Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, NM

After we visited ABQ in February, we saw so much about the balloon fiesta that we had to go back to see it in person. The balloon fiesta is a true bucket list item to get crossed off. Much like the balloon festival that Boise hosted during the River Festival, they hold a daily launch in the morning of all/most of the balloons and a night glow on the weekend nights. The night glow is my favorite part. On our third morning at the launch, we went early enough to see the dawn patrol launch where they send up a few balloons to check the wind, we were approached by a man who asked if we were interested in working with the launch crew to send up one of the special shape balloons. We of course said yes and they put us to work. We helped them unload, spread, inflate and launch the balloon. It was a great experience. We loved the fiesta and plan to return next year on our way back from our travels to Phoenix for the winter.