Balloon Fiesta’s 50th Anniversary

Two major milestones are on the podcast this week – the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta celebrates its 50th anniversary, while Chris and Gabby celebrate one year since the launch of the New Mexico News Podcast. To help mark the occasion, returning guest Tom Garrity joins the discussion to highlight what new things people should expect from this year’s fiesta. A longtime spokesperson for the Balloon Fiesta, Garrity explains everything from world record-setting attempts, a return of international travelers, to fiesta’s impact on the state’s economy. 

What’s new this year? Will there be a pre-pandemic level return in attendance? Where are the best cinnamon rolls in New Mexico? (Chris really wants to know.)

We mentioned a few elements in the show that we wanted to link to:

• Here's a link to the story KRQE Investigates' Ann Pierret did last year about balloon landing sites in Albuquerque.
• A look at the new "sky box" feature at Fiesta.
• A link to the event schedule for the Fiesta.
• And a video replay via Balloon Fiesta's YouTube account of the new aerial drone show. 

We need your words, too. Leave us a review on whatever podcast player you listen to us from! Also, you can email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com with your story ideas or feedback. You can also catch us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.