ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Organizers of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta say nearly 100 special shaped hot air balloons have registered for this year’s event, including more than a dozen that will be making their first appearance for the festivities.
The fiesta begins Oct. 7 and will continue through the following weekend. It attracts hundreds of pilots from around the world and tens of thousands of spectators.
Organizers say special shaped balloons have held a distinct honor at the fiesta since the premiere of the so-called Special Shape Rodeo in 1989, the first event of its kind devoted exclusively to the special balloons.
People were interested in these podcasts
This year, the category includes balloons in the shape of a queen’s guard from the United Kingdom, a cat and mouse from the U.S. and an armadillo from Brazil.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.