Annual Balloon Fiesta Kicks Off October 6
Just in time for this
weekend's annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New
Mexico, Aero-News has learned the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque
International Balloon Museum will debut two new exhibits for
balloon enthusiasts.
The two exhibits, "Rally "Round" and "Light Entertainment" will
feature never before seen artifacts from the history of ballooning
and balloon events. It will also feature some humorously unique
exhibits of how enthusiasts celebrate ballooning. The exhibits will
open in conjunction with the Balloon Fiesta scheduled for
October.
The "Light Entertainment" exhibit will feature various items and
ways that balloons have provided entertainment since the first
balloon flight in 1783. In additions to pictures and drawings of
balloons and flights at public events, the collection also includes
a unique balloon that was outfitted so women could swing on a
trapeze high above the crowd. The exhibit will also include a
balloon carousel, HO scale balloons, airships and a "certificate of
assent" provided to balloon passengers in the 1800's.
"Rally 'Round" will feature collectables from balloon rallies
around the world. The artifacts include the traditional and
collectable balloon pins as well as chase crew flaks and balloon
jackets. The new exhibit also includes some unconventional items
that include a balloon pin bust, balloon games, ties, suspenders
and belt buckles.
The Balloon Museum's Curator of Collection Marilee Nason, PhD.
says that the collection will remind balloon enthusiasts of
"collectables that they have around their house or stored away in
boxes."
The Balloon Museum staff also announced that there will be
extended hours during the Balloon Fiesta event. Doors will open at
6am and close at 5pm. On days there are afternoon events at Balloon
Fiesta Park, the Balloon Museum will remain open until 7pm.
Admission for adults cost $4.00 (New Mexico Residents pay $3.00);
Seniors age 65+ pay $2.00; Children ages 4-12 pay $1.00 and
children 3 and under are free.
The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is
the world's premiere facility dedicated to the art, culture,
science, history, sport and spectacle of ballooning. It features
one of the finest collections of ballooning equipment and
memorabilia in the world.
The Balloon Museum is owned and operated by the City of
Albuquerque. The Balloon Museum is funded in part by the State of
New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque and is supported by the
Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation.