Albuquerque is the home and birthplace of hot air ballooning and October is the month for the biggest Hot Air Balloon event in the world. However, when February rolls around, a smaller event called the Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally is held and this year about 100 balloons participated. This rally is put together by the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (AAAA). The event has Valentine’s Day theme and is open to the public but is really produced to raise money for charity and to recognize the hard work that the balloon crew members/volunteers do for the sport. Many thanks to Mike (The Pilot) for the ride. More reading:
http://www.hotairballooning.org/
http://www.visitalbuquerque.org/
Spencer Photography 