Nine-Day Event Launches Despite “Dysfunction” In Washington

By Glen Moyer

The 9-day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta launched Saturday, October 5, 2013 to the approval of tens of thousands of spectators and New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez despite the shutdown of the federal government. Balloon Fiesta is one ‘airshow’ that the Governor pledged will go on as scheduled.

Governor Susana Martinez was in Albuquerque on Friday, October 4, for the ceremony to induct Col. Joe Kittinger and the late John M. Bacon into the FAI’s Ballooning Hall of Fame. The Hall is located within the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.

Just hours before the opening day launch of the balloons, the Governor was asked if the federal shutdown would impact Balloon Fiesta. Her reply:  “Absolutely not. This is a world gem that we have here in Mew Mexico. People from all over the world come to see our skies dotted with these colorful balloons, and we are faithful to this gem and we will continue to come regardless of how dysfunctional the federal government continues to be.”

Some 554 hot air balloons are participating in the 42nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, while five US gas balloons are also competing in the America’s Challenge long distance gas balloon race that launched from Albuquerque Sunday evening. The Balloon Fiesta continues through Sunday, October 13.

FMI: www.balloonfiesta.com/