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Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 21 September 2017 21 September 2017

Bandelier Elementary Third Grade Class Shares News in Video

Contact: Tom Garrity or Amanda Molina, The Garrity Group | 505.898.8689, media@balloonfiesta.com

Albuquerque, NM – The 46th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta presented by Canon will host international special shape balloon teams as a part of the world's premier balloon event, October 7-15. This year's event will include 94 special shape balloons representing nine countries; 17 of those shapes will make their first Balloon Fiesta appearance.

This year, the special shape balloons received an exciting welcome – Ms. Lansford's third grade class at Bandelier Elementary in Albuquerque helped announce the lineup of new shape balloons. An overview video can be viewed here. A longer format video is here.

Special shape balloons have held a distinct honor at Balloon Fiesta since the premiere of the Special Shape Rodeo™ in 1989, the first event of its kind devoted exclusively to special shape hot air balloons. For many, it's the most popular event at Balloon Fiesta Park. On Thursday and Friday of Balloon Fiesta week during the Special Shapes Rodeo, the balloons will take to the launch field and ascend into the sky, creating a delightful display of wondrous shapes and fun characters. Special shapes also participate in two evening events, known as the Special Shape Glowdeo™. In this event, the balloons remain tethered to the ground, lighting their burners to create a spectacular glowing effect.

Guests will be able to view the special shape balloons throughout the competitive flying events on Thursday and Friday (weather permitting and pilot discretion). This will create a fantastic opportunity to interact with the balloons and their pilots and share pictures on social media with friends and family.

Special shape hot air balloons (and home country) making their inaugural appearance at Balloon Fiesta include:

Balloon Name

Country

Baby Lente

Belgium

Superbike

Belgium

Tolfy

Belgium

Armadillo

Brazil

Baby Car

Brazil

Bill the Vampire

Brazil

Nitrofish

Brazil

Pepe the Hedgehog

Czech Republic

Busby the Queens Guard

United Kingdom

Captain Jack

United Kingdom

Hyla the Frog

United Kingdom

Tall Steve

United Kingdom

2.0

United States

Mouse

United States

Preventive Pest Control

United States

Te Amo

United States

Tom Cat

United States

In addition to these new flyers, many Fiesta Special Shape favorites will also be making a return. These include Creamland Cow, Airabelle of Canada; Joey and Joelly the Bees of the United States; Buddy Beaver of the United States; and Darth Vader Balloon and Master Yoda Balloon of Belgium.

While many of the special shapes will be flying all week long, Balloon Fiesta has two events that feature only special shape balloons. The Special Shape Rodeo™ and Glowdeo™ events will take place Thursday, October 12 and Friday, October 13. Check out a preview of this year's Special Shape list: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/pilots-and-crew/special-shapes-directory.

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta presented by Canon is an annual festival of hot air balloons that takes place every October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Media Relations
Tom Garrity, President | The Garrity Group
Amanda Molina, Vice President | The Garrity Group
media@balloonfiesta.com
The Garrity Group: (505)898-8689