500-Plus Balloons Expected at Albuquerque

September 30, 2011 —Pigs can fly. Especially one wearing a Spiderman costume. The pig known as SpiderPig will be joined by other special shape hot air balloons making their inaugural appearance at the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival, running now through October 9. They include: Betty Jean, the world’s largest butterfly balloon from Arizona Iwi the Kiwi, a kiwi bird from New Zealand TU-balloon, a giant blue shark from Brazil Lady Sun, a smiling yellow sunshine from France The 40th annual festival is the world’s largest gathering of balloons and balloonists. This year more than 500 hot air balloons from 20 countries will participate and help honor Sid Cutter, the founder and “Father of Fiesta” who died earlier this year. While many events are held over the nine days, special shape balloons have been the most popular event since they premiered in 1989. The special shape balloons will take to the skies both day and night on October 6 and 7 and will participate in the Special Shape Glowdeo, when the tethered balloons light their burners to create a glowing effect. New this year will be the Sandia Resort and Casino $100,000 challenge, the richest active prize in ballooning. It will test pilots’ skills and provide great visuals as competitors play an airborne version of ring toss, trying to connect with one of ten poles during the competitive flying events. Other highlights of the balloon festival include: A “Missing Man Formation” balloon launch to honor Cutter was planned October 1. Mass ascensions featuring two waves of hot air balloons on October 5, 8 and 9 Balloon Glows bringing dusk to life on October 6, 7 and 8 Flight of the Nations honoring the countries participating as each flies their nation’s flag from their balloon on October 5. For up-to-date information on events, visit www.balloonfiesta.com or follow on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.

Special shaped balloons like SpiderPig are among the most popular elements. Photo credit: Balloon Fiesta Hundreds of balloons will gather on Balloon Fiesta Field for the 40th event October 1-9. Photo credit: Balloon Fiesta TU-balloon is one of the new special shape balloons making its first appearance at the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. Photo credit: Balloon Fiesta

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