Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Night Glow

On the weekend evenings during the fiesta, there is an event called the Twilight Twinkle Glow. The first balloon glow was held in Albuquerque in 1979 when local pilots inflated balloons on Christmas Eve as a thank you to local residents. It has since become a tradition at the fiesta. We went to the glow last night, and it was spectacular. They claim this is the largest balloon night glow in the world.

It started with a skydiving exhibition. This guy brought a huge flag down with him. 

We walked around the grounds while waiting for it to get darker out. The launch field is the size of 54 football fields. There are venders all along one side of the field, selling all kinds of food and souvenirs. I contributed to the local economy by buying a t-shirt. There was a raffle booth for this huge, magnificent quilt!

We found a spot near the center of the field to watch the glow. I'm guessing there were about 100 balloons there for this event. They started inflating all around us. These balloons average 100 feet high. Here's one being inflated for perspective. Spectators are allowed to go right up to the balloons and talk to the crew.

This balloon was one I had not seen go over in the morning. I love Jesus's smile!

There were four gas balloons taking off for a competition. These balloons are filled with hydrogen and compete to see who can go the farthest. On average, they travel over 2,000 miles and are up there for 70 or more hours. This one had a German flag and writing on it. I think it says The King of Beers.

Once all the balloons were inflated, the announcer did a count down, and they all fired up their burners and glowed. It was a spectacular sight. My favorite part of the fiesta so far!! Pictures don't do it justice. It needs to be experienced in person, and I'm so glad we came. They did the countdown several times so everyone could really enjoy the show. Sometimes, they lit up with a solid glow, other times they pulsed the flame. Awesome!

After the glow, there was another skydiving exhibition. By now it was totally dark. Four skydivers dropped out of the plane with flares. That was pretty cool looking, but all of a sudden, there were fireworks coming out of their feet. Then they started throwing fireworks into the air, and they were exploding all around. After that, they lit up their suits. It was an amazing show. I had no idea this could be done. Again, pictures just don't capture it.

A little while later, the fireworks started. 

I did take some pictures throughout the evening; but I was enjoying the festivities so much, that picture taking came second. I loved this night!!!

Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!