Balloon Fiesta HOP
October 2-11, 2015
HOP Hosts: Bill & Carol Sharpe #57781- October 2-7, 2015
HOP Hosts: Jim & Lisa Koca #86367 – October 7 – 11, 2015
Balloons, balloons, and more balloons!
Imagine each morning as dawn breaks over the beautiful Sandia Mountains; the
skies are filled with bright colors as 600 majestic hot-air balloons, from all over the
world, hover overhead.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is considered the most photographed
and largest hot-air balloon festival and is the only location in the world where "the
box" effect comes into play. The “box” is predictable wind patterns that can help
the pilots navigate the balloons in a box effect. It also allows the balloonists to land
back on the launch field or right next to your RV.
The dawn patrol lifts off first to observe the weather conditions. Upon approval,
the balloons lift off in mass ascension. The “zebras,” dressed in black and white,
coordinate the launching of the balloons. With 600 balloons in the air, it is truly a
spectacular display of color.
One of the most exciting ascensions is the Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension,
where balloonists from each nation proudly wave their nation’s flag.
The balloon fiesta will consist of the traditional shapes, but the most popular of the
balloon launches are the special-shape balloons, which can be seen in all shapes
and sizes. The most popular shapes are the cow, pig, clock, Noah’s Ark,
stagecoach, and the sweetest mother, daddy, and baby bumblebees. The
bumblebees have hands with velcro; when they touch in the air, it appears they are
holding hands.
This fiesta also hosts the Gas Balloons - America's Challenge race, which is based
on the longest distance traveled. Some of the gas balloons have gone as far as the
East Coast and into Canada. Track their progress on the Fiesta website.
At dusk on the launch field, see the burners of the balloons when they are ignited
and watch the evening sky fill with a bouquet of bright colors. The night will finish
with a remarkable display of fireworks.
Escapees will have boondock camping, a private tent for inclement weather, games,
catered breakfasts and dinners.
For the first time, Escapees will offer three options for the Balloon Fiesta HOP.
You may purchase option #1; the first five days, arriving October 2 and leaving the
morning of October 7, which will include the traditional shape (not the special shape)
balloons flying, a special presentation by an experienced hot-air balloon pilot, one
entrance into the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, an entrance
ticket into the morning and evening session of the balloon launch field, plus the
below activities from October 2 – 7, 2015.
Subject to change.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
Arrive after 10:00 a.m.
Balloon pilot presentation
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Morning Glow
Opening ceremonies
Mass ascension
America’s Challenge gas balloon race inflation
Announcements and social hour
Welcome dinner
Twilight Twinkle Glow™
America’s Challenge gas balloon race launch
AfterGlow™ fireworks show
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Morning Glow
Mass ascension
Fiesta of Wheels Car Show - Balloon launch field
Balloon Fiesta pin trading – north end of launch field
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Balloon Glow
AfterGlow™ fireworks show
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Flying competition
Free day
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Flying competition
Free day
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Morning Glow
Flight of the Nations mass ascension
Leave - option #1
Prices for Option #1 Oct. 2 – 7, 2015
Two-person rig: $895.00
Additional person: $395.00
One-person rig: $595.00
You may purchase option #2, the last five days, arriving the morning of October 7,
leaving on October 11, which will include the traditional shape balloons, the special
shape balloons, one entrance into the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon
Museum, an entrance ticket into the morning and evening session of the balloon
launch field, plus the below activities from Oct. 7-11, 2015.
Subject to change.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Arrive - option #2
Announcements and social hour
Catered Dinner
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Special Shape Rodeo™
Flying competition
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Special Shape Glowdeo™
AfterGlow™ fireworks show
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Special Shape Rodeo™
Flying competition
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Special Shape Glowdeo™
AfterGlow™ fireworks show
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Morning Glow
Mass ascension
Balloon Fiesta pin trading
Music Fiesta™ (own your own)
Announcements and social hour
Farewell catered dinner
Night Magic™ Glow
AfterGlow™ fireworks show
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
Continental breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Morning Glow
Farewell mass ascension
Safe travels and SKP hugs
Prices for Option #2 Oct. 7 – 11, 2015
Two-person rig: $875.00
Additional person: $375.00
One-person rig: $575.00
Or, you can purchase option #3, the entire stay at the Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta, one entrance into the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon
Museum, two morning and two evening entrance tickets to the balloon launch field,
plus the below activities for nine nights, ten days.
Subject to change.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
Arrive after 10:00 a.m.
Balloon pilot presentation
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Morning Glow
Opening ceremonies
Mass ascension
America’s Challenge gas balloon race inflation
Announcements and social hour
Welcome dinner
Twilight Twinkle Glow™
America’s Challenge gas balloon race launch
AfterGlow™ fireworks show
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Morning Glow
Mass ascension
Fiesta of Wheels Car Show - Balloon launch field
Balloon Fiesta pin trading – north end of launch field
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Balloon Glow
AfterGlow™ fireworks show
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Flying competition
Free day
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Flying competition
Free day
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Morning Glow
Flight of the Nations mass ascension
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Special Shape Rodeo™
Flying competition
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Special Shape Glowdeo™
AfterGlow™ fireworks show
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol
Special Shape Rodeo™
Flying competition
Announcements and social hour
Catered dinner
Special Shape Glowdeo™
AfterGlow™ fireworks show
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Morning Glow
Mass ascension
Balloon Fiesta pin trading
Music Fiesta™ (own your own)
Announcements and social hour
Farewell catered dinner
Night Magic™ Glow
AfterGlow™ fireworks show
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
Continental breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Morning Glow
Farewell mass ascension
Safe travels and SKP hugs
Minimum registration must be met for each HOP event; otherwise, the event will be subject to
cancellation. Full refunds would be given.
Prices for Option #3 – Oct. 2 – 11, 2015
Two-person rig: $1,300. 00
Additional person: $570.00
One-person rig:
$975.00
There will be a considerable amount of walking; please bring comfortable walking
shoes, binoculars, and a camera for the beautiful shots of the balloons hovering
overhead.
Registration includes:
RV parking at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Catered breakfasts
Catered dinners
Entrance into the Balloon Fiesta Museum
Private party tent with tables and chairs for inclement weather and games
Access to the flying competitions
Option #1 and #2 only – 2 Balloon Fiesta field entrance tickets per person
Option # 3 only – 1 water fill and 1 dump
Option # 3 only – 4 Balloon Fiesta field entrance tickets per person
Games and prizes
Your HOP hosts
Souvenir HOP button
Gratuities
And much more
Payment options for land HOPs
When registering for a land HOP (not a cruise HOP), you may pay half upon
registering and the balance 60 days before the event.
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,
along with times and instructions.
RV Campground
Escapees will be boon docking at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta,
4401 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113.
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].
Short-term Evacuation
Short-term evacuation insurance is available from SkyMed. For more information, call 800-4759633 or e-mail [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 full use without compensation.
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I know you will have a wonderful time at the Balloon Fiesta HOP!
See you at the HOP!
Safe travels and SKP hugs,
Lisa Koca #86367
HOP Director
Escapees RV Club
100 Rainbow Dr.
Livingston, Texas 77351