Perfect start to fiesta

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - For the pilots and tens of thousands of fans who crowded Balloon Fiesta Park on the first day of the fiesta, things could not have gone any better.

"This is going to be one of those quintessential Albuquerque balloon fiesta mass ascensions," said pilot Chris Liberti.

Balloons rose earlier than the sun, dotting the night sky. Saturday's official start to Balloon Fiesta drew thousands, kicking off two weeks of 40-year celebrations.

By sunrise, hundreds of eager pilots and crew members got to work. And by noon, fiesta officials were bragging they broke a world record of the most hot air balloons launched in an hour's time at 345. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta held the current record at 329 in 2000. Official word is expected from the Guiness World Records in a few weeks.

"We've never been to something this huge when it comes to a balloon festival," said Benjamin Flowers from Maryland.

The international festival draws thousands of first-timers from all over the country. But some special shape balloons made their festival debut, including Betty Jean Butterfly, the Spiderpig and Iwi the Kiwi.

"It seems like a fairyland of balloons," said Nancy Metz from Wisconsin. "It's wonderful."

For festival-faithfuls, this year is also a time for healing. Sid Cutter, who is considered the father and founder of the fiesta, died earlier this year, missing the 40th birthday of Albuquerque's biggest event.

"Losing Sid Cutter, I think, has been a big blow to the community, especially in Albuquerque," said Liberti. "I think the fiesta has done a good job of preserving his vision for making this a fun event for the pilots and spectators as well."