We are going to the Balloon Fiesta in Oct. 2004. Does anyone that's been there have any do's & dont's

Elizabeth....DO NOT miss the Sandia Peak Tramway....one of those things ya do and the first 30 seconds you think why am I doing this...then you top the hill......it is breathtaking scenery...Oh you will have that same feeling when you reach the pinnacle...as the cable car literally inches up to the platform and you look down,down down....we went midday and ended up watching the hang glider peeps and then got a burger in the restaurant...really fascinating!Enjoy!!BTW it is the longest tramway in North America and it is as I recall not far from the site of the fiesta just north of town.

We went to the fiesta last Oct and it is great. On the Sunday Acsension morning, we took the shuttle bus at 5:30 or 6:00 am from a mall on Louisana Blvd (we were staying at the Marriott across the street). It dropped us off right at the site. Because of the wind the balloons couldn't take off at sunrise but did soon after and we all wandered around watching them being filled with hot air and rising - it seemed like hundreds of them. It was cool in the morning so dress appropriately. By the time we left at about noon, it was getting crowded but we had no difficulty. Because we didn't make reservations in advance, we weren't able to do a balloon ride. No matter how amazing it is in photos, it is totally incredible in person.

The weekend mass launches are the most fun. There is usually a night event with tethered balloons called the 'Moon Glow'. Do make hotel/motel reservations NOW! So many visitors and so few rooms not already reserved. Dress warm in layers as it can be cold at sunrise but can warm up later. Lots of film.

1. However much film you bring... double it!

2. Do not drive to the Balloon field. It's a zoo. A good shuttle service if offered from several locations around town and it's the only way to go.

3. Get up early and be down at the field by 5:30. By 6:00 it's a madhouse and you will have to stand in line for your coffee and breakfast burrito.

4. You must have a breakfast burrito.

5. Don't know how long you will be in town, but go the fiesta the first day. Don't put it off. you never know what the winds will be like from one day to the next and you may miss the best day.

6. Wear good shoes. You will be on your feet for at least 3 hours. Dress in layers. It starts out cold and warms up as the sun comes up.

7. Go to at least 1 evening event.

8. Have fun.. it's a blast!