Head Out - HOP Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 BALLOON FIESTA HOP October 2-11, 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 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. 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 sessions 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 lanyard and name tag Gratuities and much more To register for this HOP, contact: The HOP Department 888-757-2582 or 936-327-8873 For more information see: http://www.escapees.com/HOP/balloonfiesta.aspx I know you will have a wonderful time on this HOP! Lisa Koca HOP Director Escapees RV Club 100 Rainbow Dr. Livingston, Texas 77351 888-757-2582 Email: headout@escapees.com Website: www.escapees.com/hop Facebook: www.facebook.com/escapeeshops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NINK Posted February 21, 2015 Report Share Posted February 21, 2015 Hello Lisa. We may be interested in attending, but have to work out our schedules. Do you know the area for dry camping at this event -- is it in the VIP area or standard area? Thanks. Janice Bob, Janice & Guinness 40' 2001 DS Monaco Executive, towing 2009 Saturn Vue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Head Out - HOP Posted March 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2015 Hi Janice, We are in the Standard area. If the Balloon Fiesta places us in the same area as the past years, we have great sites for the Balloon Fiesta. Hope this helps. Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RNF03 Posted May 18, 2015 Report Share Posted May 18, 2015 Hello, We have made reservations for Balloon HOP 2015 Option #3. Would it be possible to arrive early? It is my understanding they charge 1/2 price ($15) per night. Could we stay after the event with same arangement? Looking for two (2) or three (3) days before and after event. Thank you. Sincerely, Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Head Out - HOP Posted May 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2015 Hi Bob, I’m delighted you signed up for Option 3 of the Balloon Fiesta HOP; you’re going to have a great time! During the mass ascension, when 600 balloons arise, it’s a very impressive site! Plus, there are a number of great activities planned; so much to take in, so little time to see and do it all! I have emailed my contact point at the Balloon Fiesta to see if we can come in earlier/stay later. As soon as I hear from her, I’ll let you know. I am looking for people to help on the parking team. If you are interested, please email me at headout@escapees.com. Thanks for your email. Have a good day. Lisa Koca HOP Director Escapees RV Club 100 Rainbow Dr. Livingston, Texas 77351 888-757-2582 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Head Out - HOP Posted May 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 Hi Bob, Sorry, I’m so late getting this to you but was waiting on the Balloon Fiesta (RV Parking) committee. You can arrive as early as Sept. 28th for the Balloon Fiesta HOP. Since the HOP doesn’t start until Oct 2, please let the Fiesta parkers know you are with the Escapees HOP. That way, they will park you in the correct area for the HOP. Please have your HOP parking sign displayed in your windshield, when you park. This will let the HOP hosts know you are with the HOP, once they arrive. We can stay until Monday, Oct. 12th but will need to leave no later than 12 noon. You will pay the RV park office, once you are in the parking area for any extra days. Thanks for signing up for the Balloon Fiesta HOP. You will have a wonderful time! See you at the HOP! Have a good day. Lisa Koca #86367 HOP Director Escapees RV Club 100 Rainbow Dr. Livingston, Texas 77351 888-757-2582 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Head Out - HOP Posted September 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2015 The Balloon Fiesta HOP sold out and I want to thank everyone who registered for this spectacular HOP! At this time we have a waiting list, please call 888-757-2582. See you at the HOP! Lisa Koca HOP Director Escapees RV Club 100 Rainbow Dr. Livingston, Texas 77351 888-757-2582 Email: headout@escapees.com Website: www.escapees.com/fun/hop Facebook: www.facebook.com/escapeeshops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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