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The skies over White Sands National Park will bloom with color when the 31st annual White Sands Balloon Invitational launches its two-day celebration on Saturday, Sept. 21, followed by another launch from the Ed Brabson Balloon Park in Alamogordo on Sunday, Sept. 22. Thousands of spectators will be there as skilled pilots rise up into the morning skies to hover in a delicate dance, making it one of the most photographed events of the year.
It all started in 1992, when air park namesake Ed Brabson oversaw the very first liftoff of 18 balloons from a lot outside of Alamogordo. Since then, the annual invitational has grown to include more than 40 hot air balloons, with sponsorships from the city of Alamogordo, the business community and the New Mexico tourism department. Balloonists from throughout the southwest take part, and visitors come from far and wide to enjoy the family-friendly event.
This year, the fun begins with a mass ascension from White Sands National Park, Hwy US-70 between mile markers 199-200, at 7:15 a.m. Saturday, depending on weather conditions, of course. Lineup begins at 5 a.m., and the park itself opens at 6 a.m. to allow visitors to arrive early and settle in before the spectacle begins. A word of warning to the uninitiated: Bring water and sunscreen, as the reflective properties of the gypsum sand have been known to cause severe sunburns in the most unlikely of places. Hats are also recommended.
From there, the activities shift to the Ed Brabson Balloon Park, 700 Lavelle Road in Alamogordo, where at 7 p.m. that same Saturday, the Balloon Glow transforms the area into a luminous wonderland backlit by the beautiful New Mexican star-filled skies. Included in the event will be a full evening of performances, live music, vendors and activities for the kids. On Sunday, the second mass ascension lifts off from the Balloon Park at 7 a.m., again, weather permitting.
Entrance to the White Sands National Park is $25 per private vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per person on foot or bicycle. Entrance to Ed Brabson Balloon Park is free. More information is available at WhiteSandsInvitational.com.
