Nearly 500 hot air balloons fill New Mexico sky
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has become a major economic driver for the state’s biggest city.
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ASSOCIATED PRESS
Balloonists begin to inflate their balloons for the start of the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 7.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Balloonists begin to ascend for the start of the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 7.ASSOCIATED PRESS
A balloon pilot waves to the crowd as he takes off during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Saturday, Oct. 7, in Albuquerque, N.M.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pilot Kyle Laxton of Arizona directs a crew member to move a turn off a fan as he begins to light the burners on his balloon, which will carry some 13 passengers during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Saturday, Oct. 7, in Albuquerque, N.M.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nearly 500 balloons begin to take off during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Saturday, Oct. 7, in Albuquerque, N.M.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pilot Kyle Laxton's balloon begins to rise after igniting the burners, which will carry some 13 passengers during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Saturday, Oct. 7, in Albuquerque, N.M.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pilot Pilip Audenaert of Brazil rejoices as he takes off during the mass accession at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Saturday, Oct. 7, in Albuquerque, N.M.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Walter Myal, left and his girlfriend Chelsea Peterson witness the start of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday, Oct. 7, in Albuquerque, N.M.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Balloons begin to take off during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday, Oct. 7, in Albuquerque, N.M.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Launch Director Kat Brennan signals for a pilot to go ahead and take off Saturday, Oct. 7, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M.