4CU 004 : 2010 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

[azflycaster]

Zep,
The New Mexico Rally site is here:

[Ken J]

HOLY COW - $215 to stay at the fair grounds and be bused to the balloon fiesta - now I understand why our numbers are so high this year - I wonder if that covers admission to events - wait till you get up in the morning and see the traffic lines coming into the event - 8 miles does not sound like a lot - even with no traffic you are a good 20 - 25 minutes to the fiesta field.

We still have a few spots left - like less than 5 at the moment - given that I'm being asked about this daily I'm going to re-group a bit and see if we can take more - I reserved 70, talking to the balloon folks, we can expand that a bit - they really like us because we are an easy group to work with, in that we all arrive at the same time.

Ken J.

[azflycaster]

Ken, be honest!
They like us because we invite them to happy hour..

[Ken J]

Ok ok - that helps too! Happy hour will have a whole new meaning this year - with 140+ folks it will be a party!!

Ken J.

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by Ken J

...they really like us because we are an easy group to work with, in that we all arrive at the same time.....

Does this mean same day, same hour, or same minute?

Zep

[Ken J]

We all arrive at the same time, so they can get us all parked at once - it is difficult for them to park large groups if everyone does not show up at the same time - our plan this year, since we are so large is all meet somewhat early in the day, then we will leave in groups of 10 about 10-15 minutes apart, that way while they are parking the first group, then the next group will be arriving - we will be sending details later - later will be after labor day when the parking crew arrives in town and we sort the details. We will get 70+ trailers parking within about an hour. Its a site to see!

Once parked you can come and go as you like.

Ken J.

[stowaways]

Thought you might enjoy this time lapsed link of the 2009 Fiesta...

YouTube - Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Time Lapse

[TBRich]

Yup! That's the way it is!

[Ken J]

We actually move around a little faster...

Ken J.

[eharv]

Ken,
Have you received our check that we sent in the latter part of April for Balloon Fiesta?
Harvey & Gail Craig
803/805 Castle Ridge Road
Austin, TX 78746

[Ken J]

Yes I did - thanks

Ken J.

[Cally]

Ken, I wanted to know about my check also. It hasn't cleared my bank yet and I want to make sure we're in. Thanks, Pat Cahalan

[kingfisher24]

did my check get to you????

[Ken J]

Kingfisher - I'm sure I do, but I don't know who you are.... - PM me if you like

[Phoenix]

Have people started making reservations at the Grants KOA? What night is everyone arriving at the KOA (to depart for the Balloon Fiesta the next morning)?

[kingfisher24]

i have read in several places that the balloon festival is from oct 6 thru the 15th and our gathering is from the 1st thru 5th?????

please resolve the conflict in my ancient tortued mind

Balloon Fiesta Is an international event held October 6 through October 15. It is one of the largest ballooning gatherings in the United States, with various shapes, sizes, and colorings. — The world’s largest hot air balloon festival, takes place each October, when you’ll see more than 700 balloons in the sky at a time. This magical hot air balloon festival is considered to be the most photographed event in the world, drawing a huge international crowd of balloonists and spectators.

[kingfisher24]

and like Ken J said above....Most times I don't know who I am either

[Ken J]

As I understand it, folks are gathering at Grants the Thursday night prior to the rally which starts on Friday - I will not know our gather details until soon after Labor Day when I can get with the parking folks - tentative plans are to gather at Camping World on Friday morning...

King - The Balloon Fiesta starts on 10/1 and goes all week - I'm wondering if you are looking at a 2009 or 08 schedule which are still on various websites... This years version goes from Oct 2-10. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Ken J.

[LHall]

Phoenix,

Normally, our Arizona group and California groups meet up in Flagstaff on Thursday morning prior to balloon fest and caravan together to Grants where we all spend the night at the KOA. It would be a good idea to make a reservation at the Grants KOA for that Thursday night. I know several have already done so. AZ Flycaster normally leads this caravan and I am sure he will keep everyoe posted as we get closer to October.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

[Jim Foster]

We have a reservation at the Grants KOA for that Thursday night.

This should be a fun time.