Global balloon fiesta ready for liftoff



bal balloon fiesta ready for liftoff

Global balloon fiesta ready for liftoff



ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The sun is close to popping over the mountain top and the hot air balloon pilots are beginning to test their propane burners, beating back what’s left of the darkness and the crisp morning air with each quick burst of bright orange and blue flames.
Fans start to roar, pushing air into the giant, colorful envelopes as ground crews pace along the inflating fabric, ensuring every inch is sound as the balloon takes shape.
The ropes are taught, the fasteners secure and the gondolas tip upright with a strong blast of the burners.
Liftoff!
Hundreds of balloons will be filling New Mexico’s skies on Saturday at the start of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

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