Green flag for static display: winds cancel Thursday's flights at Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Elizabeth Tucker , Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·1 min read

Oct. 12—"It's not a green chile day, but we don't have a red chile day, we just have a yellow banana day," said the announcer over the loudspeaker at Balloon Fiesta Park on the sixth day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Visitors couldn't feel the wind from the field, but the special shapes morning flight was turned into a static show as high wind possibilities above the park made flying unsafe.

After a static Dawn Patrol, the special shapes started setting up — Tiny the Fire Dog balloon was the first to inflate — joining Dawn Patrol before the sun was up.

Instead of the normal American flag flight with the National Anthem, pilots did a candlestick display, where they light their burners before the balloon envelope is attached.

The Ring Toss Fly In competition was also cancelled as a result of the high winds warning.

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