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.

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Questions & Answers

Q: (1)Is there a place or school where you can learn how to pilot Balloon affectively? (2)Can you decide which direction to go?: A: 1) There a several good pilot training facilities in Albuquerque. I recommend contacting Rainbow Ryders for some good suggestions.
2) You are at the mercy of the direction of the wind to determine where you go.

Q: Do the special shape balloons only fly on Thursday and Friday?: A: Yes, the special shapes only fly on Thursday and Friday morning, however you can also catch them in action during the Special Shapes Glowdeo (they don't fly during the glows, but it is an excellent opportunity to see the special shapes upclose) on Thursday and Friday evening as well. Here is a link to the full Balloon Fiesta event schedule: www.BalloonFiesta.com

Q: Do the balloons ascend every day during the festival (Oct.2-11) or just on some days? Thank you, Dede: A: Ballooning is highly dependent on weather, but provided the weather cooperates every morning, the balloons will ascend each day. Some mornings feature Mass Ascensions in which all of the 600+ balloons ascend in to the sky at once, other days feature flying competitions during which only some of the balloons ascend and compete, and other days feature Special Shape Ascensions during which only the special shapes fly. Here is a link to the full schedule of events: www.BalloonFiesta.com

Q: Is there handicapped rv parking? Are the shuttles able to hancdle a wheel chair?: A:
Yes to both. You'll need to contact Balloon Fiesta directly to discuss specifics and request the handicap reservations. You can contact Balloon Fiesta by calling 1-888-422-7277 toll free or by visiting www.balloonfiesta.com

Q: I am planning on camping while attending Balloon Fiesta for the first time. Is there onsite camping for spectators? If so do I need and how do I make reservations?: A:
Yes there's camping onsite. The vast majority of the camping at Balloon Fiesta is done in RVs, but there are also a significant number of tents on site too. Balloon Fiesta rents camping spaces for RVs, so each space is 10' wide by 40' long, plus a space for a car. They also have: standard spaces that are "dry camp" (no water or electricity); premium spaces that have water and electricity; VIP, (dry camping but closer to the Launch Field and including up to four admissions for each session during their stay); and President's Compound (water and electric, including a "pump out" for every three days they stay), including admissions and a shuttle to Main Street and the Launch Field. There's also a free shuttle from the Standard and Premium spaces to a corner of the Launch Field and back. Balloon Fiesta has portable restroom facilities at each of the camping areas but do not have showers. You can make reservations by calling the office at 505-821-1000 or 888-422-7277 or you can make a reservation online at www.balloonfiesta.com.

Q: luv the website,can you recommend a ballon ride not within the balloon fest the price is alittle high like 150 or 175? thanks: A: There are tons of balloon companies that fly during Fiesta. Your best bet is to shop around a bit. I'd start by browsing this list: www.itsatrip.org/activities/hot-air-ballooning and then calling a few companies to investigate prices. Unfortunately, because Balloon Fiesta is peak season, rates are generally higher then. If you come during any other time, check out these coupons, they offer as much as 20% off the regular fare.

Q: I am looking for several shops that carry hot air balloon items. Can you help??: A: I think the best place to start is at www.BalloonFiestaStuff.com - they have tons of fantastic balloon-related items for sale.

Q: This will be my first experience at a balloon festival and I was wondering if they offer balloon rides at any point during the Alburquerque Int. Balloon Fiesta.: A: Rainbow Ryders is the official balloon ride company of Balloon Fiesta and they operate daily at the Fiesta. They are the only company that provides commercial flights from the field, but there are several around the city that will be glad to take you from off field. As you can imagine, it is a very popular activity during Fiesta, so be sure and make reservations early. For a great list of balloon companies around Albuquerque, click here.

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