"A top notch event." Looking back on the 2023 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Oct. 15—As quickly as it began, the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta came to an end on Sunday. While early morning gusty winds may have kept balloons from launching in the farewell mass ascension, many still considered the overall event a massive success.
"I think of it as a top notch event," Judy Nakamura, president of the Balloon Fiesta Board of Directors said. "Balloons flew, the weather cooperated in so many respects this year. I'd be surprised if this isn't one of the highest attended events we've had."
Over the course of nine days, 550 balloon pilots from 12 different countries lifted off from Balloon Fiesta Park, with minimal cancellations. Twelve of the 14 total balloon events took place. This is a marked improvement over last year's Fiesta, which saw rain soaked weather conditions lead to the cancellation of nine events.
"Last year we had a little bit of rain, a lot of wind, wasn't able to get as many flights as we'd like," Matt Paulin, pilot of the balloon Unwind said. "We've had great weather this year, you couldn't beat the crowds and add on a solar eclipse as well, made for an amazing event."
Fellow pilot Collin McClung echoed Paulin's comments, saying this year's event was both special and successful. "It has been one of the best fiestas I've ever been to. Period. The amount of events that were able to get off, then the eclipse just made it an extra special event for everybody."
While the eclipse was a highlight for many, it was just one of the many attractions offered at this year's Fiesta according to Nakamura, who said the board is always searching for more events to add to the schedule to give attendees options and reasons to stay after the balloons have launched.
"We work really hard to ensure there's something special about every year. Last year we did the drone show for the first time, it was really a hit, so this year, we doubled the number of drones," Nakamura said.
The board also invited Great American Kites & Events to fly their massive kite, had sand sculpting events, and held a car show.
"I really feel part of what made this (Balloon Fiesta) special is all the effort that went in to do special, new, or larger shows," Nakamura said.
All of this would not be possible without over 1,000 volunteers who helped put on the Fiesta, like Emily Pime, one of the launch directors. After a long week of events, Pime and her fellow volunteers are looking forward to some much deserved rest.
"It's been exhausting, but wonderful, that's why we come out here," she said.
The total economic impact of this year's Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta something Nakamura and the board look forward to seeing. Last year's Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta had a total estimated economic impact of $203.19 million in 2022, according to a study by the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. That's a number Nakamura expects to get close to again when the final impact is released from this year's event.
But as the curtain closes on the 2023 edition of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, attention turns to what will take place next year. For Nakamura and the board, while they can't disclose any specific details, she promises they will keep looking for new and innovative events to bring to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
"It's going to be pretty tough to beat a solar eclipse," Nakamura said laughing. "But we'll do it in other ways. The balloons are the stars of the shows, but there's a lot of supporting acts all around the balloons."
Gino Gutierrez is the good news reporter at the Albuquerque Journal. If you have an idea for a good news story, email him at goodnews@abqjournal.com
