Albuquerque balloon festival

[flobees]

Hi I am a new Airstream owner. And was wondering does anyone know when can i register to go for this festival with the airstream group? Thanks

[Ken J]

There will be a coupon in the next Blue Beret or watch this forum in late Feb

[nvestysly]

I saw an email indicating 4 Corners Unit will not be supporting the Balloon Fiesta Rally. Any chance the rally could become an Air Forums rally? I realize the reservations, payment, and other details could be a little problematic without the WBCCI 4CU support but I think it would be fun as an Air Forums rally. I think a local (AZ/NM) person could work out the details with the Fiesta organizers to pull off something. It would be a shame to see the gathering of Airstreamers fall by the wayside.

Lucius

[Charlie M]

The BF rally was Ken J's from the jump. I don't see any problem with Ken continuing the rally with no interruption. Airstream owners, both WBCCI and non members have been participants all along.

[Ken J]

Yes - you are absolutely correct - this is a National event that will go on as planned.

Look for formal announcement soon!

Ken J.

[MsRivet]

Phewwwww!!! I nearly went into a panic. I so knew it couldn't be so. Counting down the days . . .

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by Ken J

Yes - you are absolutely correct - this is a National event that will go on as planned.

Look for formal announcement soon!

Ken J.

That's good news! So... what was the email all about? Is there some bureaucratic/political wrangling behind the scenes?

I apologize if my post above gave anyone heart palpitations.

[RamblinManGa]

hi from AZ. . . The matter of the 4CU of WBCCI not supporting the Balloon Fiesta Airstream group is an internal matter among 4CU members. It is not (imo) political/bureaucratic 'wrangling'. I'm also sure that Ken J will continue to handle the ABQ Balloon rally in stellar fashion as he has before, just not under the auspices of 4CU. I still plan to attend. Regards, Craig

[Ken J]

Originally Posted by RamblinManGa

hi from AZ. . . The matter of the 4CU of WBCCI not supporting the Balloon Fiesta Airstream group is an internal matter among 4CU members. It is not (imo) political/bureaucratic 'wrangling'. I'm also sure that Ken J will continue to handle the ABQ Balloon rally in stellar fashion as he has before, just not under the auspices of 4CU. I still plan to attend. Regards, Craig

Thank you ! I promise to - but.... Wait a second - it gets better and better each year !!!!!

[nilesrob]

We attended the balloon fiesta this past year, and for anyone sitting on the fence trying to decide to go or not - go! This event WILDLY exceeded our expectations!

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by RamblinManGa

hi from AZ. . . The matter of the 4CU of WBCCI not supporting the Balloon Fiesta Airstream group is an internal matter among 4CU members. It is not (imo) political/bureaucratic 'wrangling'. I'm also sure that Ken J will continue to handle the ABQ Balloon rally in stellar fashion as he has before, just not under the auspices of 4CU. I still plan to attend. Regards, Craig

In retrospect the email does not say the rally will not be held. But the email makes no attempt to say the rally will be continued. Most people seeing the email would think the rally was disbanded. In fact, somebody sent the email to me lamenting the demise of the rally. Call it what you want but that sounds like political/bureaucratic wrangling to me. Why else would somebody make statements indicating 4CU will not sponsor the rally and go on to list several issues necessitating why 4CU is dropping the rally without any suggestion that the rally will still be held under other sponsorship? I'm sure there are many things I don't understand about the email and all the people involved. I'm pleased to see the rally will go on.

Originally Posted by Ken J

Thank you ! I promise to - but.... Wait a second - it gets better and better each year !!!!!

I'm sure it will be fun. Even though we did not attend the rally last year we did attend the Fiesta. The Airstream group has a great location adjacent to the balloon field and other activities. Anyone hoping to attend should turn in their registration quickly. I know from experience - the rally fills up fast.

[Ken J]

I respectfully request that we not discuss this here. Please....

The Balloon Fiesta Rally is a National Event Rally endorsed and approved by the WBCCI and as such we are required to report the event to the IBT, which we have done.

So please again, I respectfully ask that we keep the discussion limited to Balloons and a great time!!

Frankly the reason we don't have a thread up on this yet is we gave FCU members first dibs via advance notice, then WBCCI members and then non members - this event does sell out quickly, in fact it is over 50% sold out at this time - we will have spots available for non WBCCI members soon so watch for the 2014 Balloon Fiesta Thread coming to your neighborhood computer soon !!!

We work hard to accomodate everyone who wants to join us - when we fill, we have a waiting list - we usually get a fair number (after all with 200 units a percentage will have something beyond their control) who for one reason or another have to cancel - so even if your on the waiting list, there is a reasonable chance you will get in.

Why do we do all of this? I can't tell you the satisfaction, I for one get when I see the sparkle in the eyes of the 9-90 year olds when they are standing next to 500+ balloons as they take off in to the sky - oh yeah, I think the balloons are spectacular as well.

Ken J.

[switz]

The 2013 Balloon Festival was only our third "camping" trip and first major rally. We had a great time meeting new people and watching the balloons.

We got to see the insides of lots of trailers and even got pointers we implemented in our new trailer which is languishing in the penalty box at Jackson Center for a lack of a few small parts. But we should have it by then.

We signed up for another go this October and hopefully will get to meet some more great folks as we learn how to operate the new trailer.

This event went off like clock work and we were really impressed with everything that happened and the organization. Great job by the organizers to make this fun and safe for the participants.

[sk8r29]

Ken J, last year just days before the Fiesta we had to cancel, fees paid and all. My wife's dad had a medical emergency and she flew back to North Carolina and I pulled the AS back a few days later. We didn't get back home to New Mexico until mid January. Fortunately Dad is doing much better.
Is there a list for the 2014 Fiesta and if so can we get on it? We really want to go and would hate to miss out again.

[StreamNTyme]

This is an event not to miss..
Well run, great location, wonderful folks and lets not forget the fabulous breathtaking balloon show.
Great job by Ken who makes every one welcomed !

[pdvasquez]

Any posting for this years ballon fiesta rally yet?

[Wishing]

I am also interested in knowing if there are any open slots...looking forward to hearing an update.