One of Albuquerque’s most popular events surges ahead even as the delta variant is driving up the number of COVID-19 cases anew.
Despite growing concern of its cancellation, organizers of the 49th International Balloon Fiesta assert no changes in plans, and as far as Balloon Fiesta spokesman Tom Garrity is concerned, the event is still slated for Oct. 2.
“You know there’s always stress associated the closer we get to Balloon Fiesta, and so that stress is already there. We don’t need to buy any trouble right now,” Garrity told KRQE. “We’re already taking a lot of the precautions and we’re taking them very seriously.”
The station reported that similar events in nearby states have been cancelled.
The Balloon Fiesta’s website bills the event as “an enchanted world of special-shaped balloon rodeos, twilight balloon glows, and vibrant balloon-filled skies.”
It’s expected to host nearly 900,000 visitors who come to view the more than 500 hot air balloons for nine days in October.
Garrity said that spectators will be encouraged to take advantage of the entire 83 acres allotted for the Balloon Fiesta, and organizers have moved some events to encourage less crowding.
While the event is primarily outdoors, guests will be required to don masks when indoors in accordance with state law, KRQE reported.