ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – This year is the 52nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, several days that are known for their early mornings, delicious food, and, of course, beautiful balloons. But what was the fiesta like years ago? A look back at News 13’s video archives offers a peak into the Duke City’s balloon festival through the decades.
In the 1990s, Balloon Fiesta celebrated a handful of anniversaries: the 35th Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race in 1991, the eighth World Gas Balloon Championship in 1994, and the 25th annual Balloon Fiesta in 1996.
The 90s welcomed some new events as well. In 1995, the first America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race was held, in 1996, the festival had its first Dawn Patrol Show, and in 1997, fiesta had its inaugural Flight of Nations and Night Magic Glow.
From 1992 through 2001, Kodak held the role of Balloon Fiesta’s title sponsor. The dirt field remained the same as it had in the 80s, and rainy days highlighted the issues with that style of launch field, making for a few muddy fiesta days as seen in KRQE’s archival footage.
Special shape balloons and Balloon Glow events stayed on center stage, drawing crowds from all over the world. In 1996, the Sivage Thomas “House Grab” moved to its current location at Balloon Fiesta Park.
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