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Cirrusaly · 01-17-2019, 02:21 PM

I thought I would open a thread specific to the coming rally. Please forgive me if my search failed to reveal a current conversation...

With this year's WBBCI ABQ Balloon Fiesta Rally registration opening soon, does anyone have any experience and/or advice on how to maximize your chance of successful registration?

The website states "We strongly suggest you send your registration opening day – as we sell out very fast." Does that mean you send your registration in by snail mail? Can I presume, then, that it's pretty much a lottery for mail responses received within a few days after the registration form is posted?

Thanks in advance for your insight!
David
#9602

DougEW · 01-18-2019, 07:15 AM

They go by the post mark not the arrival date so post mark the letter and reg form, I was on the waiting list last year and didn't make it but did get a first choice for 2020 if my reg is post marked the first 3 days, "so there is a chance".
DougW

PKI · 01-18-2019, 09:11 AM

When we signed up, we sent the form in by e-mail and dropped the payment in the mail that day. Note, it may be different this year, but when we attended, the Airstream group was not fully populated. We assumed there were cancelations. Worst case, the VIP area had available sites. Additionally, most of the AS folks leave at the end of the ralley and do not attend the Fiesta through the rest of the week. It's more expensive on a day to day basis to book outside the ralley, but it's available.

Definitely attend. It's worth your time, effort and money. Solar will be appreciated over a generator, but both work. Both pump outs and fresh water are available for a reasonable fee. Hint - if you like quiet, ask to be located away from the TIKI bar.

Have a good time. It's a great opportunity to collect smiles.

Pat

Cirrusaly · 01-19-2019, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKI

When we signed up, we sent the form in by e-mail and dropped the payment in the mail that day. Note, it may be different this year, but when we attended, the Airstream group was not fully populated. We assumed there were cancelations. Worst case, the VIP area had available sites. Additionally, most of the AS folks leave at the end of the ralley and do not attend the Fiesta through the rest of the week. It's more expensive on a day to day basis to book outside the ralley, but it's available.

Definitely attend. It's worth your time, effort and money. Solar will be appreciated over a generator, but both work. Both pump outs and fresh water are available for a reasonable fee. Hint - if you like quiet, ask to be located away from the TIKI bar.

Have a good time. It's a great opportunity to collect smiles.

Pat

Thanks, Pat. Excellent information.

Cirrusaly · 01-19-2019, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougEW

They go by the post mark not the arrival date so post mark the letter and reg form, I was on the waiting list last year and didn't make it but did get a first choice for 2020 if my reg is post marked the first 3 days, "so there is a chance".
DougW

Thank you, Doug!

Cirrusaly · 02-04-2019, 02:57 PM

Excited! Just received e-mail confirmation that we are IN for the Balloon Fiesta Rally 2019!

When I opened this thread, I inquired about the registration process. We downloaded the registration form when it became available, filled it out, and mailed via regular USPS from S. Florida at the first opportunity.

Hope to see you in ABQ!

subfan1 · 02-04-2019, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKI

Additionally, most of the AS folks leave at the end of the ralley and do not attend the Fiesta through the rest of the week. It's more expensive on a day to day basis to book outside the ralley, but it's available.

Have a good time. It's a great opportunity to collect smiles.

Pat

Hi Pat thanks for the heads up on the week long stay. Can you make some recommendations on where to reserve a site for the week?

PKI · 02-04-2019, 06:39 PM

The folks from the Ralley just went to the customer service booth for the VIP camping area and extended their stay.

This appears to be the contact site - says weekends booked. What folks did as referenced above was an extension during the week.
https://www.balloonfiesta.com/RV-Information

Good Luck, Pat

time2play · 03-27-2019, 11:44 AM

Where can I find information on the registration process? We'd like to register for the 2019 festival, if possible. If we're too late, then should we stand in line for the 2020 festival?

Thank you

**azflycaster** · 03-27-2019, 11:48 AM

Registration for 2019 has been closed for some time now. Typically registration opens in January and fills very quickly. The website for the event is here: https://balloonfiestarally.wbcci.net/

55AS · 03-27-2019, 12:10 PM

Though it may also be full already. Highly recommend this event.

time2play · 03-28-2019, 05:48 PM

Thank you. I thought there was one organized by members of this group (Airforums). Is that no longer true?

**azflycaster** · 03-28-2019, 05:56 PM

This is the one. It has been an event for the past 12 years.

Cirrusaly · 08-06-2019, 06:07 AM

Leaving South Florida for ABQ Balloon Fiesta on Friday 9/27. 6 nights to ABQ. Arrive 10/3. 4-5 hour driving days. Any interested in caravan let me know. Happy Streaming!

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KK4YZ · 08-06-2019, 10:42 AM

The Southwest Adventure Caravan ends up at the Balloon Fest. If you see another group of Silver Bullets there, that be us 😀

Steamy1 · 08-06-2019, 12:05 PM

We made reservations at the American RV Resort to arrive on Wednesday October 9th until Sunday October 13th.

Does anyone have any comments/suggestions regarding this site for viewing the Festival or the quality of the facilities?

Many thanks,

Alumaholic · 08-06-2019, 12:48 PM

.. too far from Balloon Fiesta Park to see the balloons in the morning or the fireworks in the evening. Sorry.
You'll need to plan on driving to and from Balloon Fiesta.

OTRA15 · 08-06-2019, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cirrusaly

Leaving South Florida for ABQ Balloon Fiesta on Friday 9/27. 6 nights to ABQ. Arrive 10/3. 4-5 hour driving days. Any interested in caravan let me know. Happy Streaming!
. . .

Curious to know what App or map software you used to generate the map with those icons?

Thanks,

Peter

Steamy1 · 08-06-2019, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alumaholic

.. too far from Balloon Fiesta Park to see the balloons in the morning or the fireworks in the evening. Sorry.
You'll need to plan on driving to and from Balloon Fiesta.

Thanks; that's what I thought. Any other suggestions on places that may be closer?

Alumaholic · 08-06-2019, 01:43 PM

The Albuquerque North/Bernalillo KOA is only 11 miles north of Balloon Fiesta Park with a couple alternate routes to and from.
https://koa.com/campgrounds/albuquerque-north/

Have you considered dry-camping in the RV parking section of the Sandia Resort Casino. Not sure what it costs to park there, but the location is great!
https://www.sandiacasino.com/

If you get any further, information please add it to this thread.