The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 1998

The First week in October is Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  This is a major event, attracting balloonist from around the world.  The week is filled with a number of special events, and literally hundreds of balloons!
 

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An interesting double exposure taken during one of the Balloon Fiesta's mass assention events.

A Balloon Glow event during the Balloon Fiesta.  The pilots inflate their balloons at dusk, and then ignite the burners on queue to give a beautiful incandesant effect after dark.

The balloons are inflated using a gasoline powered fan.  The process is called cold air inflation.  After the balloon is sufficiently inflated as shown above, the burner is ignited and the air is heated until the balloon stands upright.

Mass Assention!  Hundreds of balloons leave the field and fly the famous "Albuquerque Box."  Because of the mountains, the winds at lower altitudes frequently blow in the opposite direction from the high altitude winds.  The balloon pilots can fly in a vertical circle by changing altitudes.  This is called, "the box."

The Dawn Patrol is a group of balloon pilots that like to setup and launch before sunrise.  Similar to the Balloon Glows, the balloons light up when the burners are lit.

Everyone loves the special shapes balloons.  These balloons are difficult to inflate, handle and pilot, but every year the number of special shapes grows.  The balloon in the center of this photograph is called Noah's Ark.  It has been a favorite of the Balloon Fiesta for many years.

This photo shows the Kellogg's Tony the Tiger special shape balloon being readied for inflation with other balloons in various stages of being launched in the background.
 
 

Even the regular balloons are extremely colorful and beautiful.

Clarissa, the Creamland Cow is a very popular balloon..

This is the Canadian Mounty, sponsored by Canada of course.

The Orient Express is one of the largest balloons at the Fiesta.