Albuquerque Int. Balloon Fiesta Cancellation Reactions

Above, the Red Rock Balloon Rally. As of now, it is still a go. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The news that the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival is being postponed/canceled isn't sitting too well with many New Mexico citizens.

Several have voiced their displeasure over the news on Facebook.

Here's a sampling:

Oh of course. Lots of income for Albuquerque. 

Unfking believable that pesky fake flu is so smart people crowd up in the stores and protests but being out in the open field is bad what a joke. 

Oh but let them hold a violent protest – that would be just fine! 

Hey where are all the MLG lovers?? I guess y'all be happy about this bullshit. 

 Yep! Their little nazi governor is out of control. Let’s see how they like it when their taxes skyrocket. 

Last year the Balloon Fiesta brought in $180 Million to NM businesses, Its obvious MLG could not care less about the people of NM. 

Since Santa Fe cornered the market on hot air? 

Ridiculous for a virus that’s 99% curable. 

All that potential revenue...gone. 

There goes the single biggest revenue generator annually in this city. In this state, for that matter. I guess Gov. Lujan-Grifter will have to raise taxes. 

And here YOU New Mexicans have YOUR Governor "Diabla" who will completely and totally run new Mexico and ALL OF HER LEGAL TAX PAYING RESIDENT RIGHT INTO THE DESERT SAND!!! Just remember that those of you that DID put her into the governor's office are ALSO TO BLAME FOR THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO BECOMING A SOCIALIST STATE!!!! AND JUST LOOK AT THIS AGENDA!! SHE IS FOLLOWING THIS TO THE "T"!!! 

So Balloon Fiesta has been cancelled but people can still "mass gather" to protest for BLM and against police while destroying public and private property?
Makes sense.... 

SHE just keeps getting stupider by the day. And cancelling the biggest money maker in New Mexico, AFTER she has already emptied the surplus money that the state had BEFORE she was governor means that she will be wanting "OUR" President Trump to bail out New Mexico, too. I sure hope that ALL of you Lujan-Grisham lovers are really enjoying 'OUR" state be run right into the desert sand!!!

At present, the Red Rock Balloon Rally near Gallup is still on. It is generally held in December.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Canceled

Above, balloons being readied for last year's Red Rock Balloon Rally. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not that I was planning to attend, but the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has been cancelled for this year.

According to KRQE:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta announced on Monday, June 22 that it will be postponing its 2020 festivities. This year’s 49th event is now rescheduled for October 2-10, 2021. 

Due to COVID-19, Balloon Fiesta officials report may variables are out of their control and could potential impact the health and welfare of fiesta attendees. Officials say the safety of pilots, guests, sponsors, staff, and volunteers are their top concern and due to the virus, they must remain dedicated to upholding that commitment. 

The Balloon Fiesta’s volunteer board of directors and 20-person staff state they brainstormed various ways to make this year’s event happen however, all plans would fail if someone contracted the virus as a result of attending the event.

Above, the 2019 Red Rock Balloon Rally last December. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So far, no announcement has been made about the Red Rock Balloon Rally that is held in December at Red Rock Park outside of Gallup, New Mexico. If it goes as planned, I will attend it, as I did last year.

To read more, go here.

A Dull Summer Coming?

Above, a rider getting thrown at the 2019 Lions Club Rodeo in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monday is Memorial Day and that is the traditional start of the nightly Indian dancing at the county courthouse plaza in downtown Gallup. They take place until Labor Day each year.

With the quarantine and lockdown in place, it is highly doubtful that the dancing will begin.

Above, dancers from the Zuni Pueblo last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The summer season is when things liven up in Gallup. During the summer, there are a number of rodeos (my favorite events to attend), the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, rallies, the Route 66 Cruise, art shows and other events.

Things are so much in flux that even the Albuquerque balloon fiesta is questionable (the balloon rally in Gallup takes place in December).

Are we in for a dull summer?

It will be interesting to see how things end up. Only time will tell.

New Mexico Balloon Rallies Coming Up

Above, while at the Albuquerque Cracker Barrel, I spotted
 this balloon drifting nearby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are two balloon rallies in New Mexico to look forward to.

First, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta that will be taking place in the city on October 5 to October 13. This one's the "big granddaddy" of balloon fiestas. Of course, on any given day, one can spot a few balloons in the air in Albuquerque. One day, I went into Albuquerque to take care of some personal business and there were about four of them up. They can be easily spotted miles away while driving into Albuquerque on Interstate 40.

Above, one balloonist's balloon basket at Red Rock Park Campground last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next, is the Red Rock Balloon Rally at Red Rock Park near Gallup. This year's balloon rally will be the 39th and will be held December 6 - 8. I went to it last year, but the weather wasn't cooperative. I got myself a campsite at the campground right next to the launching area for the first day. But that night, a snowstorm came through which forced the cancellation of any acensions. The balloonists spent their time huddled in group campfires. Maybe this year they'll have better luck.

Above, an early-morning snowstorm came in and forced the cancellaton of the
 Red Rock Balloon Rally balloon ascension last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.