October in New Mexico is a delight to all the senses. Autumn leaves are turning color, the smell of roasted green chile is wafting in the air, and hundreds of hot air balloons fill the early morning sky at Balloon Fiesta Park.

Thousands of visitors from around the world have been coming to Albuquerque for 33 years to celebrate earth and sky at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

This year�s theme - �Freedom in the Air� � captures the magic of adventure and the pioneer spirit of balloon pilots. Hundreds of balloonists will launch their magnificent flying machines to float gently over the beautiful New Mexico landscape, taking in the charm and grace of the view below, and rejoice in the oldest and most elegant form of flight.

Reaching for the sun and floating in the wind allows pilots and passengers to experience spectacular and diverse views of the city and countryside. High rise buildings, old adobe houses, volcanoes and mountain ranges and gorgeous river valleys add to the magic of hot air ballooning. Freedom is truly in the air!

Excitement and adventure can be found on the ground as well. More than 750 balloons launch from 360 grass-covered acres at Balloon Fiesta Park where visitors can find opportunities to interact with pilots and their crews as they inflate and launch their balloons from the field.

The 2004 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta promises to provide adventure and excitement for everyone. From October 2nd through October 10th at Balloon Fiesta Park, the sky will fill with more than 750 hot air and gas balloons flying over the city. Visitors will experience mass ascensions, balloon glows, the Special Shapes Rodeo, and the 9th Annual America�s Challenge Gas Balloon Race.

You are invited to experience the wonder of Freedom in the Air where you will be charmed and delighted by the wonder of flight. Don�t miss it!

www.balloonfiesta.com

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Media Contact: Megan Mayo Public Relations Specialist Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau +1 (505) 222-4349 +1 (800) 733-9918 ext. 3349 mayo@itsatrip.org www.itsatrip.org