In early October each year, Albuquerque (New Mexico) conducts its International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. In past years, it's drawn as many 1,000 hot air balloons. This year, more than 500 balloons participated. The crowds have remained consistently large at over 80,000.

The Fiesta is held on an open, turfed field the size of 50 football fields. Spaces are marked so balloonists can find their area to set up their balloon. With so many balloons going up in a short period of time, one would think it would be confusing and frightening. The organization is finely tuned. Balloonists are well prepared, professional pilots. Ground controllers, dressed in zebra striped clothing manage the flights. Everyone has a good time and accidents are rare.

The sight of so many balloons of all shapes, colors and sizes is awesome. Everyone is permitted on the field with the balloons, so it's high excitement for everyone. The event is publicized as the most photographed event in the world. That may, or may not, be true, but with 80,000 people, many of whom have cameras, there are certainly a lot of photos taken.

There are morning dawn patrols, sunrise mass ascensions, sunset glodeos and after dark fireworks. There are events all over town to help fill the days and nights for visitors. This is a first class attraction and a guaranteed winner for everyone.