In this Oct. 8, 2011 photo, the "Carousel" hot air balloon is shown at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The 41st annual event is set to begin Saturday and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the country and the global. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)
In this Oct. 8, 2011 photo, the "Carousel" hot air balloon is shown at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The 41st annual event is set to begin Saturday and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the country and the global. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)
Hundreds of hot-air balloons will take to the skies this weekend at the 41st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Take a look back at some of the balloon stars from previous years at the festival.