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X-WR-CALNAME:Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (AAAA)
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:20260421T063824
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260220
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260223
DTSTAMP:20260421T063824
CREATED:20251223T013706Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251223T015039Z
UID:26285-1771545600-1771804799@www.hotairballooning.org
SUMMARY:In-Person Private Pilot Ground School
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.hotairballooning.org/event/in-person-private-pilot-ground-school-feb-2026/
LOCATION:Balloon Fiesta Main Office\, 4401 Alameda Blvd NE\, Albuque\, NM\, 87113
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hotairballooning.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Private-Pilot-IN-PERSON.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260228
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260301
DTSTAMP:20260421T063824
CREATED:20260109T154804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T023827Z
UID:26370-1772236800-1772323199@www.hotairballooning.org
SUMMARY:Annual AERCO Balloon Safety Seminar
DESCRIPTION:Details below… We’ll see you at the seminar!\nRegister today at: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/albuquerque-balloon-center-inc/2026-balloon-safety-seminar
URL:https://www.hotairballooning.org/event/annual-aerco-balloon-safety-seminar/
LOCATION:Sid Cutter Pavilion\, 4900 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE\, Albuquerque\, NM\, 87113\, United States
CATEGORIES:Regional Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hotairballooning.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AERCO-Safety-Seminar.jpg
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