Balloon Fiesta HOP
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
October 6 – October 11, 2017
October 11 – October 15, 2017
October 6 - October 15, 2017
HOP Hosts: Barb and Roger Maxey
Co-hosts: John and Faye Humphery
Balloons, balloons and more balloons!
If this world premiere event is on your bucket list, then join SKP friends for
the 46th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Each morning as dawn breaks over the majestic Sandia Mountains, the
skies will be filled with 600 palatial, bright and beautiful hot-air balloons
from all over the world.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest and most
photographed hot-air balloon festival in the world. It is also the only location
where “the box effect” comes into play. This is a special wind pattern that
helps pilots navigate their balloons in a vertical, rectangular path, allowing
them to land back onto the launch field or even right next to the RV.
The Dawn Patrol lifts off first in the dark, with specially fitted lights, to
observe weather conditions at different altitudes, such as the wind speed
and its direction. Upon approval, the balloons lift off in a mass ascension.
The “Zebras,” dressed in black and white, coordinate the launching of the
balloons.
One of the most exciting events is the Flight of the Nations Mass
Ascension, where balloonists from each nation launch while waving their
national flag.
Even though there are always traditional shape balloons, there will be
many special shapes, too. The most popular are the cow, sun, pig,
stagecoach, clock, skunk, the Lady bug and the sweetest mother, daddy
and baby bumblebees. The bumblebees have hands with Velcro, so when
they touch in midair, it appears they are holding hands.
When visiting any of the balloon pilots, remember to ask them for a trading
card, which gives pertinent information about their balloon.
This fiesta also hosts the Gas Balloons - America's Challenge race, with
the winner being the one going the farthest. Some of the gas balloons have
gone as far as the East Coast and into Canada. Their progress can be
tracked on the Fiesta website.
On the launch field, at dusk, you can see the burners of the balloons ignite
and watch the evening sky fill with a bouquet of bright colors. The nights
will finish with an extraordinary display of fireworks.
Escapees will have Boondock camping and a private tent for inclement
weather, socials, games and catered dinners.
There will be a considerable amount of walking, so please bring comfortable
walking shoes, binoculars and also a camera for taking photos of the
beautiful balloons hovering overhead.
Three options will be offered for the Balloon Fiesta HOP.
You may purchase option #1: the first five days, (arriving October 6,
leaving the morning of October 11) which will include the traditional shape
balloons, a special presentation by an experienced hot-air balloon pilot and
two entrance tickets, per person, into the balloon launch field, plus the
activities below.
Subject to change. (Rain or shine)
Friday, Oct. 6
Welcome
Balloon Pilot presentation
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Saturday, Oct. 7
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Laser Light Show
Morning Glow
Opening Ceremonies
Mass Ascension
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Twilight Twinkle Glow™
America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Launch
Laser Light Show
AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
Sunday, Oct. 8
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Laser Light Show
Morning Glow
Mass Ascension
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Fiesta of Wheels Car Show
Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading
Dinner
Balloon Glow
Laser Light Show
AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
Monday, Oct. 9
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Laser Light Show
Balloons launch
Balloon Competition Flying Begins
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 10
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Laser Light Show
Balloons launch
Balloon Competition Flying Begins
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Farewell catered dinner
Wednesday, Oct. 11
Option #1 - Safe travels!
Prices for Option #1: October 6 – 11, 2017
Two-person rig: $1050.00
Additional person: $725.00
One-person rig: $925.00
You may purchase option #2: the last five days, (arriving the morning of
October 11, leaving on October 15) which will include the traditional shape
balloons, the special shape balloons and two entrance tickets, per person,
into the balloon launch field, plus the activities below.
Subject to change. (Rain or shine)
Wednesday, Oct. 11
Option #2 - Welcome to the Balloon Fiesta HOP!
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Thursday, Oct. 12
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Laser Light Show
Special Shape Rodeo
Balloon Competition Flying Begins
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Special Shape Glowdeo
Laser Light Show
AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Friday, Oct. 13
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Laser Light Show
Special Shape Rodeo – Balloon Launch
Laser Light Show
Competition Flying Begins
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Special Shape Glowdeo
Laser Light Show
AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Saturday, Oct. 14
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Laser Light Show
Morning Glow
Mass Ascension
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading
Music Fiesta (Extra charge)
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Announcements and social hour
Farewell Catered dinner
Night Magic Glow
Laser Light Show
AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Sunday, Oct. 15
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Laser Light Show
Morning Glow
Farewell Mass Ascension
Prices for Option #2 October 11 – 15, 2017
Two-person rig: $1075.00
Additional person: $725.00
One-person rig: $950.00
____________________________________________________________
Or, you can purchase option #3: the entire stay at the Albuquerque
International Balloon Fiesta, which will include four tickets, per person, into
the balloon launch field, plus the activities below for ten days and nine nights.
Subject to change. (Rain or shine)
Friday, Oct. 6
Welcome to the Balloon Fiesta HOP!
Balloon Pilot presentation
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Saturday, Oct. 7
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Laser Light Show
Morning Glow
Opening Ceremonies
Mass Ascension
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Twilight Twinkle Glow™
America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Launch
Laser Light Show
AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
Sunday, Oct. 8
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Laser Light Show
Morning Glow
Mass Ascension
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Fiesta of Wheels Car Show
Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading
Dinner
Balloon Glow
Laser Light Show
AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
Monday, Oct. 9
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Laser Light Show
Balloons launch
Balloon Competition Flying Begins
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 10
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Laser Light Show
Balloons launch
Balloon Competition Flying Begins
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Farewell catered dinner
Wednesday, Oct. 11
Catered breakfast
Welcome to the Balloon Fiesta HOP!
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Thursday, Oct. 12
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Laser Light Show
Special Shape Rodeo
Balloon Competition Flying Begins
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Special Shape Glowdeo
Laser Light Show
AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Friday, Oct. 13
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Laser Light Show
Special Shape Rodeo – Balloon Launch
Laser Light Show
Competition Flying Begins
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Special Shape Glowdeo
Laser Light Show
AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Saturday, Oct. 14
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Laser Light Show
Morning Glow
Mass Ascension
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading
Music Fiesta (Extra charge)
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
Announcements and social hour
Farewell Catered dinner
Night Magic Glow
Laser Light Show
AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Sunday, Oct. 15
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Laser Light Show
Morning Glow
Farewell Mass Ascension
Rain or shine. – Subject to change.
Prices for Option #3: Oct. 6 – 15, 2017
Two-person rig: $1,275. 00
Additional person: $825.00
One-person rig: $999.00
Registration includes:
RV parking at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Entrance tickets to the balloon launch field
Access to the flying competitions
Catered meals
Private party tent with tables and chairs for inclement weather and games
Games and prizes
Your HOP hosts
Souvenir HOP name tag
Gratuities
And much more!
Payment options
When registering for a land HOP, you may pay half of the fee upon
registration and can then make monthly payments. The balance is due 60
days prior to the event. Ask the HOP department about this payment
option.
To register for this HOP, contact:
The HOP Department
888-757-2582 or 936-327-8873
For more information, email [email protected]
Confirmation Letter
Once registered for this HOP, a confirmation letter will be sent to you via
email. If you do not receive it, please check your spam files or, email
[email protected].
RV Campground
Escapees will be boon docking at the Albuquerque International Balloon
Fiesta, 4401 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113.
View upcoming HOPs: https://www.escapees.com/fun/hops
Visit the HOP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EscapeesHOPs
View the HOP cancellation policy: https://www.escapees.com/fun/hops/cancellationpolicy
Discussion Forum:
Escapees has an informative discussion forum. To access the forum, go to
http://www.rvnetwork.com.
Escapees Club News:
The HOPs or any Escapees RV Club information can be sent to you in a Club News.
Stay informed with important club updates, advocacy issues, and promotion items. If
you would like to stay updated, click: https://www.escapees.com/club-benefits; then
click the sign up button on the left-hand side.
Cancellation Insurance
If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, you may consider purchasing cancellation
insurance. Insurance can also help cover you from other unexpected emergencies. You can get more
information about this insurance, such as pricing and coverage, by calling Escapees Travel Agency, at
855-757-8881 or email them at [email protected].
Physical Needs for HOP
Escapees Inc. will attempt to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled attendees when it is within
our control. Please advise us of any special needs as early as possible so we can make arrangements.
By attending this event, you are agreeing to the following:
As an attendee, you assume all risk and danger relating to your personal property, RV, and attendance at
the HOP event, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. In the event of loss or theft, no claim
will be made upon Escapees, its volunteers, employees, or agents. Volunteers may be directing and
assisting you in your parking areas. It is, however, the driver of the RV or other vehicle who is ultimately
responsible for avoiding obstacles or dangerous situations and, is solely responsible for any damage to
one’s property or the property of others. As an attendee at this event, you are granting your permission to
be filmed, videotaped, audiotaped, or photographed, and granting the full use without compensation.
See you at the HOP!
Safe travels,
Lisa Koca
HOP Director
Escapees RV Club
888-757-2582
www.escapees.com/hops
www.facebook.com/escapeeshops