ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The famous Looney Tunes characters Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner are celebrating 75 years since Chuck Jones created the sensational cartoon.
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The Chuck Jones Gallery took that left turn in Albuquerque and ended up at the International Balloon Fiesta three years ago. This time around they’re celebrating 75 years since the creation of the two famous characters. “Roadrunner and coyote have always been the unofficial mascot of the balloon fiesta,” said Michael Fiacco, Chuck Jones Galleries.
The Warner Brothers animator created many southwest-inspired cartoons, some are featured at the tent on main street at Balloon Fiesta Park. “It’s really unlike any event I do. I do art fairs and trade shows and pop-up galleries around the country. First of all, I don’t have to get up at 3:30 am anywhere else in the world,” said Fiacco.
The characters were included in the first official poster in 1972 and have continued to be featured over the years. This fiesta was the perfect opportunity to bring out special collectibles. “We do have a special 75th-anniversary pin for Roadrunner Coyote this year. And I know that they will sell out by midweek. And then we have a Marvin Martian pin from last year’s 75th anniversary. And Pepe le piu pin where he’s riding up in a hot air balloon chasing Penelope,” said Fiacco.
The characters are well known among visitors coming from all over the world.
“We literally have people from New Zealand and Australia and Saudi Arabia and all over eastern Europe and all over South America who come to the balloon fiesta,” said Fiacco.
It’s a cartoon that needs no translation. “Interestingly enough Roadrunner and Coyote are the most played cartoons in the history of the world because they don’t have to be dubbed. Beep-beep and silence is the same in every language so it’s really fascinating and Chuck created those characters,” said Fiacco.
There’s also a special opportunity to raise funds for the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. A $30,000 motorcycle is for sale including one-of-a-kind original paintings, that can be found outside the tent.
