Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta [Throwback Thursday]

This October, as a belated birthday gift, we took the kids to the annual International Balloon Fiesta, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

 

I read somewhere to arrive around 5am to avoid traffic and find a close parking space. We ended up getting there pretty close to when it began, and while we were stuck in a little bit of traffic, it wasn't as unbearable as my husbands protesting would suggest. We also ended up getting a fairly close parking spot which was a plus since we had to carry two sleepy toddlers. Babywearing was definitely a life saver at this event.

If you want to sit and observe from the sidelines then I would recommend bringing a blanket or chairs or whatever it is you need to feel comfortable. We ended up ditching our blanket in favor of being in the middle of the action. As long as you stay out of the way of the balloon crews and the event vehicles needed to set up, then you can walk through the field itself. It was exciting to get a close-up view of the mechanics of it all, and we just moved along as soon as the balloons near us were released, guaranteeing ourselves a everlasting front row seat.

Once the fun was over we decided to leave. They have tons of food and souvenir vendors set up if you're into that sort of thing, but we're cheap. Traffic leaving the event was tolerable, and as we were driving we got to watch the balloons make their way to the various local businesses that they were set to land at. All in all it was a cheap, stress-free, enjoyable event. We definitely want to go again, and I would recommend it to anyone of any age. They have golf cart shuttles from the parking lot to the event for those that need it, though everything is fairly handicap accessible.

For more information on all things related to this event, including next year's scheduled dates and times, go to their website at: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/