Airborne debutantes: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta announces new special shapes

Sep. 5—Sixteen new special shapes will make their debut at the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The event takes place Oct. 5-13 at Balloon Fiesta Park. It will include the launch of 106 special shape balloons.

The Zozobra balloon is one of the new special shapes appearing at the AIBF. The balloon is 135 feet tall and weighs 730 pounds. It is modeled after the 50-foot tall marionette that is burned in effigy at Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe each year. The 100th-anniversary burning of Zozobra took place last Friday.

The new special shape balloons will share the air with the event's first-ever pilot from North Macedonia, Borche Paunovki, who will be flying the pink Gnome balloon, according to a Balloon Fiesta news release. Météo, piloted by Alain Bard from Canada, is a weather-themed balloon showcasing meteorological features. Churro, piloted by Heather Watkins, is a dog-shaped balloon with Churro the dog as co-pilot.

Mazu, representing Taiwan, is shaped as the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture and traditions, according to the news release. Mazu will be making her first appearance at the AIBF.

"My favorite part about Balloon Fiesta is seeing the enjoyment and the excitement from somebody who's experiencing Balloon Fiesta for the first time and seeing the Special Shapes. Where else can you walk amongst giant toys?" Jennifer Garcia, AIBF event director, said in the release.

The Special Shape Rodeo will be part of the morning events and the Glowdeo will be part of the evening events on Thursday, Oct. 10 and Friday, Oct. 11.

Many special shape fan favorites will also be returning, including Airabelle the Creamland Cow, Darth Vader, Master Yoda, Montie the Black Sheep and Allycorn.

Also returning are the remote-control balloons. Balloon Fiesta's third annual remote-control balloon rally will feature more than 50 tethered balloons, which are scale model balloons that are about 20 feet tall. These "globitos" are miniature marvels with 14 special shapes of their own, including Dolly the Donkey, Steggy the Dino-Soar and Pengiunette.

For more information about Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, go to balloonfiesta.com.