Special shapes bring crowds to Fiesta

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - They are the stars of Balloon Fiesta, the special shapes.

All of the fan favorites are back this year and some new ones.

“It’s always the special shapes and rodeos at night,” Juanita Carle said.

It's the place where cows, bears, fish and a couple of pigs fly together.

The special shape rodeos in the morning and glowdeos at night bring in big crowds during Balloon Ffiesta.

“We have the shapes on Thursday and Friday last year. I would honestly say Friday was our most successful day,” Balloon Fiesta Event Director Don Edwards said.

Out of the 555 balloons this year 100 will be special shapes and everyone has a favorite.

“The bees of course, are the cutest ones,” Carle said.

The bumble bee family is always a crowd pleaser.

”I love seeing the kids, they watched Spongebob last year,” Shawn Leonard said. “They love seeing the bees. Darth Vader was one of their favorite ones.”

Darth Vader and his ominous music make a return to Albuquerque.

Belgian pilots had the 86 foot tall balloon built in 2007, after getting permission from Lucas film.

There will be eight new special shapes, including what's expected to be a crowd favorite. A character made famous by the Simpson’s, you'll get to meet Spiderpig.

There's also the basketball balloon, Betty Jean butterfly, little cop, a giant shark, tic tock the clock, lady sun and Iwi the Kiwi.

Iwi the Kiwi, the seven story balloon, showcases New Zealand’s national bird which is normally a flightless bird.

Making these giant creations isn't cheap. A special shape balloon can cost upwards of $200,000.

Thursday and Friday of Balloon Fiesta is reserved for special shape balloons but a lot of them fly almost every day.