Hundreds of hot air balloons launched into the skies over Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Saturday for the first time in two years, as the city’s balloon fiesta returned following a pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Yoda, Smokey the Bear and the Creamland Cow were some of the notable balloons that took flight in the Mass Ascension that kicked off the 49th annual festival.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta brings millions of tourist dollars into the city but last year’s event was canceled as a precaution because of the pandemic.
The event’s website says 588 hot air balloons will take part and that nearly 900,000 visitors are expected to attend. Of these 100 are anticipated to be special shaped balloons. Pilots from all over the world have been invited to fly in the popular international event.
This year’s nine-day extravaganza features balloon races, nighttime balloon launches and events including musical performances and a chainsaw carving exhibition.
While the event is not requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19, participants are required to wear masks indoors or at crowded outdoor settings.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an event internationally recognized as the sport’s premier event and is produced by a private, non-profit corporation.
Throughout its 48 events, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta event has brought a sense of fun and adventure to Albuquerque and the world that is unmatched. It has grown from a quaint launch of 13 balloons in 1972 to the massive nine-day celebration it has become today.
During Balloon Fiesta, guests can expect to see more than 500 balloons participating in early morning Mass Ascensions, enchanting Special Shape balloons filling the skies, and, in the evening, 200 balloons light up the evening sky with Balloon Glows and spectacular fireworks.
Gas balloons launch at dusk to the strains of the team country’s national anthem, floating slowly up and away competing in a distance competition. All of the balloons launch from Balloon Fiesta Park, a 78-acre grassed field – the size of 56 football fields – that serves as the launch field for all flying events.
This year’s theme is Time Flies. This year’s event begins the countdown to the 50th Balloon Fiesta. Time really does fly when you’re having fun. There is a new theme to Balloon Fiesta every year; the theme is reflected in merchandise, printed and digital artwork.
There will be 6 countries participating in this year’s Balloon Fiesta including: Brazil, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Mexico and United States.
International balloons will enjoy their moment in the spotlight on Wednesday, October 6, during Flight of the Nations, an event that honors all the countries represented at Balloon Fiesta. Up to two balloons from each country will launch while carrying their country’s flag to begin the Mass Ascension.
The Balloon Fiesta’s five signature morning mass ascensions launch both weekends (October 2-3, 9-10) and mid-week (October 6). Other favorite events include the America’s Challenge Gas Race, Balloon Glows, Special Shape Rodeo and AfterGlow Fireworks Shows.
THE SCIENCE OF THE “ALBUQUERQUE BOX”
This wind pattern for which the Albuquerque area is well known occurs under stable conditions during the fall season when no strong weather systems are affecting the area. On days when the “box” occurs, it dissipates by mid-morning as the sun heats the ground, resulting in thermal turbulence which mixes the separate layers of air and eliminating the low-level inversion.
During the nighttime hours, the air near the ground surface is cooled by the process of radiational cooling. This process is most efficient with clear skies, low humidity, and light wind. Cooler, and therefore denser air flows downslope to lower elevations along arroyos and river valleys.
The cool air that flows through the Rio Grande valley is shallow (generally no more than a few hundred feet in depth). During the early morning hours this air flows southward down the valley from higher to lower elevation much as any fluid flows downhill. A north wind generally less than 10 mph results in the middle Rio Grande Valley.
The stable “river of air” occurs below a temperature inversion which separates it from warmer, less dense air above the inversion, just as vinegar is separated from oil by differences in density. The wind direction in the air mass above the shallow inversion can be different than that below the inversion. In an “ideal” box pattern, the wind blows in exactly the opposite direction with a north wind at the surface and a south wind above the surface.
A skillful pilot can bring a balloon back to near the point of takeoff by changing altitudes to ride wind currents in different directions. Upon takeoff the pilot first heads south towards downtown, then ascends higher where the winds will then take the balloon back north towards Balloon Fiesta Park.
More than 1,000 wonderful and dedicated volunteers make Balloon Fiesta happen year after year. Additionally, more than 2,000 chase crew volunteers will help get the balloons into the air!
