Ballooning Enthusiast Flock To Albuquerque For The Annual Balloon Fiesta, And It Looks Like Thieves Followed Close Behind.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta certainly ranks as one of the great sporting aviation events in the United States, but it looks like we have to report another balloon theft. Earlier this week we reported that a thief broke into a Chevy Suburban parked at the Nativo Lodge in Albuquerque on Saturday night and stole the vehicle and balloon trailer that was attached to it.

The stolen trailer contained the balloon "Rainbow Thru Heaven" that, along with pilot Rick Wallace, had become a fixture at the event. Rick had flown at every Balloon Fiesta since it began in 1981. Rick passed away about 10 months ago and his daughter Marilyn had planned to fly the balloon each day of this event to honor her father. Up to this day there has been no report of recovery of this vehicle, trailer or balloon.

Now, we’ve pick up a report from KRQE Channel 13 News that another balloon has been stolen, but this one was recovered. The tow vehicle, trailer and balloon were stolen from the parking lot of the Staybridge Suites Hotel during the night. According to the report, the tow vehicle is still missing but the ransacked balloon trailer and the balloon were found.

It’s reported that the balloon owner and pilot, Chuck Danley, found the burners, gondola and balloon envelope, but the balloon flight instruments are still missing. According to Danley, they had been stowed in the tow vehicle and are worth about $1,600.

As is commonly the case, when large groups of people gather together at something as large as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the criminal element may not be far behind to take advantage of the situation. It’s obvious that at least 2 hotels did not provide adequate security in their parking facilities.

It’s reported that Balloon Fiesta officials are looking at ways to prevent this from happening again. The report indicated that at a previous event 2 years ago secure parking was provided but a few balloonist took advantage of it. That attitude may now change.

(Balloon image from file)

FMI: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/