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Balloon Fiesta 2010 HOP

Albuquerque, NM

October 6-10, 2010

Hosts: Walt and Kellie Gunn # 51287

Assistant Hosts: Jim and Lisa Koca # 86367

“Earth, Wind, and Fire” is this year’s theme for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. For two weeks every October since 1972, Albuquerque has been hosting the International Balloon Fiesta.  The Escapees attend the last weekend of the event during which the special shapes fill the air.  Shapes run the gamut from bumble bees to Oust spray cans, Smokey the Bear to Noah’s Ark.  You name it, and it’s probably in the air.  If you haven’t experienced the Balloon Fiesta HOP, now’s the time to sign up and take this awesome trip.  If you’ve already been, you’ll get a new addition to the event that has been added this year, a guided motor coach trip to Old Towne Santa Fe.

Tour

Santa Fe is the second oldest city in the United States.  It offers a unique mix of history, architecture, culture, cuisine, outdoor activities and shopping.  It is also the oldest capital city in the USA and New Mexico’s third-largest city.  It was originally settled by Spaniards before 1607, and its original name, “La Villa Real de Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis,” is Spanish for “the Royal City of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi.”  Imagine saying that when asked where you’re from!!!  At 7,000 feet above sea level, the city spans nearly 35 square miles in a valley near the Rio Grande at the southern base of the Rocky Mountains.  It’s nestled between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the Jemez Mountains to the west.  Santa Fe has surprisingly severe temperature extremes rather than dry desert climate year-round. 

We will have boondock camping for four nights, with catered breakfasts each morning and catered dinners each night.  You will also be treated to a special demonstration and talk by a seasoned hot-air balloon pilot. 

We look forward to another wonderful year and a full event with Escapees having a super time.

Balloon Rides

For anyone interested in a balloon ride, you would need to contact Rainbow Ryders, Inc., ph# 505-823-1111 or 800-725-2477, and also on the Internet at www.rainbowryders.com.   

Schedule Tentative:

Prices

Your registration includes four nights boondock camping, four catered breakfasts, four hot catered dinners, balloon lecture, tour guides for Santa Fe, transportation via motor coach to Santa Fe, gratuities for included meals, tour guides, and bus drivers to Santa Fe, free buses to the balloon launch field, one entrance ticket per person to the balloon launch field, door prizes, and souvenir pins.

How to Register

To register, please call 888-757-2582 or 936-327-8873 or e-mail hopinfo@escapees.com.

Cancellation Insurance

Cancellation insurance is available through Peterson Travel Services, CM #32.  If you or a family member has a pre-existing condition, it must be purchased within 21 days of your initial payment.  You can get more information about this insurance by calling John or Dorothy Peterson, SKP #81699, of Peterson Travel Services, at 800-737-6435, or e-mail them at dorothy@petersoncruises.com.

Physical Needs for HOP

Escapees Inc. will attempt to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled attendees when it is within our control to do so.  We request that you advise us of any special needs as early as possible so we can make arrangements, if possible.  Many of the HOP events include considerable walking and may not be comfortable for all attendees.

Short-term Evacuation Insurance

Short-term evacuation insurance is now available from SkyMed. For more information on this, you can call 337-263-3030 or e-mail Dick and Marilyn Rogers (SKP #61011) at rogers@skymed.com.

HOP Cancellation Policy

Please view the HOP Cancellation Policy.