Why Balloon Fiesta is In October

 

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Hi Steve,   My 9 yr old son loves watching you every morning, especially during the fiesta.   Was wondering, since you have so much involvement and knowledge of the Balloon Fiesta, if the fiest ever considered doing the fiesta a week earlier?  It seems like the weather always seems to cooperate a little better the week before.  Just food for thought!!   Thanks for all the fun and smiles,   Heather Rio Rancho   Heather It's a great question, and has been asked MANY times.  Those in charge say they have studied the long term weather patterns, and that on average, the first days in October are as good as any, offering conditioons that are nearly perfect for ballooning.  It is also the period most likely to feature the famous n wind pattern known as the Albuquerque Box.   I too am often frustrated to enjoy a week or two of seemingly perfect weather right before balloons, only to get blown out for the event.  However, officials at the State Fair will tell you they often have bad weather in September too.  The scheduling of the Fair is another factor for BF folks to consider, as there is a need for a bit of a break between the two events.  There is no insurance that moving the event forward a week would make tghings any better. The dates are set years in advance, and I'd be very surprised to see any changes in the near future.  Besides, if the weather was perfect, we'd have NOTHING to complain about!  God bless....ss

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A Special Surprise for Exchange Student!

 
Melissa Flores is hosting an Exchange Student from Germany at her home in ABQ this year.  When Elena Reisert first arrived from Auchsburg, Melissa asked what she wanted to see and do in ABQ.  Her immediate response was "To fly in a hot air balloon"!
When Mrs. Flores told me this story, I contacted Kathy Leyendecker, the Public Relations Director for the AIBF.  Kathy set up a free flight for Elena, and we surprised Elena with the gift on-air today.  Even though the rain prevented her from flying today, we are hoping she will get her flight before Fiesta comes to a close.

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Flight of the Nations Day!

 
In spite of the rain causing flight cancellations, we had a great International day at Balloon Fiesta Park.  Over 20 Students from Annonay France visited us on air, wearing Period Costumes.  Annonay is the home of Montgolfier, the man who invented and flew the very first hot air balloon back in the 1700's.  They (the French) LOVE our Balloon Fiesta, and I have been mentioned in several newspaper articles over there. The students and their teachers had a lot of fun taking pictures with us.  Special thanks to Rio Rancho High School French teacher Nancy Oakes for setting this all up!

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Chainsaw Carving at Balloon Fiesta!

Some of the World's Chain Saw Carvers are in the house, at the AIBF!  Check out the Echo Tent at the North end of the Balloon Fiesta Field.  The Auction Schedule is listed on an earlier post on this blog.  All proceeds benefit Make A Wish!!

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Annual Bird Show & Mart!

 NAME: Peggy Hartley
CITY: Albuquerque
PHONE_AREACODE: 505
COMMENT: HI Steve, The New Mexico Bird Club has it's Fall Mart this Saturday Oct. 10 from 9-5 and Sunday Oct. 11 10-4 Parrots, Cages, Toys, Seed and more are for sell. locations NM National Guard Armory 600 Wyoming NE Thank you for making this announcement. Peggy

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Thank you from Hello Deli

Steve,

 

It's nice to know you have so many loyal viewers.  I can't tell you how many people tell me at the balloon booth as well as the restaurant that you mentioned the Hello Deli on the show. Your stamp of approval goes far in New Mexico.  Move over Bill O'Reilly.

 

We thank you very much for the generous coverage you have give us.  Let's pray for good weather.

 

Marcus and Maria

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Balloning Visitors!

Rebecca Robinson Torrez commented:
"I went by my daughters  this morning and a balloon almost landed in her backyard.  It lifted up and my two grandkids 7 and 4 ran outside and was saying Hi!! to them.  Soon the chase crew came up and gave the kids cards. They were from Germany. Wish I could remember the name.  It was a very nice act of kindness."

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More New Balloon Pins

Two more pins from NM Designer Johnathan Abdalla of March Company!

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Thanks from: DISC-IT Grill

 

Steve,

Thanks for showing the DISC-IT on this morning's news.

It's awesome to know how many viewers you have as we had many people stop by to see the DISC-IT

At the Balloon Fiesta as well as call and e-mail us to tell us they saw it on the news.

 

It is so awesome to hear how excited so many New Mexicans are about product manufactured in New Mexico and

Shipped nationwide.  In fact – we heard many people say how nice it is to hear "good news" like this. 

 

Thanks again for showcasing us and our product and we look forward to cooking breakfast at the Balloon Fiesta with you on Thursday morning!

 

 

 

Nevin D. Montano Sr.

Cooking Outdoors Has Never Been Better!

DISC-IT

www.disc-it.com

 

900 1^st ST NW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

505-244-4073

 

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Cool New 2009 Balloon Fiesta Pins

 
Hey gang!
Pin Designer extraordinaire Jonathon Abdalla of The March Co. has been kind enough to provide us with art work copies of some of this years BF pins.  We'll try to post a few here each day.  You can buy these pins on the field at the pin vendor booths. If you'd like to have some of your own designed, contact Jonathon on Facebook, or at 505 321 7795.
 
 

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Advice for Marla

 
HI STEVE!
THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT PICTURES WITH MY GRANDSON SHILOH TODAY ON THE BALLOON FIELD.  MY HUSBAND SAID, "HEY, STEVE LET ME HOLD HIS CAMERA!" TO WHICH I REPLIED, " I HOPE YOU GAVE IT BACK!" HE ASSURED ME HE DID.
AND TELL THAT CUTE MARLA THAT IF SHE WANTS A NICE GUY, TO GO TO CHURCH. 
HAVE A GREAT EVENING,
CRAZY RABBIT LADY OF RIO RANCHO,
AKA PAM LARSEN, L.P.N.   

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Balloon Fiesta Pics

 Send Your Balloon Fiesta Shots to our website at www.kob.com/morning  Click on Share Your Videos & Photos...then Hit the U News TV Logo and Submit a story to Upload your pics....thanks....ss

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FW: Tailgate Bench GO Bench

 
Hi Steve!  I am so very excited that you are giving us the opportunity to showcase our bench for a few minutes with you.  I have attached a couple of pictures with contact info, and I wanted to let you know it is made right here in Albuquerque too!
 
We are a brand new company, this is just our second event!  We were at the NM State Fair and got a lot of exposure.  The Balloon Fiesta is going quite well for us, but I am sure this is going to really help us a bunch. 

Let me know if you need anything else.  And thank you again!  This means alot to us!

Tera L Chavez 
 

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Balloon Card Blast from Past

Here is the scan of the old fun balloon card.  Keep up the good work!
Corrie Borgman
 
Thanks Corrie...I hadn't seen this one in years!    ss

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A Beautiful Morning, Near Tragedy!

Monday's Balloon Fiesta was beautiful...but almost marred by tragedy.  After several dozen pilots launched from the field, several hundred others began flying in from South to North to play Texas Hold Em.  Pilots test their skill by flying low over the field and dropping markers onto targets on the grassy area.  One pilot came in a bit low, and caught his basket on the top of a large tent. The gondola tipped over, and the passenger fell out to the ground.  With that, the balloon shot high into the sky, drifted North and then began a VERY rapid descent.  I caught sight of it about 5-10 seconds before it crashed to the ground, and could tell the balloon envelope was either torn or had been opened with the pilots emergency release rope.  The landing was about 150 feet in front of me, and I would estimate the speed at time of impact had to be about 40 mph!  It is a minor miracle no one was killed, and I'm told both of the injured were not severely hurt.  See details of the incident on our home page at kob.com. 
 
This is a good reminder of the danger inherant in each & every one of these flights. That is why many of the pilots are so cautious about flying in winds that are above a certain level.  Hot air ballooning is a marvelous thing...but never forget that everyone aboard is taking a big risk with every flight.  I'm very grateful everyone is safe, and look forward to the days to come!
May God bless...Steve Stucker

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2nd Grade Special classroom Balloon poem

Please note that RRPS email addresses have changed. Please update your
address books or distribution lists.


 

Dear Mr. Stucker,

 

 

Our 2^nd grade class at Vista Grande Elementary, in Rio Rancho constructed a poem for the Balloon Fiesta and wanted to share it with you.

 

Balloons in the air

All the people watching

aLoft

Landing everywhere

Outside at the Balloon Fiesta Park

October

Nighttime Glowing Shapes

 

Fireworks at night

Inflating giant bees

Exciting

Special shapes

Terrific time

All tired out

 

 

We Love watching you in the morning at the park every year!!!

 

 

Thank you,

 

Ms. Pink and Ms. Van Guilder

2^nd grade class

Vista Grande Elementary

 

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Steve Reimann sez:

"Bro, you do it like no other.  Thanks for making us all smile!"

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Balloon Fiesta Commentary:

 
"I tuned in online all weekend to get a healthy dose of balloon fiesta fun and, of course, your one-of-a-kind commentary and interviews.  It made my day!"
 
Laurita Cavanaugh

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Rock Center Fun Run to benefit animal sanctuaries

 

Hi Mr. Stucker!   

The Rock Center Fun Run will be held on Saturday, October 10 at 8:00 a.m. at the Ft. Bayard Hospital Grounds in Santa Clara, New Mexico.  Run OR walk, 1 mile, 5K or 10K, with OR without a pet.  Human entries are $25.00 ($30 race day) and animal entries are $5.00 ($10 race day), and all animals must be leashed in order to participate.  Registration is between 7 - 7:45 a.m. on race day.  Proceeds benefit SNAP of Grant Co. (spay/neuter assistance organization for low-income), Lazy Pig Animal Sanctuary of Grant Co., and the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.  Entry fee includes a T-shirt for humans and a bandana for animals.  Come have fun with us!  Register at www.active.com, and enter "Rock Center Fun Run".  For directions or more information, call (575) 956-5200 or email at porto6281@aznex.net.

 

Thank you so much.  (From me and from the animals!)  Gaye Rock

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Beautiful Noise Balloon Kindness!

 From: Judi Williams[

Hi Mr Steve    I wanted to let you know how gracious the crew of Beautiful Noise was. They landed behind the Wal-mart in Bernalillo. My granddaughter and I went over to say hi and they gave us cards of the balloon. They were going to let her touch the balloon but she got scared. They let us take pictures and even posed for us and with me. They are in spot T-11, and the pilot of Beautiful Noise is Craig Hays from Texas, Banner no. 147 They did not know today is my birthday and I really appreciated how kind they were. So, they should be on your special award list for being so nice. Judi Williams

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Friends of New Mexico K-9 PINS!

 

Steve,

 

Thanks again for helping us out this year.

I hope the pins will help us with our upcoming events.

I've attached the pin image as well. It's hard to believe this is the fourth year, so people can collect them all.

They are available on the balloon field at the Pin Shack (north of the stage next to Walgreen's) and the public safety tower.

Off the field they can be found at Title Wave Books (Eubank & Constitution) or folks can contact us through the website www.FriendsOfK9.com.

The funds raised will go towards hosting our annual Police Dog Competition and training on the first weekend of December. Our annual run and dog walk helps support our spring training seminar.

The competition is designed to allow the public an opportunity to come out and see the K-9's from around the state in action on Sunday. It has been held at the UNM baseball fields in the past. Watch the website for more details.

 

Take care

 

Dave

Friends of New Mexico K-9

 

 

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Why I Love Balloon Fiesta

From: Emily Dahlstrom[
Mr. Stucker,
Thank you for letting Madison take a picture with you today.  You made 
her day!
Emily D.

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Hello from Bristol UK

 
From: emily_cleaves

We're in Bristol United Kingdom watching you online. Can you say Hello to all the balloonatics in Bristol? Love Emily Cleaves Aged 14

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American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC)

The American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) invites you to visit us at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  Our exhibit booth is located at the northeast corner of Park.  AIGC will celebrate and honor New Mexico's 22 tribes showcasing youth dance groups, drum groups, Navajo Code Talkers, film screenings and jewlery, pottery, sculpting, weaving and drum making demonstrations.  You can find the schedule of events at www.aigcs.org.

 

 

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Read to the Dogs at Cherry Hills Library

Read to the Dogs at Cherry Hills Library

Date: Saturday October 3, 2009

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Repeats: Every month on the first Saturday.

Location: Cherry Hills Library at Barstow off Wyoming
6901 Barstow NE Albuquerque, NM 87111 505-857-8321

Read to the Dogs provides an opportunity for your child to read to
registered therapy dogs in a relaxed atmosphere.
The dogs sit calmly and quietly for a story. Children can practice
reading out loud to a friendly canine audience.
It's a great way for children to gain confidence in their reading.
Recommended for ages 3 - 12.

Participating Libraries - see
http://www.cabq.gov/library/dogs.html for latest schedule

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Chain Saw Carving Art

Make A Wish Of New Mexico will once again be the beneficiary of this years Chain Saw Carving Competition at the Balloon Fiesta!   You'll find the Carvers and their Art at the far North end of the field, under the Echo Tent.  You can BUY raffle tickets and participate in the Auctions (see dates/times below). Please stop by to see them in action, it is VERY impressive!  SS

 
First Weekend:   Will consist of the 4 ECHO Pro carving team members competing for the bragging rights for the ECHO Cup. They will be carving on :  
Friday Oct. 2, 2009   12:00PM-6:00PM
Saturday Oct. 3, 2009   7:00AM-8:00PM
Sunday Oct.  4 , 2009  7:00AM-4:00PM 

 
 *** Auction ***  will be at 5:00PM Sunday Oct.  4    Raffle at 4:00PM during judging
 
Second Weekend:  Will consist of 6 Regional Pro carvers competing for the Albq. ECHO Chainsaw Carvers Fiesta title. They will be carving on/times;
Thursday Oct. 8, 2009   1:00PM-8:00PM
Friday Oct. 9, 2009   8:00AM-8:00PM
Saturday Oct. 10, 2009   8:00AM-4:00PM  

 
 *** Auction ***  will be at 5:00PM Saturday Oct.10    Raffle at 4:00PM during judging
 

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Going to Balloon Fiesta

Nateal Sammy writes:

"Can't wait for this weekend...we will be up there to enjoy the food and
fun. Have family arriving from Wisconsin... hope to see you there!"

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Balloon Fiesta Kudos

Sarah Silverman Bonneau sez

"No one carries 25 pounds of pins with more grace and style than you my
friend. You are a beautiful part of the Balloon Fiesta landscape and a
big THANK YOU in advance for all that you do to make it special for
everyone. There is just no one better at covering it than you."

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Crazy?

From: Debra Kimbrell

My daughter Chelsea, age 14, is home sick for her 2nd day and woke up in time to see you put on all your medical garb.  She's decided you've finally gone crazy! Thanks for brightening our mornings! Debra

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What's With This Wind?

NAME: Ernest Thompson
CITY: Gallup
COMMENT: What is up with this wind? Is this March or what? Of course it's Stucker's fault.

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Missing New Mexico

From: Dana Himes Roman

"I moved from Ruidoso to PA 10 years ago and still follow your reports
on the internet. Oh how we miss New Mexico, especially this time of
year! Can't wait."

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