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Old 10-18-2017, 05:21 PM   #1
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Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2018

Hi everyone,
I am starting this thread with the hopes of doing a group meet and greet at the 2018 Balloon fiesta. So far Dino, his brother, and friends are going. Dave, Sundance, is in also. Hopefully Dave, SuperD, can make it also.

It would be fun for others to join us. Its a great way to meet everyone we talk with on this site.

Dino and I have been e-mailing each other and the following is what we have decided to do.

THis is from Dino. He just got back from this years event.

"Ok guys, here are my thoughts...The first weekend of the Balloon Fiesta is our best bet (starts Sat, 6 Oct 2018)...We all gather at the Sandia Resort and Casino on Thursday, . That way we are all together 4 Oct NLT 2 pm (mountain time) then caravan to the South Lot together. We found that arriving on the Friday before the start is a real "cluster f&*k" at the South Lot (bonus: Thursday night is half off). Angie and I plan on staying until Monday, 8 Oct (Columbus Day Holiday)."

Campsites need to be reserved and spots are first come first served. We meet at the casino and then caravan to the cg. That way we all get sites next to
each other.

We are staying in the South Lot, Standard Site. Reservations will start this Tuesday October 24,2017.

Heres some info from their site
2018 RV Reservations will open on October 24, 2017 at 9AM MDT, online only through our website.

Want to know more about our RV sites or have a question about making a reservation? Frequently asked questions

RV Sites

STANDARD: $35.00 per night (dry camping) (South RV Lot)
BOX VIEW: $45.00 per night (dry camping) (South RV Lot)
PREMIUM: $75.00 per night (30Amp and water connection) (South RV Lot)
VIP West/East: $90.00 per night (dry camping, adjacent to the Launch Field with 2 entry passes included valid during your stay.)
PRESIDENT'S COMPOUND :$175.00 per night (Sites on a bluff overlooking the Launch Field with city water pressure and 30-50 Amp RV Hook-up, this site also includes 4 entry passes to the Launch Field valid during your stay.)
*Please keep in mind that we are a temporary facility that is set in place prior to the event opening. Placement among the RV park is at Balloon Fiesta’s discretion. We do "Rally Style" parking at all of our sites; which is first come, first served parked as you arrive.


If youre interested in joining us please add your name to the list.

Copy the list, add your name, then post in up.

THanks and I hope we can get a big group together. Questions, comments, post them up.

Jerry

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Old 10-18-2017, 05:23 PM   #2
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I'm starting the list here.

halfprice-Jerry, Maria, our friend Jeff, and Sasha the wonder dog



Im making this a 2+week trip. Plan on stopping in Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Cruces or Hatch. After the Fiesta we will go to Sedona for a few days then home.

Jerry
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Old 10-18-2017, 05:39 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by halfprice View Post
I'm starting the list here.

halfprice-Jerry, Maria, our friend Jeff, and Sasha the wonder dog
Are there any other costs associated with attending the fest besides the RV site?
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Old 10-18-2017, 05:48 PM   #4
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Are there any other costs associated with attending the fest besides the RV site?

Ive never been so hopefully others will help here.
I know it cost $10 per person per session, they have a morning and night session, to get into the area where the balloons are at. So $20 a day if you want to attend both sessions.
Also its dry camping. They have an independent contractor that can fill your water tank and dump your black and gray tanks if needed. I read somewhere they charge about $20 or $25 for this service. Other than that I dont know of any other charges.
They also have food options that also get you a seat, admission into the fiesta, and of course food

Jerry
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Old 10-18-2017, 06:55 PM   #5
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We will keep you posted on whether or not we will be able to attend. We have family living in Rio Rancho and we will park on their property..we had already visited about attending 2018. We have attended several times in past years...we may not attend the Fiesta proper..but would enjoy meeting those who we know through the forum.
I enjoy photographing the events from the bluffs above the river, etc.

here is a link to to the Fiesta site

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Welcome to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Ron and Kay
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Old 10-18-2017, 07:27 PM   #6
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We will keep you posted on whether or not we will be able to attend. We have family living in Rio Rancho and we will park on their property..we had already visited about attending 2018. We have attended several times in past years...we may not attend the Fiesta proper..but would enjoy meeting those who we know through the forum.
I enjoy photographing the events from the bluffs above the river, etc.

here is a link to to the Fiesta site

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Welcome to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Ron and Kay
My son lives in Rio Rancho also. We will visit but stay at the south lot
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Old 10-18-2017, 08:47 PM   #7
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Sounding good over here too!! We have a Friend who brings his balloon there yearly, and this could be our chance!!
We may even have a few Border Collies for "alittle" more excitement!! Plus, we're gettin' our new Miramar 35.2 in a week or so. So they say!!
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Old 10-18-2017, 08:52 PM   #8
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Sounding good over here too!! We have a Friend who brings his balloon there yearly, and this could be our chance!!
We may even have a few Border Collies for "alittle" more excitement!! Plus, we're gettin' our new Miramar 35.2 in a week or so. So they say!!
If you make your reservations add your name to the list.

Jerry
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Old 10-19-2017, 12:38 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by halfprice View Post
I'm starting the list here.

halfprice-Jerry, Maria, our friend Jeff, and Sasha the wonder dog



Im making this a 2+week trip. Plan on stopping in Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Cruces or Hatch. After the Fiesta we will go to Sedona for a few days then home.

Jerry
Dino and Angie
Dennis and Janet
Harold and Kathy

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Old 10-19-2017, 12:47 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by halfprice View Post
Ive never been so hopefully others will help here.
I know it cost $10 per person per session, they have a morning and night session, to get into the area where the balloons are at. So $20 a day if you want to attend both sessions.
Also its dry camping. They have an independent contractor that can fill your water tank and dump your black and gray tanks if needed. I read somewhere they charge about $20 or $25 for this service. Other than that I dont know of any other charges.
They also have food options that also get you a seat, admission into the fiesta, and of course food

Jerry
This year the water service was $25 and the sewer service was $30. As far as the sessions go, if you are planning on attending 5, there is a discounted price of $55, or as Jerry said, $10 per session.

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Old 10-19-2017, 12:49 AM   #11
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Heres the list so far.


halfprice-Jerry, Maria, our friend Jeff, and Sasha the wonder dog
Dino and Angie
Dennis and Janet
Harold and Kathy
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Old 10-19-2017, 02:33 AM   #12
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Several years ago when we attended, we stayed at the KOA in Bernillio north of Albuquerque, they told us the go to this mall, caught a shuttle that took us/ picked us up directly at the gate, no traffic to deal with (which was horrible), if we went again I'd do the same.
Oh! BTW the KOA had free pancakes & coffee every morning.
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Old 10-19-2017, 09:51 AM   #13
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2017 balloon fiesta after action report!

AFTER ACTION REPORT FOR 2017 ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA TRIP

1. WE STAYED AT THE SOUTH RV PARKING AREA FROM THURSDAY UNTIL SUNDAY (5-8 OCT 2017...3 NIGHTS, 4 DAYS). IT WAS TRUE BOONDOCKING BUT THERE ARE SITES THAT HAVE JUST WATER OR WATER AND ELECTRIC.

2. RESERVATIONS FOR THE SOUTH RV PARKING AREA WERE MADE 3 DAYS AFTER THE 2016 BALLOON FIESTA WAS OVER. SUGGEST WE DO THE SAME AGAIN THIS YEAR. I BELIEVE RESERVATIONS WILL OPEN ON OCTOBER 24TH, 2017 FOR THE FIESTA IN 2018.

3. IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY VISITED MY FACEBOOK PAGE I SUGGEST YOU DO SO FOR SOME PICTURES OF THE SOUTH RV LOT AND WHERE WE CAMPED. MY FACEBOOK ADDEE IS WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DINO.CARROLL

4. THE SITE WERE SURPRISINGLY VERY SPACIOUS WITH ENOUGH ROOM FOR A TOAD VEHICLE IF APPLICABLE. WE LUCKED OUT AND GOT A SPACE THAT WAS NEAR THE ACCESS ROAD SO WE DID NOT HAVE A NEIGHBOR ON THE DRIVER’S SIDE OF THE RV.

5. THE FIESTA ITSELF LAST FOR 9 DAYS AND IS DIVIDED INTO 2 EVENTS DAILY, A MORNING EVENT AND EVENING EVENT. IF YOU WANT TO ATTEND THE MAIN EVENTS IT WILL COST YOU $10 EACH. THERE ARE ACTIVITIES HAPPENING BETWEEN EVENTS SUCH AS CONCERTS, SEMINARS, RIDES, ETC. THE WEATHER WAS EXCELLENT BUT WE DO RECOMMEND YOU BRING WARM CLOTHES FOR THE MORNING AND EVENING ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE GLOVES. WHEN ATTENDING THE EVENTS BRING BAG CHAIRS WITH YOU. THERE ARE PICNIC TABLES THROUGHOUT THE LAUNCH FIELD BUT THEY ARE USUALLY TAKEN/CLAIMED EARLY. YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO BRING A BLANKET TO WRAP AROUND YOU OR TO SIT ON.

6. SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM THE SOUTH RV LOT TO SOUTH GATE WAS PROVIDED FOR FREE. YOU CAN ALSO WALK TO THE SOUTH GATE OR RIDE BICYCLES IF YOU CHOOSE. THERE IS A SECURE BICYCLE PARKING AREA FOR A FEE IF YOU DECIDE TO TAKE THAT OPTION. I WOULD RECOMMEND TAKING THE SHUTTLE!!

7. CELLULAR SERVICE WAS GOOD BUT WIFI SERVICE SUCKED!!! WE DID NOT HAVE A ‘JET PACK’ AND THAT MAY HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE. IF YOU HAVE ONE, BRING IT.

IN CONCLUSION, THE DAYS OF THE WEEK THAT WE CHOOSE WORKED WELL FOR US. ARRIVING ON THURSDAY GAVE US A CHANCE TO SET UP AND RELAX. FRIDAY WAS AN ‘OPEN’ DAY AND WE SPENT IT WITH SOME FRIENDS AND WENT TO THE CASINO. SATURDAY WAS THE START OF THE FIESTA AND WE ATTENDED BOTH THE MORNING AND EVENING EVENTS. WE HAD PLANNED ON ATTENDING THE SUNDAY MORNING EVENTS BUT AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PICTURES, WE WERE ABLE TO VIEW THE BALLOONS FROM THE RV SITE!! WE PACKED UP AND LEFT AT AROUND 11 AM. EACH EVENT COST $10 EACH AND YOU CAN PURCHASE THE ADMISSION TICKETS ONLINE OR AT THE GATE. THERE ARE PLENTY OF VENDORS ON SITE SO BRING EXTRA CASH FOR SHOPPING AND EATING. BRING COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES. IF YOU PLAN ON BRINGING YOUR PETS, RECOMMEND YOU VIEW THE RULES ON PET CARE AND RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE BALLOON FIESTA WEBSITE (Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Welcome to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta). STAYING LONGER THAN 3 NIGHTS, 4 DAYS WILL BE UP TO YOU IF WE PLAN ON BEING THERE DURING THE FIRST WEEKEND.

I PLAN ON CONTACTING THE FIESTA STAFF TO SEE IF I CAN CREATE A “GROUP” SO THAT WE CAN BE PARKED NEAR EACH OTHER. I WILL LET YOU KNOW IF THAT IS POSSIBLE. RIGHT NOW I BELIEVE WE HAVE 4 CONFIRMED COUPLES (ANGIE & DINO, DENNIS & JANET, JERRY & MARIA AND DAVE & MYRA) SEVERAL OTHER FRIENDS THAT I KNOW HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING AND I WILL TALK TO THEM SHORTLY. IF YOU HAVE ANYONE THAT WANTS TO JOIN US, GET IN CONTACT WITH THEM SOON.

YOU PROBABLY WILL STILL HAVE QUESTIONS SO LET’S STAY IN CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER! I AM ALREADY GETTING EXCITED OVER THE PROSPECT OF HAVING SOME FUN AT THE FIESTA NEXT YEAR! TALK TO YOU SOON
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Old 10-19-2017, 03:56 PM   #14
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Thanks Dino. I wonder how many people/mh are needed to be considered a group and have a guarantee of being parked next to each other

Jerry
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Old 10-19-2017, 03:59 PM   #15
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Thanks Dino. I wonder how many people/mh are needed to be considered a group and have a guarantee of being parked next to each other

Jerry
That is exactly what I am going to ask the folks at the AIBF

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Old 10-19-2017, 04:10 PM   #16
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Several years ago when we attended, we stayed at the KOA in Bernillio north of Albuquerque, they told us the go to this mall, caught a shuttle that took us/ picked us up directly at the gate, no traffic to deal with (which was horrible), if we went again I'd do the same.
Oh! BTW the KOA had free pancakes & coffee every morning.
Last summer we stayed at the Bernalillo KOA .. if anyone is considering that location as an alternative, you should make reservations immediately, as they book up a year in advance...also, there is a campground in Rio Rancho, pretty much behind the WalMart Super Center...they are in the same position.
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Old 10-23-2017, 12:16 AM   #17
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Additional AIBF RV Camping Info

If you do not want to stay for the 3 night minimum, you may do what they call Drive-In camping, where no reservation is made. Drive-in camping is their Standard sites, dry camping for $35.00 per event night or $17.50 for non-event nights.

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Old 10-23-2017, 12:21 AM   #18
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If you do not want to stay for the 3 night minimum, you may do what they call Drive-In camping, where no reservation is made. Drive-in camping is their Standard sites, dry camping for $35.00 per event night or $17.50 for non-event nights.

Pets are allowed. NM has a leash law, so please make sure that your pets are on a leash and more importantly, pick up after your pet. Balloon Fiesta Park is a City of Albuquerque Park, in which dogs are not allowed. Dogs are not allowed at the park during Balloon Fiesta at any time.

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Old 10-23-2017, 12:23 AM   #19
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Pets are allowed. NM has a leash law, so please make sure that your pets are on a leash and more importantly, pick up after your pet. Balloon Fiesta Park is a City of Albuquerque Park, in which dogs are not allowed. Dogs are not allowed at the park during Balloon Fiesta at any time.

Check in time for reservations is 12 noon till approximately 7pm*, and check-out is 11am.
*They do not park after dark for safety purposes. If you arrive after 7pm, you will be parked the next morning at 8am.*

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Old 10-23-2017, 12:26 AM   #20
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Check in time for reservations is 12 noon till approximately 7pm*, and check-out is 11am.
*They do not park after dark for safety purposes. If you arrive after 7pm, you will be parked the next morning at 8am.*

Rally Style parking is “first come, first served.” All RVs are parked at AIBF’s discretion; requests can be made but are not guaranteed (*this applies to groups as well as individuals*)

If you want to be parked next to someone in particular, they ask that you arrive together.

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