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Balloon Fiesta 2008 HOP

Albuquerque, NM, October 8-12

Hosts: Walt and Kellie Gunn # 51287

Assist. hosts: Ed and Sandy Kruty # 77117

Please visit the Balloon Fiesta photo gallery.

Once again, we travel to the balloon capital of the world to witness the most beautiful and awesome sights you will ever see in the sky. For two weeks every October since 1972, Albuquerque has been hosting the International Balloon Fiesta. The skies fill with over 20,000 hot-air balloons from all over the world. All kinds of different balloons, from traditional shapes to special shapes such as tennis shoes, cell phones, and cows, keep everyone’s eyes up towards the sky. It’s a HOP not to be missed, as all Escapees who have already seen it can attest to. Start setting your plans early so you can put the Balloon Fiesta as one of your great places to be in October 2008.

In 2008, the event will be one day longer so you can enjoy the full three days of special-shaped balloons.  We will have boondock camping for four nights (due to new restrictions at the balloon fiesta grounds, most electric at this time has been discontinued), with continental breakfast each morning and catered dinner each night.  You will also be treated to a special demonstration and talk by a seasoned hot-air balloon pilot.

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.    

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

Following is the tentative schedule for the HOP:

Your registration includes four catered continental breakfasts, four hot catered dinners, balloon lecture, free buses to the balloon launch field, one entrance ticket to the balloon launch field, and souvenir pins.

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

Minimum registration must be met for each HOP event; otherwise the event will be subject to cancellation.  Full refunds would be given.

Cancellation insurance is available through Peterson Travel Services, CM #32.  If you, or a family member, have 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 email them at dorothy@petersoncruises.com.

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.

Please view the HOP Cancellation Policy.