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Balloon Festival New Mexico

Yahoo Message Number: 81703
We are thinking about attending the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque New Mexico. Anything special we should know or due now?

Stan Inspire
2005 51406

Re: Balloon Festival New Mexico

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81704
We went there last year with 5 coaches and stayed in the VIP area. Although it started out a little rough, it was a really great experience and we would highly recommend it.
VIP parking is a misnomer IMO. We were parked on very unlevel dirt and I had to use wood under the tires and still couldn't get it perfect. I asked what benefit VIP parking was, and was told it meant we didn't have to park across the street a half mile (or more) away. OK, fair enough. Since we had Deb's handicapped mom with us, it was suggested that we request a handicapped spot which we got, right up front on a level spot which was a good place for all of us to hangout with our lawn chairs.
One thing I noticed was that the Airstream Club had there own section with really wide spots to spread out awnings and such. I went over and talked to them and they were given cart-blache (sp?) authority to park there own group. They must have had 300+ spaces filled and not all of them were Airstreams either. Next time we go, we are Joining the Airstream club. They were the real VIPs. Also, if you want to rent a golf cart, reserve one before you get there, but they only want about $800 for the whole week, and you can't rent daily.

Larry, 03 Allure, 30856

Re: Balloon Festival New Mexico

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81708
Stan,

We live in the ABQ area and are very familiar with the Festival having attended as RVers for years. There are several "levels" of RV parking. As another CC owner replied, VIP is one, Presidents another and the standard parking area is a third. Presidents and VIP are MUCH closer to the "field" and offer some other pluses like less dust and traffic. However, they are quite expensive and are certainly already booked for 2012.
The standard parking area is about a mile south of the launch area. The Fiesta provides bus transport to and from and there are usually days where the balloons will land in the standard area. Parts of the standard area offer power and water but no sewer is available at any of the areas.
The standard area will be either very dusty or very muddy depending on the weather. Most years there is some of both (-: We have pictures of Class A motorhomes bogged down to their axles because they just couldn't wait a day to leave...
Several area RV Parks also offer Fiesta programs. Some offer shuttle service. The pluses are much nicer facilities and negative is not being right there. American RV and KOA Central come to mind. Unfortunately they are probably fully booked for 2012 as well.
The day starts early with the first balloons launching at day break and many more an hour or so later. Then in the evening there are Glows on the launch field. You can walk among inflated balloons, talk to the crew, etc. It makes for a long day and I believe it is somewhat easier if you are camped at the park. Traffic to and from is horrendous and I would NOT want to drive in and out myself. I would use someones bus if I stayed elsewhere.
Most visitors stay for 1/2 of the Fiesta. Mid week has less activities than either weekend so try to include either the beginning or end in your stay.
There are numerous "caravan" companies that book areas and provide additional entertainment, etc. Some are traditional caravan groups while others are clubs like the Airstream group mentioned. Many of the RV brand clubs do group booking like the Airstream Club. From the description of their "spacing" I expect they bought more spaces from the Fiesta (probably a year in advance) than they sold to their members and could spread out their rigs. Whether that was intentional or accidental is a question...
The Fiesta has a great web-site www.ballonfiesta.com with lots of details. Hope this helps. If you have specific questions feel free to e-mail me direct at spjeepguy@...
Have fun,

Jim Wiler