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Ken J · 02-12-2011, 07:43 PM

2011 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Rally is on! We will be camping beach front right on the grounds of the Balloon Fiesta. Since we are a large group, we get the best seats in the house. If you have never been before, this is a great opportunity to see this event close up - the balloons will be taking off yards from your front door. For more information log on to Welcome to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

This year will be particularly special as it’s the 40th Anniversary of Balloon Fiesta.

The dates are to arrive September 30 and leave the morning of Oct 4th. The cost is $341 which INCLUDES FREE (that alone would cost almost $200 if you were not camping with us) entry to all events for 2 people. The only thing we charge is $1 to cover some bank charges for handling the rally funds - which means you would pay the same if you were to stay there on your own.

Don’t miss the early morning Dawn Patrol where a dozen balloons light up the pre-dawn sky. Next up is Mass Ascension where you will see hundreds of balloons take to the sky. The best part is that you are not sitting in grandstands taking in the action from a distance but you are right on the field watching as balloon crews set up their balloons and take off. The evening brings more balloons and fireworks!

We have 90 spots reserved at this point - This event fills up fast and I need to know who is attending by mid March, and ½ of the fee ($170.50) is due at that time (The other half is due sometime in July). After that point I can’t promise a spot although the past we have been able to accept later reservations – it just depends on how they fill up. At this point we have a fair number of pre-registrations, so don't wait.

A fresh water truck and pump out service is available, however there are no elec hookups. Generators are ok and solar works great.

This is the perfect family rally so bring the parents, grandparents, kids, pets and lets have a great time at this VERY popular and NOT TO MISS event! Don’t forget your camera!

Refund policy - the balloon fiesta folks have a strict policy of no refunds after September 1st. I also can’t promise full refunds up to that point – their policy is a $10 charge until July 15th and from July 15 – Aug 31st there is a 50% charge. We work well with the balloon fiesta folks and they have never charged us for refunds up to Sept 1st – after Sept 1st we know we can’t refund any money.

Attached is the sign up sheet – and please please write your e-mail clearly so I can read it because that’s how we will communicate with you and let you know whats going on prior to the fiesta – you will receive several updates as we get closer to Balloon Fiesta!

Four Corners Unit
C/O Ken Johansen
P.O. Box 1554
Tijeras, NM87059

Ask anyone who has attended this great event before and they will tell you that you just cannot describe it – you just have to be there.

See you at Balloon Fiesta!

Ken J

lewster · 02-12-2011, 08:59 PM

If you've never been..........you just don't know until you go!!!

I wouldn't miss it! Especially for a BIG ONE like the 40th anniversary edition.

BradS · 02-13-2011, 07:32 AM

I have been told we HAVEto be there this year. Our form and check will be in Mondays mail. We have been waiting for this thread to start, thank you Ken

Charlie M · 02-13-2011, 11:12 AM

Hi Ken; This will be our third fiesta and we are looking forward to it. Check will be in the mail next week.

Kistler · 02-13-2011, 12:20 PM

Does one (two)

have to be members of 4CU? Are there hook-ups? When is the grey water service available; does it necesitate moving one's rig?

Ken J · 02-13-2011, 12:33 PM

Ah - now I know which rally you are asking about

- - - No there are no hookups - there are water and sewer trucks that come around pretty regular - and they come to you so you don't have to move. Pretty slick

No you do not have to be a member or the FCU - this is a buddy rally.

And........ ta da - you get the moring newpaper delivered right to your door - well at least to your tongue...

Brad S - are you going to bring your formally leaky trailer with you? Good decision - this is the year to be there - but then any year is good to be there....

Charlie - glad to see you coming back - kinda addictive isn't it?

Ken J.

Kistler · 02-13-2011, 12:48 PM

Yes, Sorry the ? was about the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. Thank you for answering the ?s

Do we send a check in snail mail? Do you take VISA....a little reticent to send it on this forum

Grand Master · 02-13-2011, 01:01 PM

Ken,

Mary & I mailed our check last week. Hopefully, it has arrived by now.

I've installed a gray tank in my '63 and bought a new Yamaha generator. We're ready!

BradS · 02-13-2011, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken J

Ah -

Brad S - are you going to bring your formally leaky trailer with you? Good decision - this is the year to be there - but then any year is good to be there....

Ken J.

Hi Ken

No Holly, our formally leaky trailer, will be far from done. We have a 2006 22' CCD that I remodeled a couple of years ago. We are looking forward to seeing some nice trailers when we come to visit.

Castaway · 02-14-2011, 08:11 PM

I noticed that no pets are not allowed on the grounds. Are they allowed in the camping area?

Gary

**azflycaster** · 02-14-2011, 08:17 PM

Normal rules for pets in the camping area. On leash and pickup after them.

Castaway · 02-14-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Normal rules for pets in the camping area. On leash and pickup after them.

Thank you for the quick reply

Gary

Harry W · 02-14-2011, 09:59 PM

We will be there! The check is on its way. What a great time - Airstreams, Airstream people, and BALLOONS, BALLOONS, and more BALLOONS! (Not that I'm excited or anything.)

masseyfarm · 02-15-2011, 10:51 AM

I have never been there but it looks like quite a show!!!!!!!

Dave

YouTube - Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2008, RV stuck in mud

Ken J · 02-15-2011, 11:03 AM

Dave - that video is in the sand pit across the street from Balloon Fiesta park - no problem for us - that is one of the reasons why we pay extra to be in the VIP area - the other reason is we are right on the Fiesta grounds where the balloons take off.

Ken J.

nomad3622 · 02-15-2011, 11:38 AM

I attended the first event. I can't believe it was 40 years ago!

Boy would I love to go again, but probably not this year.

Peter

pmclemore · 02-15-2011, 06:13 PM

We made the trip in '07 and ran into a wild and crazy bunch of Califorinjuns. Any chance you guys will make a return pilgrimage?

Pat

Ken J · 02-15-2011, 06:58 PM

Peter - wow you were at Balloon Fiesta #1 - that one took off from a shopping center parking lot - you won't believe it now - has its own huge field and a really museum - its really a beautiful site they have for their very own now.

Pat yes at least some of them are return - but it won't be the same without you!

Ken J.

Jim Foster · 02-15-2011, 08:32 PM

The lady in the video with the white dog (Mr. Zax) and her husband are kite maker/flier friends of ours from Costa Mesa, CA. They are the ones who made and uploaded to video to YouTube. They were camped a couple of spaces from the RV that got stuck.

pmclemore · 02-16-2011, 09:18 AM

Hope we can come this year; we have a relative who may (very inconsiderate or our needs, imho) be scheduling her marriage for that weekend. (Priorities - pah!)

Pat