Daughter’s dream takes flight in special shape balloon for Balloon Fiesta

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – One of the most recognizable special shapes at Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a family affair. Standing at eight stories tall and so big extra help was required to reign her in, you can’t miss the magical, pink unicorn flying across Albuquerque skies during fiesta. “It has lots of colors and it has a cute little face,’ said Penelope, a six-year-old fiesta visitor.

“I thought it was really, really cute balloon, just loved it,” said Pat Fourniner, a fiesta visitor from Washington state. Brothers Todd and Scott Monahan with Monahan Airways Ballooning own the fan-favorite balloon. For them, seeing “Allycorn” the unicorn soar takes their love of family to new heights.

“This one is obviously a special one to me… it never gets old,” said Scott.

“How I loved unicorns was 100%,” said Jade, Scott’s nine-year-old daughter. “I really loved unicorns. I was thinking of drawing one so I just drew one.”

She drew the unicorn when she was four years old sparking an idea in Scott. “I said man, there really is not a unicorn balloon out there,” he said. He ran the idea by his brother Todd who was on board.

“[He said] what do you think this would be for a balloon and I’m like ok, now we’re talking,” said Todd. They brought the drawing to their balloon maker and after a number of designs, brought the unicorn balloon to life.

“I was like, wow. I was like surprised,” said Jade. “It makes me happy that everyone, almost everyone wants to go on the unicorn.”

Even from across the world. Allycorn is coming to Balloon Fiesta from Switzerland where a young girl battling Leukemia was granted her wish of riding the flying unicorn. “To be able to do something like this is amazing,” said Scott.

They plan to keep flying Allycorn for years to come. The Monahan also own other special shapes like the tiger and Tico The Sloth.

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