Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta brings colorful displays to the New Mexico sky
By GABE STERN
Associated Press/Report for America
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is ready to bring colorful displays to the New Mexico sky. The event starts at sunrise on Saturday with a drone light show and mass ascension of hot air balloons. Over nine days, local residents and visitors should be treated to a cavalcade of colorful and special-shaped balloons. The annual gathering has become a major economic driver for the state’s biggest city. Balloon pilots from around the world take advantage of wind patterns allowing them to bring a balloon back to a spot near the point of takeoff. Nighttime events include balloon glows and fireworks.