Thousands of spectators flock to Albuquerque’s annual balloon fiesta

By Staff The Associated Press

Posted October 3, 2015 4:06 pm

1 min read

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A hot hair ballon lands on a service road as many others fly during the opening day of the 44th International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015. AP Photo/Andres Leighton

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Tens of thousands of spectators swarmed the launch field Saturday for the first mass ascension of the 44th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The nine-day event kicked off at dawn. More than 500 balloons representing dozens of states and nearly 20 different countries are registered this year.

Organizers say it’s one of the most photographed events in the world.

A combination of factors makes Albuquerque the perfect place for the fiesta: typically clear skies, cool mornings and wind patterns at various elevations that help keep the balloons aloft over the city.