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.

FMI: www.balloonmuseum.com, www.balloonfiesta.com