Balloon Fiesta Blends Tradition with High-Tech Drone Shows

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is taking to the skies with a mix of old and new, incorporating high-tech drone displays alongside its traditional hot air balloons. According to a KRQE News report, the 52nd annual event will feature an estimated 500 drones, matching last year’s impressive aerial showcase.

Drones Light Up the Night Sky

Since 2022, LED-equipped drones have been illuminating the Albuquerque skyline, often forming iconic New Mexican symbols. These aerial displays have become a highlight of the festival, complementing the colorful hot air balloons that have long been the main attraction.

Behind the Scenes of the Drone Show

Nils Thorjussen, CEO of Verge Aero, the company coordinating the drone shows, explained the process:

“We spend a lot of time with the organizers, kind of getting their ideas on what they’d like to see up in the air and then taking those concepts and then turning it into artwork and then, in turn, creating the actual flight paths that the drones fly.”

Past shows have featured a variety of shapes and images, including:

• 3D hot air balloons that appear to move
• The New Mexico flag
• Green and red chiles
• Aliens
• “Looney Tunes” characters like Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner
• Balloon Fiesta messages

New Elements for This Year’s Show

While the number of drones remains the same as last year, Thorjussen hinted at some exciting additions:

“We are adding some new effects. So we’ll see how that goes for the evening shows, that is.”

Drone Show Schedule

For those planning to attend, here’s the schedule for the drone shows:

• October 5-6: 5:45 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. (Sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino)
• October 7-9: 5:45 a.m.
• October 10-11: 5:45 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. (Evening shows sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino)
• October 12: 5:45 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. (Evening show sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino)

Simplicity in Execution

Despite the complex choreography, launching the show is surprisingly straightforward.

“It’s just a ‘go’ command,” said Thorjussen. “So, the pilot executes that command, and then their job is really just paying attention and making sure everything is proceeding as planned.”

DroneXL’s Take

The integration of Drone Technology into traditional events like the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta showcases the versatility and public appeal of these aerial devices. This trend aligns with the growing use of drone light shows for entertainment purposes, as we’ve seen in recent articles about drones replacing fireworks for safer and more environmentally friendly celebrations.

As drone technology continues to advance, we can expect even more impressive and intricate displays in the future, potentially revolutionizing large-scale public events and entertainment.

What are your thoughts on the combination of traditional hot air balloons and modern drone technology at the Balloon Fiesta? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of KRQE News 14 / Fallon Fischer.