ABQ Aloft kicks off Balloon Fiesta

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The sky over the city was filled with balloons Friday morning as Albuquerque Aloft kicked off.

Every year several pilots devote their time to give Albuquerque students a firsthand look at ballooning in the comfort of their own schools, show these fascinated spectators what it takes to get the balloons off the ground and into the sky.

The Aloft provides students a chance to see the balloon equipment up close and learn more about what goes into the process.

This year’s event marked the 22nd year Albuquerque Aloft has launched, the event takes place before the first official mass ascension.

Nearly 70 schools hosted the pilots and their balloons this year, and for the first time Rio Rancho also took part with 11 schools.

Parents are also invited to be part of the morning festivities.

Pilots are left with the decision whether to launch, usually they just tether the balloons so the kids can examine the balloons that way.

Albuquerque Aloft is the only time during Balloon Fiesta where balloons can launch from pre-designated areas outside of Balloon Fiesta Park.