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Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta HOP Recap

October 11-14, 2007

Hosts: Walt and Kellie Gunn #51287

Assistant Hosts: Ed and Sandy Kruty #77117

Once more, beautiful and colorful balloons graced the New Mexico sky for the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta HOP. From all the reports from the attendees it was a sight to behold. If you haven’t been to this HOP, then you are truly missing out on a great event. January 2008 we will be taking signups for the October 2008 HOP. 

The 2007 theme was "Chasing Rainbows," and what a perfect theme for the event which featured rainbow- hued balloons drifting through the skies over Albuquerque.  We want to thank all the Escapees who helped the hosts make this HOP such a success.

We especially can’t thank our hosts enough for all the work they did to make this such a great HOP.

Thank you

Bruce and Louise Schweichler #48523

HOP Directors

Here are some quotes from some of the people who attended the HOP.

I’ve found that we get out of life what we put into it, and volunteering for chase crew during the Balloon Fiesta HOP made our visit here TOP NOTCH.  Ann & Tom Caywood # 77711.

This was our first Escapees experience, and we were very happy with how well organized it was.  A “Big Thank You.”  Karen and Mel Beeman #59973.

We are thrilled to be here since we were on the waiting list and had given up hope.  I’ve always wanted to see the Balloon Fiesta.  It was magical.  I want to thank all the people who put this HOP together.  I know what hard work it was and it turned out perfect.  Bob and Nancy Bale # 97048.

This was our first HOP and what an experience!  Very well organized with such friendly people.  Lester Narr #94836.

The experience has been complete: 1. Good weather 2. Good friends 3. Lots of beautiful hot air balloons 4. H2O and electricity.  We plan to return for next year’s Balloon Fiesta HOP.  John and Linda Accarregui #18663.

Very well organized.  Eleanor needed some assistance due to her disability and everyone bent over backwards to help her and me.  Parking across from the tent was ideal for us.  Wonderful experience and let her enjoy the festivities.  Normal Biggs # 83305.

Great time. Great experience crewing for balloon team.  Excellent time to meet new friends and catch up with old friends.  Thanks for the memories.  Bill and Mary Wright # 53971.

Had a great time and looking forward to ’08. Experience could not have been better.  Big hugs to all who made it possible.  The Wal-Mart skit was super.  Gene and Rosalie Therieau #75020. 

Thank you for all the work.  I am thinking of coming next year!  Fabulous HOP and thanks again for all the work.  Anonymous.

We have been to several rallies and this was “by far” the best ever.  Food was FANTASTIC.  Don Neville/Jan Pyle #82057.

This was our first HOP and we are looking forward to Gillette.  We met SO many wonderful new friends.  The social hours were informative AND entertaining.  WOW, to be so close to the open field where the balloons landed!!  Oscar and Deanna Stout #94336.