounds of the fiesta to share the experience and have some fun.
Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque
Mass Ascension of Balloons
There were several balloon launches during the fiesta; dawn patrol, shaped balloons, a balloon race, and a skill event to name a few. Mass ascensions of hundreds of balloons were only a few of the events.
Inflating of balloons on the fie
Balloon going up
On the field with hundreds of huge colorful balloons inflating all around you, with bursts of flame, crowds of people, the sounds and smells, all created a sense of anticipation and wonder. You had to be there to feel it.
Shaped Balloons
More Shaped Balloons
At dawn and dusk, they had the Glow, where the balloons remained on the ground and were lit up. It was exciting to walk the launch field amongst the giant balloons during the glow and launch events.
Evening Glow
Another Glowing Balloon
At dark there were tremendous fireworks. Seen from the RV camp, they were good; but, from the launch area spectacular. There were other activities, like a chain saw carving competition, a car show, the balloon museum, bands, art and food venders, and more.
Fiesta Fireworks
Fireworks Again
The flight path of the balloons came right across the RV camp. On one morning, I was awakened by the whoosh of them overhead. So, I got up on the roof of Tardis to witness the procession. Some of the balloons came across very low, and others even landed in the RV camp. Very cool indeed!
Balloons Over the RVs
Balloons Landing Behind Lazy Daze
It was a great time camping with other Lazy Daze owners. Fiesta activities, cook-outs, evening chats, open-house to see the other rigs, and going to local restaurants to eat the famed New Mexico cuisine made for a very enjoyable time.
Camp: Balloon Fiesta Grounds-RV Camp
Scene: Hot air balloons, fire works, comradery
Last year I was parked for a few days at the Davis Mountains State Park in west Texas and quite a few Lazy Daze campers pulled in. I was wondering it they were a club and meeting there or traveling together. Something like the Wally Byam Caravan Club for Airstreams.
There are Lazy Daze Caravan Clubs all over the USA. So, it may have been a get-together of a group. Or perhaps, just some traveling together.
During the 5 years we lived in Santa Fe we never went to this festival – every year there would be at least 1 if not more people killed in balloon accidents – it just did not sound like fun – pretty but————–
Never heard anything about that stat. Do know I had a great time.
Great pictures! I enjoyed the fiesta too and glad to have met you there. See you down the road again some time.
Me too! It was great fun. Maybe see you at the Q.