ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Fall in Albuquerque just isn’t fall without the annual international hot air balloon fiesta. It draws tens of thousands of spectators and pilots from around the globe each October.
Organizers had to cancel this year's event due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Mayor Tim Keller said Wednesday he wants to keep the tradition alive for residents. So local pilots are being invited to launch from city parks, golf courses and other open spaces from Oct. 3-11.
City officials stressed that spectators won't be allowed at the launch sites but that the balloons will be visible from around the city after they lift off.