New Mexico

Featured Event: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 4 - 12, 2008

The Hot Air Balloon Capital of the world "Launches Dreams" for the 37th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This year's event will be held October 4-12, 2008 with more than 600 hot air balloons.

October is one of the most beautiful times to visit New Mexico. Leaves turn colors, the smell of roasted green chile fills the air, and hundreds of hot air balloons can be seen in the early morning sky over Albuquerque for 10 days. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world have been traveling to Albuquerque for 37 years to celebrate the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

This year's fiesta is a "can't miss" with the return of the Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race that will take place Saturday, October 4, 2008. Dating back over 100 years, this premier gas balloon distance race (often compared to the America's Cup yacht race) attracts some of the most experienced and distinguished pilot teams from around the world. Last year legendary ballooning team Richard Abruzzo and Dr. Carol Rymer Davis, both from Albuquerque, won the 48th Annual Coupe Gordon Bennett, solidifying the arrival of its fourth return to Albuquerque, and bringing this prestigious event back to U.S. soil. This year there will be 12 teams from six different countries including Germany, Great Britain, Austria, Switzerland, France and the United States.

The 2008 International Balloon Fiesta promises to provide adventure and excitement for everyone. Aside from the exciting sites and sounds of the Fiesta, venues throughout the city offer an assortment of activities from fine arts & crafts shows and festivals to special cultural entertainment at museums. We invite you to visit the 2008 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and be part of an amazing experience. It will feel like you're in a dream!

Visit http://www.itsatrip.org or http://www.balloonfiesta.com/