Balloon Fiesta INFO

[rgvtexan]

Balloon Fiesta Public Safety Update

Things to keep in mind when visiting Balloon Fiesta: Plan for metal detectors and expanded checks
Event organizers for the 48th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF) presented by Canon want to be sure you are aware of some recent announcements related to public safety measures for the 2019 event. Specifically, the event will be adding metal detectors, increasing bag check stations and increasing involvement from local state and federal law enforcement agencies to provide an environment where guests can enjoy the event with greater peace of mind.

"Balloon Fiesta's Public Safety Team was established in 1991 and included local and state law enforcement and first responders, with federal entities joining in 2001," says Balloon Fiesta Director of Public Safety Allen Tetreault. "For 2019, the event will have AIBF Public Safety Officers, plus an undisclosed number of law enforcement officers consisting of uniformed officers, tactical teams and plain clothed officers working to make this the safest place to be in New Mexico. Many of our public safety and law enforcement teams will be visible throughout Balloon Fiesta Park, including our security checkpoints at all public entrances to our event."

Best Practices for Guests
There will be bag checks; the fewer items guests have, the faster they will get through the security line. Guests without bags to check will be able to get through the security process faster than guests with bags, chairs and coolers. In addition, Balloon Fiesta officials would like to provide this information and best practices for guests:
Conceal Carry, weapons and knives are not allowed during the event.
Metal detectors will be used at our public entrances. Most entrances will have six or more security lanes with marked "Bag Check" lanes and "Express" lanes (without bags or with only small, clear, plastic bags).
All bags and coolers will be checked by Balloon Fiesta Public Safety Officers before being allowed onto Balloon Fiesta Park.
Limit the number of items you bring to Balloon Fiesta Park.
When possible, bring personal items in a clear or see-through bag or container. Use of a small, clear, plastic bag will allow you to utilize the Express Lanes into the Park.
Children and their caregivers are often distracted with the balloon-filled sky. Visit the New Mexico State Police's Tag-Your-Tots, station south of the Main Street Stage, when you arrive. Have a plan in place if you become separated.
If you see something that looks unsafe or suspicious, alert a law enforcement officer, AIBF public safety officer, launch director (Zebra) or Balloon Fiesta official.
Bicycles, spike jewelry/wallet chains, alcohol/drugs, animals (except service animals) and items deemed by Balloon Fiesta Public Safety as potentially dangerous to other guests or the venue will NOT be allowed inside the venue.
Balloon Fiesta Law Enforcement Presence
The Balloon Fiesta Public Safety Team coordinates a multiagency presence at Balloon Fiesta Park that includes more than 20 federal, state and local law enforcement, first responder and government entities to ensure that the annual event is a safe place for its pilots, guests, volunteers and employees.
Those organizations include:
Albuquerque Police Department
Albuquerque Fire & Rescue
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
New Mexico State Police
National Guard 64 CST-WMD
Air and Marine Operations Center
Rio Rancho Dept of Public Safety
Sandia Pueblo Police Department
NM Office of Special Investigation
New Mexico Dept of Public Safety
City of Albuquerque Emergency Management
Bernalillo Police Department
NM Dept of Homeland Security/Emergency Management
US Department of Homeland Security
Bernalillo County Fire Department
New Mexico Mounted Search and Rescue
Bernalillo County Dept of Emergency Management

Aviation/Drones
The airspace within a 4-mile radius of Balloon Fiesta Park is controlled by a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). This area is controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration. The only aircraft allowed in this area around Balloon Fiesta Park includes authorized hot air balloons, gas balloons, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. UNAUTHORIZED DRONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE BALLOON FIESTA AIRSPACE. Flying unauthorized aircraft within the TFR is a federal offense.

For more information on activities at Balloon Fiesta, please download our 2019 Guest Guide or download the Balloon Fiesta Mobile App sponsored by Visit Albuquerque

Don 't forget to sign up for Chase Crew.

[Bahamaniac]

It looks like a great time! I just put it on next year's schedule!

[Dutch Star Don]

"rgvtexan"...….We've been before and have no plans to go in the future, but thanks for taking the time to post the information.

I also like to tell people to plan on being there at least three days, since bad weather can prevent launching. They didn't launch until our third day.

[twogypsies]

We stayed with a group in the south dry camping area for the whole 12 days or whatever it was. The free shuttle came by the RV constantly all day/night long. We also volunteered to crew which was tremendous fun and we got a free, very long ride as a thank you. This Fiesta is highly recommended!!

[jarata]

We are leaving next sunday to go.Not sure what they are talking about no bicycles maybe that's just inside balloon area

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by jarata

We are leaving next sunday to go.Not sure what they are talking about no bicycles maybe that's just inside balloon area

Bikes would be a hazard amidst the crowds in the balloon area. Use the shuttles and walk the field.

[rgvtexan]

The Fiesta has Free Valet Bike Parking. It is just outside the South entrance. They park the bike in a secure, watched area and give you a receipt.

https://balloonfiesta.com/Bike-Valet

[jl.kauai]

I use to stay at the open boondock area off of Alameda St for approx 10 days as my wife and I organized a group with the Lazy Daze Motorhome group. It is a good location to see the balloons come over in the mornings. Unbelievable sight each day when they go up. Be sure and go to the "Glo" when they have it at night. You need reservations to stay anywhere close to the grounds. Even in the boondock area. First weekend is the busiest. While you are there if you need repairs remember Phil's RV service will be on the dirt area in the boondocks as you drive in. He is there every year and provides very good service. You can't miss his rig and the large sign. In case you need generator service there the local Cummins dealer is on Interstate 40 by the downtown. Ken is the generator mechanic there and is very experienced. I have sent many people to him. And most of all don't forget to try the local restaurants. Lots of good Mexican food. John Leach 2008 Foretravel Nimbus 340 SE.

[Dutch Star Don]

I couldn't remeber the name until "jl.kauai" mentioned it. I'm talking about the Glo where they have all teh ballons in the park one evening and inflate them.....really neat.