Current:Home > FinanceA perfect day for launch at the Albuquerque balloon fiesta. See the photos-VaTradeCoin
A perfect day for launch at the Albuquerque balloon fiesta. See the photos
lotradecoin partnership View Date:2024-12-25 23:14:23
A crisp, clear fall day and an armada of hot air balloons. That combination kicked off the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday.
The fiesta, which lasts for nine days, drew nearly 830,000 people from around the world last year. Since its start in 1972 with just 13 balloons going aloft, the event has become one of the most photographed events in the world.
Balloon designs run a gamut similar to floats in a parade, with balloons shaped like animals and Star Wars characters seen at past gatherings.
The packed schedule of events includes the Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race, scheduled to start Saturday evening. Three American teams will be among those attempting to get their balloons to travel the farthest. It's the first time the race has been held in the U.S. in 15 years.
'You can't be what you can't see':How fire camps are preparing young women to enter the workforce
Why is Albuquerque ideal for a hot air balloon festival?
Historically, early October is perfect balloon weather in the area with a unique weather phenomenon known as "the Albuquerque Box," producing an atmospheric wind pattern keeping balloons aloft in the morning hours, according to the National Weather Service.
Low humidity and temps in the low 50s on Saturday morning greeted 550 or so balloon pilots registered to fly at the fiesta taking to the sky. Later in the day, the high temperature was expected to top 70, the NWS predicted.
The event started at sunrise on Saturday with a drone light show and mass ascension of hot air balloons.
Photographers always capture some great images at the event. But, said Elizabeth Wright-Smith, who is flying the Smokey Bear balloon this week, "Pictures don’t do it justice, videos don’t do it justice.”
“You’ve got to be standing there watching them to really get it," she said.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.
What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day
veryGood! (895)
Related
- ParkMobile $32.8 million settlement: How to join class
- Woman accuses former 'SYTYCD' judge Nigel Lythgoe of 2018 sexual assault in new lawsuit
- Prince William’s Spokesperson Addresses Kate Middleton Conspiracy Theories
- Camila Cabello Reveals the Real Reason Why She Left Fifth Harmony
- I loved to hate pop music, until Chappell Roan dragged me back
- James Crumbley is up next as 2nd parent to stand trial in Michigan school shooting
- Target launches paid membership program, Circle 360, with free unlimited same-day delivery
- Starbucks Middle East franchisee cuts 2,000 workers amid Gaza war boycotts
- Wisconsin kayaker who faked his death and fled to Eastern Europe is in custody, online records show
- Horoscopes Today, March 5, 2024
Ranking
- The Voice Season 26 Crowns a New Winner
- Church authorities in Greece slap religious ban on local politicians who backed same-sex marriage
- In Florida, Skyrocketing Insurance Rates Test Resolve of Homeowners in Risky Areas
- Camila Cabello Shares What Led to Her and Shawn Mendes’ Break Up Shortly After Rekindling Their Romance
- US inflation likely edged up last month, though not enough to deter another Fed rate cut
- Krispy Kreme is giving out free donuts on Super Tuesday
- Germany accuses Russia of hybrid attack with leaked audio of military officials discussing Ukraine
- New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez faces new charges of bribery, obstruction of justice
Recommendation
-
East Coast storm makes a mess at ski resorts as strong winds cause power outages
-
Germany accuses Russia of hybrid attack with leaked audio of military officials discussing Ukraine
-
Thieves using cellular and Wi-Fi jammers to enter homes for robbery
-
Where will Russell Wilson go next? Eight NFL team options for QB after split with Broncos
-
Wisconsin kayaker who faked his death and fled to Eastern Europe is in custody, online records show
-
Commercial air tours over New Mexico’s Bandelier National Monument will soon be prohibited
-
Klarna CEO says AI can do the job of 700 workers. But job replacement isn't the biggest issue.
-
Caitlin Clark's record-breaking performance vs. Ohio State sets viewership record for FOX