by Anne Marie Whitmore

Created on: March 09, 2009

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (www.balloonfiesta.com is an event that shouldn't be missed in this lifetimein fact, it could and should be enjoyed over and over again.

This yearly extravaganza and outpouring of aerodynamic enthusiasm takes place from Oct. 3 to the 11th.

Who can resist the prospect of relaxing on a field of soft, sweet-smelling grass, gazing up at a sky filled with amazing, colorful balloons? It's definitely something you don't see every day or everywhere.

To ensure a great trip, plan ahead. If you are coming from out-of-state, book your flight, hotel and rental car well in advance (months is not too early) for the October event. Try to get a hotel on the west side of town, near the balloon lift-off field. Not to worry though: Albuquerque is not very spread out, and you can get almost anywhere in a half hour or less. Public buses and shuttle service services are clean, convenient, economical and energy-saving.

Wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. The autumn weather is beautiful, warm but not too hot, and the rainy season is over.

Bring your best camera-or two or three. The colorful spectacle of hundreds of huge, fascinating shapes and designs floating in a perfect blue sky is truly awe-inspiring. It's not difficult to capture those once-in-a-lifetime shots. Make sure you check your batteries and equipment beforehand, and bring plenty of film and/or digital memory cards.

Set two alarm clocks and arrange for an early wake-up call; you'll be getting up very early. The action starts with the Dawn Patrol lifting off at 5:45 am to check the weather conditions. The main event is the Mass Ascension, which starts at 7 am. This or something like it takes place daily. Lines for parking ($10) are long, so it's best to arrive at least two hours early if you plan to drive.

Once through the gate (entry fee $6, kids 12 and under free) you can get a program and some breakfast. You'll be amazed at the 78 acres of soft, well-kept grass you thought only existed in the Land of Oz. Along with your coffee, you can enjoy the favorite local treat: a Breakfast Burrito. This is a large tortilla wrapped around scrambled eggs, bacon or chorizo sausage, small potato chunks and cheese-or any combination you specify. Red or green chili is included: the red is spicy hot, and while the green varies, it is generally milder. You can also purchase other food items and souvenirs (such as commemorative pins) from a variety of vendors.

Still wandering around the

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