Tom Rutherford: Ballooning

On April 8, 1972, Tom Rutherford helped launch the very first version of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Back then it was a hastily-arranged gathering in a vacant lot near the mall, attended by a grand total of 13 balloons. But 10,000 people showed up to see them race and Tom knew he had a good thing on his hands. In the years since, Tom learned how to pilot a balloon—although many of the hot air ballooning safety rules were formulated after he did something particularly stupid. For nearly 40 years he has been the official announcer of the Fiesta and one of its most ardent supporters.

Photo Gallery

Questions & Answers

Q: When is the balloon fiesta & how much dose it cost to ride a balloon ???? thanks: A: The next Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will be held October 2-10, 2010. The cost of balloon rides vary depending on which company you choose and when you want to fly. I recommend contacting a few different companies directly to get a quote. Visit www.itsatrip.org/activities/hot-air-ballooning for a good list of commercial ballooning companies. We hope you decide to come visit!

Q: Can you please explain further whether how the viewing differs in a Chasers tent? Is the patio a great picture taking spot?: A: The Chasers Club is a private tent with indoor and outdoor seating and includes a hot food item, pastries and refreshments. The tent is located on the north end of the field and offers two outdoor patios that have excellent views of the launch site. Memberships are $20/ session and you can purchase them at: www.balloonfiesta.com.

If its views you are really after, though, you might also consider the Diamond Club in the new Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. The Diamond Club offers above-the-crowd views of the Fiesta and features views of the entire field from an enclosed VIP lounge and heated balcony overlooking the park. Diamond Club packages include VIP parking, a fully catered breakfast or dinner buffet, field admission passes, admission to the museum and complimentary shuttles to the field from the club and back. Passes are just $65 each for adults and $35 each for kids per event. Check out: www.diamondclubfiesta.com for tickets.

Q: Are there any discount codes or coupons for the Albuquerque Balloon Festial? My wife and I were planning on buying the tickets for the Gondola Club however its $200.: A: For a more affordable alternative to the Gondola Club, you might try the Chasers Club instead. At only $20/person/session, you get: access to the private tent & to the outdoor lounge located on the north end of the park; beverages, pastries and a hot food item such as green chile-chicken soup, breakfast bake, green chile stew, hamburgers, hot dogs or barbeque; the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail while you enjoy watching hundreds of balloons decorating the Albuquerque sky.

If that still doesn't sound quite right for you, you might just try doing regular Balloon Fiesta admission. Being on the field with the balloons and eating the delicious food from the vendors is a very special, authentic experience all its own.

Q: How often does the Fiesta Park&Ride Express run back and forth between the park and the parking locations? Is there a timetable? Thanks.: A: The Park & Ride schedule can be found at: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/content/fiesta-express-park-ride. Have fun at Fiesta!

Q: We’re coming to Albuquerque in July. We don’t have enough money to take a hot air balloon ride and we’re not visiting during the big balloon festival …is there anything else for us to do that is balloon-related?: A: Ballooning is an expensive activity but never fear! You can still experience the wonder of ballooning year-round in Albuquerque. Stop by the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum (www.cabq.gov/balloon), a comprehensive facility dedicated to the art, culture, science, history and sport to learn about hot air ballooning. The museum features one of the world’s finest collections of hot air ballooning equipment and memorabilia. Also, on most mornings around sunrise, if you look toward the western part of the city, you’ll see several balloons above the river.