The International Balloon Fiesta
The Flying Competition - Thursday, October 9

After the Special Shapes Mass Ascension at dawn, the next event was The Flying Competition and Prize Grab. The balloons would skim along the ground and throw streamers at one of 8 or 10 targets that had a pole in the middle. Other poles that had money taped to the top were also on the grounds. Albuquerque is known for what is known as the "Albuquerque box". If the balloons stayed near the ground, the breeze would carry them south. After they were past the targets, they would hit the propane burners and raise the balloons up to where there was a current that would push the balloons north. They could go around "the box" several times. The spectators stood in lines on the side, and, since the balloons were so close and bunched up together, the pictures turned out great. There are some movies below where you may be able to see some balloons going from right to left and others (higher ones) going from left to right.

Balloons in the "box". (Quicktime is required)

Balloons in the "box". (Quicktime is required)

Balloons in the "box". (Quicktime is required)

Balloons in the "box". (Quicktime is required)

Balloons in the "box". (Quicktime is required)