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 peek into the Duke City’s balloon festival through the decades.
The 2000s started with a bang, kicking off a new record for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with a whopping 1019 balloons registered for the festival. One of the biggest changes to the fiesta in the 2000s was that the launch field became covered with grass, making for a more comfortable viewing experience, as well as less mud for visitors and pilots alike; that change was made in 2001.
Unique to the early years of the 2000s, the Holiday Fiesta event only lasted from 2003 through 2004. The Gondola Club was also launched in 2003 but has stood the test of time. Another tradition that has lasted through the years is Albuquerque Aloft, a free event at local schools that began in 2005.
The year 2006 marked the 50th Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race and the first year of Chain Saw Carving. Then, in 2009, the Chaser’s Club was created. The events were more affordable roughly 20 years ago; admission and parking each cost $5 in 2002, while in 2024, admission costs $15, and parking costs $20.
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