From a small gathering of 13 balloons in 1972 the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival has grown to become the largest balloon event in the world. Held each year in October the festival now attracts almost 600 balloons and 1000 pilots.
The first gathering was held in the parking lot of Coronado Center Mall in Albuquerque. The following year 13 countries took part in the “First World Hot Air Balloon Championship”, the world’s largest ballooning event, held at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. By 1978 Albuquerque was playing host to 273 entries. The number of balloons steadily increased with 600 in 1988 and 903 balloons in 1999. The organisation registered over 1000 balloons in 2000.
In order to accommodate the increases in balloons and guests the festival’s home field has grown from a corner in a mall parking lot to its present home, a permanent site which is more than 350 acres.
The Festival has not only grown in numbers of balloons and guests but in the number of unique events as well. In addition to the spectacular Mass Ascensions, the Festival now has added the annual Balloon Glow, the Night Magic Glow, and the Special Shape Rodeo. These additions have grown to become guest favourites. In order to preserve this festival more than twenty five million still photos are taken, repeatedly earning it the title of the world’s most photographed event.
But intel has come into XPETS HQ that some villainy is afoot with party pooper Evil Erik planning on blowing holes in each balloon to make them plummet to the ground. So our mission is to take to the skies and stop Evil Erik and completing the competition at the end, with counting the balloons and caption photos as well as couple questions. Are you ready XPETS? See you Sunday for this fun adventure! Runs off to clean super suit!

Location

Albuquerque