Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was cancelled for 2020 because of COVID-19. Local pilots participated on a smaller scale from various locations throughout the city and was closed to the public. One location lift-off had about 40 balloons and a couple of other locations had 12 each. Pilots and crew that launched complied with testing, socially distancing, masks, registering and more. This year event was named the Balloon Fall Fest.
Plans are being put in place for 2021 and mark the 49th year for the International Balloon Fiesta October 2-10, 2021. Anticipation of all the activities as normal will bring in 580 plus balloons and spectators from around the world.
Mitchell Walters/Nancy Ann Peterson