The first balloon event in Albuquerque took place

on April 8, 1972, at Coronado Shopping

Center. Thirteen balloons participated.

The first event to be called the "Balloon

Fiesta" took place in 1975, in the fall.

The first Special Shapes Glowdeo began with just 28 special shape

balloons.

Because the event has an excellent

safety record, the Balloon Fiesta is one of the only balloon events

where viewers can walk among the balloons and talk

to the pilots.

The Albuquerque International

Balloon Fiesta is the largest annual international event held in the United

States.

The Dawn Patrol began at the

Balloon Fiesta in 1978, when two

California balloonists

developed position lighting systems

that allowed them to fly at night.

Balloon Fiesta Park is the size of 56 Football

Fields.

Inflated hot air balloons are around 70 feet tall.