The Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (Quad A) is excited to announce the 2024 Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally to be held from February 10 to 11 in Rio Rancho.
The Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally has traditionally been a staple event hosted in Albuquerque. Quad A has decided to relocate the flying event to Rio Rancho as a proactive response to align the event with FAA guidelines, and the decision underscores our commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally, originally known as the Albuquerque Cloudbouncer Balloon Rally, was initiated as a strategy to stimulate interest in the 1975 World Hot Air Balloon Championships and the 4th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which was rescheduled from February to October that year.
The tradition of celebrating the hot-air balloon crew is a cherished part of the Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally, recognizing their integral role in ensuring a successful flight for a hot-air and RC balloon pilot. Also, Quad A is thrilled to announce Debi Ostgulen as our balloonmeistern. She will bring her vast experience and passion as a commercial hot air balloon pilot to the event, ensuring the 2024 rally is remembered.
The role of a Balloonmeistern, a term of German origin, is prestigious in the hot-air ballooning community, referring to the person responsible for coordinating and overseeing all ballooning activities during an event. Traditionally, a woman fills this position at the Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally, illustrating our event’s commitment to female leadership and inclusion in aviation.
This year’s event promises an unforgettable experience for local balloon enthusiasts and families, with various activities curated to cater to everyone’s tastes. The rally starts on Saturday, February 10, and Sunday, February 11, 2024, with exciting RC & hot-air balloon flying events, crew contests, and food trucks in the Rio Rancho amphitheater.
Please visit hotairballooning.org or contact special-events@hotairballooning.org for more information.