celebration in an airplane hangar. But that one balloon did fly, and became two . . . then thirteen . . . then hundreds . . . and in 2000, more than 1,000! The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta changed Albuquerque forever. Today, it is the world crossroads of ballooning and the most photographed event. Now, Balloon Fiesta commemorates its 40th event by sharing the excitement and color of the world's premiere ballooning showcase: In his own words, Sid Cutter, the father of ballooning in Albuquerque, reveals details of the party that started it all! The story behind all your favorite Balloon Fiesta events: the Balloon Glow, the Special Shapes Rodeo, the Dawn Patrol, the America s Challenge, and more! Hundreds of stunning color photographs of Balloon Fiestas past and present! From Albuquerque's very first balloon flight­ in 1882! to the present day, The World Comes to Albuquerque: The Dream Takes Flight is the next best thing to being there!

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