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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.hotairballooning.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (AAAA)
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260213
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260216
DTSTAMP:20260506T212824
CREATED:20251108T232850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T023606Z
UID:26242-1770940800-1771199999@www.hotairballooning.org
SUMMARY:2026 Friends & Lovers Balloon Rally
DESCRIPTION:Registration is CLOSED.\n. \nThe Friends & Lovers Balloon Rally is a signature AAAA tradition celebrating pilots\, crews\, volunteers\, and the ballooning community that makes this event possible. The weekend blends great flying with meaningful connection\, recognition\, and fun—both on and off the field. \n\nFriday\, February 13\, 2026 — Pilot Party & Drop-In Registration\nThe Friends & Lovers weekend officially begins Friday evening with the Pilot Party & Drop-In Registration at Nexus Smokehouse\, located at 1511 Broadway Blvd SE\, Albuquerque\, NM 87102\, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. \nThis evening serves as both a social kickoff and an important operational check-in for pilots. Pilots will pick up gifts and passes for themselves and their crew\, along with receiving location assignments for the weekend. If a pilot is unable to attend\, a crew chief or crew member may attend as a designated delegate to collect materials on their behalf. \nSponsor flight coordination also begins Friday evening. Pilots will be paired with assigned locations\, and sponsors will connect directly with their passengers within 48–72 hours following the event. Sponsors will also receive pilot contact information Friday evening to support coordination. \n\nSaturday & Sunday\, February 14–15\, 2026 — Flying Events\nPilot Briefings\nAll pilot briefings will take place at the McDermott Athletic Center (MAC)\, located at 801 Loma Colorado Blvd\, Rio Rancho\, NM 87124. \nDoors open at 5:15 a.m.\, with the pilot briefing beginning promptly at 6:00 a.m. Briefings will be presented by Kristelle Siarza Moon and Ian Whitling and include a public address by the 2026 Balloonmeistern\, along with weather updates\, safety notes\, launch site details\, and reminders about special events and evening activities. At 6:30 a.m.\, all pilots will be released to their respective launch locations. \n\nPropane Information\nPropane distribution is scheduled for Saturday at Ortega’s\, located at 3914 2nd St NW\, Albuquerque\, NM 87107. Pilots may refuel at any time throughout the day\, though refueling before attending evening festivities is strongly recommended. \nPlease note that Ortega’s is closed on Sunday. To accommodate pilot needs\, the propane list will remain open through Tuesday\, allowing pilots to refuel on Monday or Tuesday if needed. Ortega’s will remain available for fueling through Tuesday. Out-of-town pilots who require alternative arrangements are encouraged to connect with event organizers on Sunday morning. \n\nSaturday\, February 14\, 2026 — Crew Party & Celebration\nNominate your favorite balloon crew! DEADLINE: Wednesday\, February 10th at 5pm. Go to: Hey @everyone! It’s time to nominate your FAVORITE BALLOON CREW for the Crew of the Year Award! https://www.cognitoforms.com/AAAA23/BalloonCrewOfTheYear \nSaturday’s festivities continue with the Crew Party & Celebration at The Block Container Park\, located at 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE\, Rio Rancho\, NM 87144. The venue opens at 10:00 a.m.\, with the party running from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. \nThis high-energy crew appreciation event features a silent auction\, a 50/50 raffle\, baggie decorating\, and presentation of the Crew of the Year Awards. Hosted appetizers and drinks will be provided\, with additional food and beverages available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. No tickets are required for this event. \nThe silent auction closes promptly at 12:00 p.m. \n\nBaggie Decorating Contest\nPilots and crews are invited to participate in the Friends & Lovers Baggie Decorating Contest\, where creativity and theme-driven design take center stage. Safety is paramount—baggies must not be hazardous when dropped from a balloon. \nAll entries must reflect the Friends & Lovers theme and demonstrate love in both concept and execution. Bonus points will be awarded for the use of red or pink elements. Each baggie\, including its tail and decorations\, must weigh no more than 4 ounces. Tails must be 2–4 feet long and clearly display the Balloon Name\, Pilot Name\, and Crew Chief Name. \nTwo matching or complementary baggies are required: one for the pilot (for competition\, pending flying events) and one for the crew competition. Baggies will be available for pickup prior to the Sunday morning pilot briefing. \nThe Balloonmeistern will judge entries based on appearance\, creativity\, and adherence to guidelines. Winners will be announced during the Sunday pilot briefing.
URL:https://www.hotairballooning.org/event/2026-friends-lovers-balloon-rally/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Flying Event,Special Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hotairballooning.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Friends-Lovers-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251213
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251215
DTSTAMP:20260506T212824
CREATED:20250105T165232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T180600Z
UID:2009-1765584000-1765756799@www.hotairballooning.org
SUMMARY:Jingle Bell NON-Rally - Balloon Fiesta Park
DESCRIPTION:December 13 & 14\, 2025\n Sid Cutter Pilot Pavilion\, Balloon Fiesta Park \n\n Benefiting\nCity of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department\nBring dog food\, cat food\, toys\, or blankets to donate!\n Cash donations welcome — we’ll buy food with your gift! \n\n Schedule\n\nSid Cutter Pavilion opens: 6:00 AM\nPilot Check-In (scanning): 6:15 AM\nPilot Briefing: 6:45 AM (inside the SID)\nSunrise: 7:02 / 7:03 AM\n\n\n Registration\nPRE-REGISTRATION is PREFERRED (not required) for planning purposes. Click here to pre-register.\n flying-events@hotairballooning.org for any questions. \n\n Fees\nNo registration fee — this is a regular flying event\, just with a little holiday cheer! (Please do consider bringing a donation for the City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department.) \n\n Entry & Parking\n\nEnter through Gate 19 (Alameda & Balloon Museum Drive).\nCrew parking: on the pavement near the SID.\nBalloon trucks: on the grass only for setup and launch.\nPlease avoid grassy construction zones and stay off the grass when not launching.\n\n\n Tailgating\nYes\, tailgating is encouraged! Just remember: no alcohol is allowed in the SID — so bring your best red Solo cups! \n\n Activities & Merchandise\nExpect lots of holiday fun during tailgating! \n Jingle Bell T-Shirts — $27\n Jingle Bell Pins — $8 \n\n Spread the Cheer!\nLet’s fly\, celebrate\, and support our furry friends this holiday season!\nVisit hotairballooning.org for updates and event details.
URL:https://www.hotairballooning.org/event/jingle-bell-non-rally-2025/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Flying Event,Special Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hotairballooning.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jingle-Bell-Non-Rally-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250904
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250905
DTSTAMP:20260506T212824
CREATED:20250621T023704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250623T203830Z
UID:25495-1756944000-1757030399@www.hotairballooning.org
SUMMARY:Birdies & Balloons Golf Tournament
DESCRIPTION:We’re thrilled to invite you to our first-ever Birdies & Balloons Golf Tournament\, happening Thursday\, September 4\, 2025\, at Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course! \nThis fun-filled event will bring our community together on the green to raise funds for the education\, safety\, and social programs that keep AAAA flying high all year long. \n⛳ Event Details\n📍 Where: Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course\n📅 When: Thursday\, September 4\, 2025\n🕖 7:00 AM Check-In | 🏁 8:00 AM Shotgun Start\n💵 Entry Fee: $150 per golfer | $600 per foursome\n🍽 Includes green fee\, cart\, range balls\, food & drinks \n🎟️ Register your team today:\n👉 https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/2025-birdies-and-balloons \n🎉 Extras\n\n50/50 Raffle\nMulligans for purchase\nBallooning-themed fun and contests\nPrizes\, pilot crew foursomes\, and more!\n\n🙌 Sponsor the Event\nWe’re actively seeking sponsors to help make this event a success and show their support for AAAA. Sponsorships include great visibility and perks throughout the tournament.\n👉 Become a sponsor here \nYour participation—whether as a player\, sponsor\, or supporter—makes a difference. Let’s swing into action and make this a day to remember. \nThank you for helping us keep the spirit of ballooning rising high!
URL:https://www.hotairballooning.org/event/birdies-balloons-golf-tournament/
CATEGORIES:Fundraising Event,Special Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hotairballooning.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Birdies-Balloons-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250209T054500
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250209T100000
DTSTAMP:20260506T212824
CREATED:20250122T180427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250202T141753Z
UID:24312-1739079900-1739095200@www.hotairballooning.org
SUMMARY:Sunday FLYING — February 9 — Friends & Lovers Rally
DESCRIPTION:PILOT BRIEFING:\n\nThe (MAC) McDermott Athletic Center —\n801 Loma Colorado Blvd\, Rio Rancho\, NM 87124 \n5:45 AM – Doors Open for Pilot Briefing \n6:30 AM – Pilot Briefing Begins\nPresented by Kristelle Siarza Moon and Ian Whitling\nPublic address by the 2025 Balloonmeistern\nUpdates on special events and party details \n7:00 AM – All pilots released to their respective launch locations \nLAUNCH SITES:\nLaunch locations will be finalized based on weather conditions and site approvals\, with proposed areas including schools and parks in Rio Rancho. Pilots are expected to collaborate and coordinate with one another to ensure their launch windows do not overlap or interfere. \nPARKING:\nPilots are encouraged to park at The MAC\, while crew members should use the parking areas at the Rio Rancho Library or Lowe’s. Pilots can then pick up their crew from these locations. This system operates similarly to the Balloon Fiesta N-Lot but with a more flexible approach. \nPROPANE:\nPropane will be available for all pilots participating in the event. Logistics will be determined and released as soon as possible.
URL:https://www.hotairballooning.org/event/sunday-flying-february-9-friends-lovers-rally/
LOCATION:The MAC in Rio Rancho\, 801 Loma Colorado Dr. NE\, Rio Rancho\, NM\, 87124
CATEGORIES:Monthly Flying Event,Special Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hotairballooning.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FL-SUNDAY-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250208T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250208T140000
DTSTAMP:20260506T212824
CREATED:20250122T175431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250202T143002Z
UID:24305-1739008800-1739023200@www.hotairballooning.org
SUMMARY:Saturday PARTY — February 8 — Friends & Lovers Rally
DESCRIPTION:Location:\nThe BLOCK Container Park\n7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE\, Rio Rancho – 10am – 2pm \nLet’s celebrate our amazing balloon crews with live music by The Nate Fox Band\, country and rock & roll hits\, and tons of fun! Enjoy a silent auction\, raffles\, baggie decorating\, tailgating games\, the Crew of the Year Awards\, and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase\, hosted appetizers and drinks — no outside food or beverages allowed. Don’t miss this unforgettable crew appreciation party! \nSchedule of Events:\n\nSilent Auction: Closes at 12:30 PM\nLive Country Band: Performances from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM\nMerchandise & Raffle Sales: Available throughout the event\n\nOn-Site Vendor Specials:\n\nEl Chamo Arabe Express\nStackers\nKūKri\nLos Tacos del Rey\nSuga Suga\nThe Boba Lounge\nThicc Pizza Co.\nThe Crepe Corner\nTavern on the Green\nLink Link\nThe Mini Bar\n\nAdditional Activities:\n\nBaggie Drop-Off and Judging (scroll down for submission guidelines)\nUltimate Tailgating Games\nRecognition Ceremony: Celebrating the Crew of the Year and Balloonmeistern\n\n. \n\n. \nBaggie Decorating Contest\nSubmission Guidelines:\n\nSafety First: Baggies must not pose any hazards when dropped from a balloon.\nTheme Required: All entries must talk\, demonstrate and show love\nExtra Points: Use red or pink colors for bonus points.\nWeight Limit: Each baggie\, including its tail and decorations\, must weigh no more than 4 oz.\nTail Specifications: Tails must be between 2 to 4 feet long and include the following information: Balloon Name\, Pilot Name\, and Crew Chief Name.\n\nJudging & Awards:\nThe Balloonmeistern will evaluate baggies based on appearance\, creativity\, and adherence to guidelines. The winner will be announced at the pilot briefing on Sunday. \nAdditional Details:\n\nTwo matching or complementary baggies are required: one for the Pilot (for competition\, pending flying events) and one for the crew to use in their competition.\nBaggies will be available for pick-up before the Pilot Briefing on Sunday morning.\nShow off your creativity and flair while staying true to the theme—good luck\, and we can’t wait to see your designs!
URL:https://www.hotairballooning.org/event/saturday-party-february-8-friends-lovers-rally/
LOCATION:The BLOCK in Rio Rancho\, 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE\, Rio Rancho\, NM\, 87144
CATEGORIES:Monthly Flying Event,Special Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hotairballooning.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FL-SATURDAY-party.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250208T054500
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250208T100000
DTSTAMP:20260506T212824
CREATED:20250105T165622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250202T141631Z
UID:2011-1738993500-1739008800@www.hotairballooning.org
SUMMARY:Saturday FLYING — February 8 — Friends & Lovers Rally
DESCRIPTION:PILOT BRIEFING:\n\nThe (MAC) McDermott Athletic Center —\n801 Loma Colorado Blvd\, Rio Rancho\, NM 87124 \n5:45 AM – Doors Open for Pilot Briefing \n6:30 AM – Pilot Briefing Begins\nPresented by Kristelle Siarza Moon and Ian Whitling\nPublic address by the 2025 Balloonmeistern\nUpdates on special events and party details \n7:00 AM – All pilots released to their respective launch locations \nLAUNCH SITES:\nLaunch locations will be finalized based on weather conditions and site approvals\, with proposed areas including schools and parks in Rio Rancho. Pilots are expected to collaborate and coordinate with one another to ensure their launch windows do not overlap or interfere. \nPARKING:\nPilots are encouraged to park at The MAC\, while crew members should use the parking areas at the Rio Rancho Library or Lowe’s. Pilots can then pick up their crew from these locations. This system operates similarly to the Balloon Fiesta N-Lot but with a more flexible approach. \nPROPANE:\nPropane will be available for all pilots participating in the event. Logistics will be determined and released as soon as possible.
URL:https://www.hotairballooning.org/event/saturday-flying-february-8-friends-lovers-rally/
LOCATION:The MAC in Rio Rancho\, 801 Loma Colorado Dr. NE\, Rio Rancho\, NM\, 87124
CATEGORIES:Monthly Flying Event,Special Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hotairballooning.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FL-SATURDAY-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250207T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250207T190000
DTSTAMP:20260506T212824
CREATED:20250119T155709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250202T140854Z
UID:24239-1738947600-1738954800@www.hotairballooning.org
SUMMARY:PILOT DROP-IN REGISTRATION — Friends & Lovers Rally
DESCRIPTION:Pilots\, we invite you to stop by to register and pick up your parking passes and crew gifts. If you can’t attend\, your Crew Chief or a crew member is welcome to handle it on your behalf. Please note\, this is a DROP-IN event. Those in attendance are encouraged to hang out at the brewery afterwards — food & drink are on-your-own. \nScroll down for location & map.
URL:https://www.hotairballooning.org/event/pilot-drop-in-registration-friends-lovers-rally/
LOCATION:Bosque Brewery\, 6220 San Mateo Blvd. NE\, Albuquerque\, NM\, 87109
CATEGORIES:Monthly Flying Event,Special Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hotairballooning.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FL-Pilot-Check-In-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
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