Balloon Park, Rio Rancho celebrate 4th

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Tens of thousands of people are expected to pack Balloon Fiesta Park Saturday for the city of Albuquerque's annual Freedom Fourth celebration.

The set up started Friday morning. Bands will rock one side of the event while food vendors crank out the treats on the other side.

Bob Felice said he and his crew will be ready to dish up burgers and pizza as soon as the gate opens.

And that's regardless of whether it's rain or shine.

"We have done this many years so we are expecting a good crowd as usual," Felice told KRQE News 13. "Weather may be an issue. We get a few spotty showers, the crowds usually come out and it's generally a good event."

Event organizers have some suggestions about how to get out to the park.

"We are recommending that you take alternative transportation, take the park and ride; it's free”," Community Events Manager Craig Rivera said. "This is the one event that I recommend families bring your children to.

"We have free events for kids, we have entertainment throughout the park and we have a great stage lineup for you."

Rivera says rain won't affect any of Saturday's events.

Gates at Balloon Fiesta Park open at 3 p.m., and the bands will start at 4. Admission is $2 children under 12 are free.

Event organizers are expecting more than 50,000 people to attend the festival. Fireworks are scheduled to launch beginning at 9:30.

And in Rio Rancho there will be a fireworks extravaganza at Loma Colorado Park from 4-10 p.m. This event is free, but parking costs $5 per car.