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I have been pondering hosting a GTG for the 2018 Albuquerque Ballon Festival. It will be in early October. I do not have the exact dates yet.
You haven’t seen anything of you haven’t seen 100 hot air balloons take off one after another.
Let me know if you are interested. I will be posting more info as it is gathered.
Lyn

Here's the dates. 2018 October 6-14

The only way I'd go again would be staying on the field... Have considered checking out the escapees annual gtg there. I would consider this.

Beth, thanks for the dates. The last time I went was 1994. ((I think). I know things like where you park and where they take off has changed. Lyn

When I went we stayed on the fairgrounds right across the street it was just a large field of boondocking. They had a shuttle to take you across the street. Balloons were landing all around us as some ran out of wind, it was awesome. It was part of our singles group and there were 13 of us there, it was fun.

I’m interested. I plan to be in the West all year...until mid November.

We might be interested, too.

Laura

Lyn, I would be interested in going., Have wanted to go the last 2 years but something always comes up. Last year I was planning on staying with the Escapees. Believe they boondock very close to the happenings. They start organizing long before festival dates. Please keep me
posted. Sounds like fun!!

Linda

I might be interested too, gives me time to think about it

I have started gathering info. I will be posting it on this site after I get home and have better wi-if connections. Watch for it! Lyn

This Festival is attended by one million people!!! I was a volunteer crew member about 20 years ago. Pay is one free ballon ride (then)
Crew members must be at launch site at 5:30 AM. It is cold at that time in the morning . You wear layers, then as it warms, you re removing the layers. I will come and pick up layers for any forum members who crew.
These ballons are very expensive. Owners always want sponsors. The year I crewed, a sponsor came in at the last minute and as he wanted a ride, I did not get one! I got bumped!!! So, be aware.

This is the largest and most photographed ballon event in the country. As Beth said, the 2018 dates are October 6-14.

The SKPs have a HOP event at the ballon festival if you would be interested in that. They park in boon docking with considerable walking.

One site I saw recommended getting to the park by 5:30 AM and buying breakfast at one of the booths there.

T's All For Now.....lyn

Thanks to Beth and Karen for providing interesting info. It seems the fairgrounds is the best place to park. All boon docking. If we want to park together, we must go in together. Therefore, when the list of attendees is finalized I will post a meeting location for us so that we go in together.

Sharon, when you return from your fabulous cruise, will you get in on this discussion?
lyn

SoCalGalcas wrote:Thanks to Beth and Karen for providing interesting info. It seems the fairgrounds is the best place to park. All boon docking. If we want to park together, we must go in together. Therefore, when the list of attendees is finalized I will post a meeting location for us so that we go in together.

Sharon, when you return from your fabulous cruise, will you get in on this discussion?
lyn

I believe we need reservations in advance, as well as going in together on the day.

SoCalGalcas wrote:Thanks to Beth and Karen for providing interesting info. It seems the fairgrounds is the best place to park. All boon docking. If we want to park together, we must go in together. Therefore, when the list of attendees is finalized I will post a meeting location for us so that we go in together.

Sharon, when you return from your fabulous cruise, will you get in on this discussion?
lyn

I believe we need reservations in advance, as well as going in together on the day.
http://www.balloonfiesta.com/guest-guide/rv-information

SoCalGalcas wrote: If we want to park together, we must go in together. Therefore, when the list of attendees is finalized I will post a meeting location for us so that we go in together.

Lyn,
I believe when we had the gtg last time everyone stayed at Enchanted Trails the night before and caravaned to the rv lot the next day so they could park together. I flew down and stayed with Karen for a few days and flew home so I'm not 100% sure how the logistics went but that is my recollection. There is a casino just west of ABQ that probably has a big parking lot and I believe there is a Camping World right by Enchanted Trails that might accommodate a number of RVs to gather for the caravan.

We had such a great time! So much to see in the area in addition to the balloons. I would love to go again but since I'm still working, I'll have to pass on this one. Time is the barrier for me. It will take too much time to drive down and back and I don't get that much vacation each year. Maybe if I win the lottery between now and then, I'll change my mind

It really is fun but it will be a lot of work to coordinate everything from afar. Good luck to you on this one!

Laura

Thanks Laura for your input. Yes, there is a hugh casino right near the ballon fiesta..Sandia. Cheryl and I stayed there when driving through Alb. That is what gave me the idea for a GTG.
I will have all who attend meet there so that we may go in together. I will give all a red rose or something to identify themselves. I will also have each rig make their own reservations as I do not want to handle any money.
Yes, there is plenty do do in Alb, and many places to eat if one is so inclined.
If you think of any more tidbits of info let me know. lyn