From 2010 (YouTube Version): As Amazing As The ABQ Balloon Fiesta Is... The Pilots Are Even More So!

In a few recent Aero-TV programs, we've had the great good fortune to relate some of the amazing sights, sounds and sensations we encountered at the 2010 ABQ Balloon Fiesta... and the word 'amazing' barely does this event justice. Really... it's THAT great an event.

But... one particular element stands out as the key ingredient in what makes ABQ a world-renowned event... the people... especially the balloon pilots that flock to this annual gathering of all things that float, fly and levitate amongst the backdrop of New Mexico's stunning Sandia Peak. In this case, ANN videographers teamed up with long-time Balloon Fiesta pilot Pat Harwell to see ABQ from the balloon pilots' viewpoint... one of the best seats on/over Earth.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has been going strong for nearly four decades. Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. Literally hundreds of balloons take flight from the Balloon Fiesta Park each year.

From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to multiple events launching year-round at the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Their signature event remains Balloon Fiesta -— which, with 700 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.

The 2011 ABQ Balloon Fiesta is scheduled for October 1-9, 2011... be sure to look us up... ANN will be there.

FMI: www.balloonfiesta.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews