Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque, New Mexico
It might have already started, but there's still time to catch the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Held once a year on the north side of town, this nine-day event — it runs Oct. 5-13 this year — is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, with as many as 600 balloons of all shapes and sizes taking flight and crowds of up to 100,000 on the ground to watch the spectacle. Interestingly, the cool morning temperatures and a unique box-like wind pattern help to make the event a success — that, and the incredible photo opportunities provided by hundreds of colorful subjects set against a clear blue sky.
Photos: Lee Ruk
