X marks the spot: Albuquerque Hispano Chamber sponsors program to identify safe landing spaces for balloonists

Adrian Gomez, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read

Oct. 5—Hundreds of hot air balloons will rise into the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta when it kicks off Saturday.

Once launched, pilots navigate the wind's direction for the ride until they land.

The Balloon Fiesta, now in its 51st year, has grown since its inception, with about 500 hot air balloons expected for the 2023 iteration. In that time, Albuquerque has grown with infill taking place around the city, making less space for balloonists to land.

Three years ago, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce agreed to sponsor "X Marks the Spot," a program geared toward engaging locals who are excited about the idea of balloons landing on or near their property.

Roberta Ricci, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce chief experience officer, said Balloon Fiesta is important to the entire community.

"As there are fewer spaces to land, this program is a great way to bring the communities together," Ricci said. "If you have a large field or a parking lot, the big white Xs let the balloonists know that they have permission to land there and it's safe to do so."

Jim Garcia, AIBF board member, said the program is a huge opportunity for the community to get involved with fiesta.

"We didn't know 50 years ago that all this land would get sold and developed," Garcia said. "I'm a member of the task force and we are promoting safe landing and actively looking to buy property to help navigate the future of Balloon Fiesta."

Ricci said the program will work as follows:

Pilots will carry cards with them and upon landing, they will gather information from the participating landowner or if the landowner isn't available, the pilot will gather information about the property. Once flights conclude each day, pilots will turn in their cards and Balloon Fiesta officials will draw a winner.

One winner will be recognized as "landowner of the day" at the end of each day's flying events. That landowner will receive a prize.

There will also be a grand prize winner drawn at the end of Balloon Fiesta. This winner, chosen from all cards collected over the nine days, will be awarded a staycation in Taos.

All prizes are sponsored by the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.

"Anyone can participate during the Balloon Fiesta," Ricci said. "A lot of the Chamber members have donated gifts to the basket, which is around $1,500 in prizes. It's a win-win for the community. The Balloon Fiesta is a major way that visitors are able to see the beauty that Albuquerque has to offer."

The Chamber's Xs will be available at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce headquarters at 1309 Fourth SW and The PC Place II at 9324 Menaul NE.