Balloon Fiesta HOP Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta October 5 October 10, 2018 October 10 October 14, 2018 October 5 - October 14, 2018 Balloons, balloons and more balloons! If this world premiere event is on your bucket list, then join SKP friends for the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Each morning as dawn breaks over the majestic Sandia Mountains, the skies will be filled with 600 bright, beautiful and palatial hot-air balloons from all over the world. From its modest beginnings in 1972, the Balloon Fiesta has grown into the largest International Balloon Fiesta with a 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park, with the launch field being the size of 78 acres (54 football fields). It is the most photographed hot-air balloon festival in the world, with some events having an excess of 80,000 people in attendance. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the only Balloon Fiesta where the box effect comes into play. The box effect is a special wind pattern that helps pilots navigate their balloons in a vertical, rectangular
path, allowing them to return to the launch field, or even right next to your RV. The Dawn Patrol lifts off first in the dark, with specially fitted lights, to observe weather conditions at different altitudes, such as the wind speed and its direction. Upon approval, the balloons lift off in a mass ascension. The Zebras, dressed in black and white, coordinate the launching of the balloons. One of the most exciting events is the Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension, where balloonists wave their own national flag during the launch. Even though there are always traditionally-shaped balloons, there will be various specialty shapes, too. Some of most popular are the cow, sun, pig, stagecoach, clock, skunk, the Lady bug and the sweetest mother, daddy and baby bumblebees. The bumblebee s hands have Velcro, so when they touch in midair, it appears they are holding hands. When visiting any of the balloon pilots, remember to ask them for one of the trading cards which will explain all the pertinent information about their balloon. This fiesta also hosts the Gas Balloons - America's Challenge race, with the winner being the one that has traveled the farthest. Some of the gas balloons have gone as far as the East Coast and into Canada, and you can track their progress on the Fiesta website.
On the launch field, at dusk, you can see the burners of the balloons ignite and watch the evening sky fill with a bouquet of bright colors, as they lift off. The nights will finish with an extraordinary display of fireworks. Escapees will have Boondocking, rally style parking and a private tent for inclement weather, socials, games and catered dinners. There will be a considerable amount of walking, so please bring comfortable walking shoes, as well as binoculars and a camera to capture those once-ina-lifetime special moments. Early arrival dates - Options 1 and 3 Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend early arrivals for parking with Options 1 and 3 only. We recommend that you make reservations if you want to arrive early (between October 2-4, 2018). On the early days, you are welcome to arrive from 8:00 11:00 a.m. The early arrival price is $22.50 per night. Please call the HOP department, at 888-757-2582, to make your early arrival arrangements. Early parking is not available for Option #2 Option 2 sites will not be available until Option #1 leaves. If you are registered for Option #2 and want to arrive early, you may call the Balloon Fiesta for any additional parking (on dates outside of the HOP
event) and pay them directly. You will be parked in the Fiesta camping area, but will need to move your rig to the HOP camping location on the Option 2 HOP arrival date and time. Three options will be offered for The Balloon Fiesta HOP. You may purchase option #1: the first five days (arriving October 5 and leaving the morning of October 10), which will include the traditionallyshaped balloons, a special presentation by an experienced hot-air balloon pilot and two entrance tickets per person, for going into the balloon launch field, plus the activities below. Friday, Oct. 5 Welcome Options 1 and 3 Balloon pilot presentation Saturday, Oct. 6 Opening Ceremonies Mass Ascension Twilight Twinkle Glow Sunday, Oct. 7 Mass Ascension Fiesta of Wheels Car Show Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading
Balloon Glow Monday, Oct. 8 Balloons Launch Balloon Competition Flying Tuesday, Oct. 9 Balloons Launch Balloon Competition Flying Farewell catered dinner Wednesday, Oct. 10 Option #1 - Safe travels! **Subject to change. Rain or shine. **Includes considerable walking; please wear comfortable walking shoes. **Special dietary requests cannot be accommodated. Prices for Option #1: October 5-10, 2018 Two-person rig: $1075.00 Each additional person in RV: $725.00 One-person rig: $950.00 Option #1: Can park early on October 2, 3 or 4 th for $22.50 per day. Please let headquarters know which early days you will be parking when you register for this HOP. You may purchase option #2: the last five days (arriving the morning of October 10 and leaving on October 14), which will include the traditional shape balloons, the special shape balloons and two entrance tickets per person, into the balloon launch field, plus the activities below.
Wednesday, Oct. 10 Option #2 - Welcome to the Balloon Fiesta HOP! Thursday, Oct. 11 Special Shape Rodeo Special Shape Glowdeo Friday, Oct. 12 Special Shape Rodeo Balloon Launch Competition Flying Begins Special Shape Glowdeo Saturday, Oct. 13 Mass Ascension Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading Music Fiesta (extra charge) Farewell
Night Magic Glow Sunday, Oct. 14 Farewell Mass Ascension ** Subject to change. Rain or shine. **Includes considerable walking; please wear comfortable walking shoes. **Special dietary requests cannot be accommodated. Prices for Option #2 October 10 14, 2018 Two-person rig: $1,085.00 Each additional person in RV: $725.00 One-person rig: $975.00 Option #2 Early parking for option #2 is not available for the HOP. Or, you can purchase option #3: the entire stay at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which will include four tickets per person, entrance into the balloon launch field, plus the activities below for ten days and nine nights. Friday, Oct. 5 Welcome to the Balloon Fiesta HOP! Balloon pilot presentation Saturday, Oct. 6 Opening Ceremonies Mass Ascension
Twilight Twinkle Glow America s Challenge Gas Balloon Launch AfterGlow Fireworks Show Sunday, Oct. 7 Mass Ascension Fiesta of Wheels Car Show Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading Dinner Balloon Glow AfterGlow Fireworks Show Monday, Oct. 8 Dawn Patrol Balloons launch Balloon Competition Flying Begins Tuesday, Oct. 9 Dawn Patrol Balloons launch Balloon Competition Flying Begins Farewell catered dinner Wednesday, Oct. 10 Welcome to the Balloon Fiesta HOP!
Thursday, Oct. 11 Dawn Patrol Special Shape Rodeo Balloon Competition Flying Begins Special Shape Glowdeo Friday, Oct. 12 Dawn Patrol Special Shape Rodeo Balloon Launch Competition Flying begins Special Shape Glowdeo Saturday, Oct. 13 Mass Ascension Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading Music Fiesta (Extra charge) Farewell Night Magic Glow Sunday, Oct. 14
Farewell Mass Ascension ** Subject to change. Rain or shine. **Includes considerable walking; please wear comfortable walking shoes. **Special dietary requests cannot be accommodated. Prices for Option #3: Oct. 5 14, 2018 Two-person rig: $1,275.00 Each additional person in RV: $825.00 One-person rig: $999.00 Option #3 Can park early on October 2, 3 or 4 for $22.50 per day. Please let headquarters know which early days you will be parking when you register for this HOP. Registration includes: RV parking at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Entrance tickets to the balloon launch field Access to the flying competitions and dinner Private party tent with tables and chairs for inclement weather Games Prizes Your HOP hosts Souvenir HOP name tag Gratuities And much more! Payment options: Pay half of the fee upon registration and then make monthly payments. The balance is due 60 days before the event. Ask the HOP department about this payment option. Note: Non-Escapees members are welcome to attend, too! We d love to have you.
There is a $50.00 charge for nonmembers on land HOPs. However, if you join Escapees, the $50.00 will be waived. To join the Escapees RV Club, please call, toll-free, at 888-757-2582. To register for this HOP, contact: The HOP Department 888-757-2582 or 936-327-8873 For more information, email hopinfo@escapees.com Confirmation email Once registered, a confirmation notification will be sent via email regarding pertinent information such as RV Park address, tour dates, times, etc. Please, make sure Escapees has your current email address on file. If you do not receive it, please check your spam files, or email us at: hopinfo@escapeescom. Trip cancellation and interruption Insurance We highly suggest that you protect your investment on this HOP by purchasing trip insurance. If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, you might consider purchasing cancellation insurance. Insurance can also help with covering other unexpected emergencies while on the trip. You can get more information about this insurance, such as pricing and coverage, by calling the Escapees Travel Agency, 855-757-8881, or email them at: eta@escapees.com. View HOP Cancellation Policy: www.escapees.com/fun/hops/cancellation-policy View upcoming HOPs: https://www.escapees.com/fun/hops Visit the HOP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/escapeeshops
Escapees Club News: The HOPs, or any other Escapees RV Club information, can be sent to you via Club News. Stay informed with important club updates, advocacy issues and promotion items, by going to: https://www.escapees.com/aboutus/club-benefits then click the sign-up button on the left-hand side. Discussion Forum: Escapees has an informative discussion forum. To access this forum, go to: http://www.rvnetwork.com. Physical Needs for HOP Escapees Inc. will attempt to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled attendees when it is within our control to do so. Please advise us of any special needs as early as possible so we can make arrangements. By attending this event, you are agreeing to the following: As an attendee, you assume all risk and danger relating to your personal property, RV, and attendance at the HOP event, whether occurring prior to, during or after the event. In the event of loss or theft, no claim will be made upon Escapees, its volunteers, employees or agents. Volunteers may be directing and assisting you in the parking areas. It is, however, the driver of the RV or other vehicle who is ultimately responsible for avoiding obstacles or dangerous situations and is solely responsible for any damage to one s property or the property of others. As an attendee at this event, you are granting your permission to be filmed, videotaped, audiotaped or photographed and are granting full use without compensation. See you at the HOP! Lisa Koca HOP Director For Cruise HOPs, call: Escapees Travel Agency 855-757-8881 (Toll Free) Escapees RV Club 100 Rainbow Drive Livingston, Texas 77351 888-757-2582 www.escapees.com/fun/hops www.facebook.com/escapeeshops