http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9850 9850 Fried Everything! Lots of good junk food to get the heart pumping at 4:30am! http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9851 9851 "Smokey the Bear" balloon crew are interviewed by Channel 4 News Nut. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9858 9858 Dawn Patrol, where 5-6 balloons ascend first before sunrise to check the air currents. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9861 9861 http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9864 9864 High winds cause balloons to "kiss." http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9867 9867 Old Glory participates in the Dawn Patrol http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9870 9870 The Dawn Patrol, preparing to take flight to check the wind currents aloft before the Mass Ascension http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9873 9873 http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9875 9875 The Balloon Fiesta has a "Main Street" that is lined with souvenir shops and carnival food. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9877 9877 The first balloon launch of the day is the fireman. He will carry the Stars and Stripes over the field. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9881 9881 The "zebras, or field officials " watch as the fireman is inflated. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9884 9884 Some Zebras take their nicknames more seriously than others. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9887 9887 http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9890 9890 Although the days were perfect weather in October, it was c-c-cold in the early mornings before the sun came up! http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9892 9892 Albuquerque Fiesta is unique in that spectators are allowed right down on the field to watch the activities. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9895 9895 The unfurling of "the envelope" as it is called. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9898 9898 http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9901 9901 http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9903 9903 http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9906 9906 http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9909 9909 Even Walgreens gets in on the fiesta, signing up people for flu shots. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=10090 10090 "Main Street" where all the "non-balloon" activities are on the balloon field. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9910 9910 First row of balloons begin to inflate... http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9914 9914 They are ready to launch, but not yet...must wait for the Fireman. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9917 9917 The Star Spangled Banner is played over the PA system as the Fireman takes flight carrying the flag.