ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) –The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is almost here. The nine-day event kicks off on Saturday, October 5, and ends on Sunday, October 13. Last week, Balloon Fiesta officials released a list of this year’s new special shape balloons. KRQE asked viewers on social media what their favorite special shape balloons of all time were.
According to viewers, the clear favorite was the Little Bees Trio, consisting of Joey, Lilly, and Joelly Little Bee. The famous Little Bees hail from Peoria, Arizona
In second place was a tie between Darth Vader and Airabelle the Creamland Cow.
Viewers also loved Armadillo Sheriff, Ham-Let, Hug A Bear, Hyla the Frog, Master Yoda, Princess Nelly, Smokey Bear, and Spider Pig, among others.
The Special Shapes Rodeo started in 1989 and has since become the most popular event at the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. On October 10 and 11, over 800,000 visitors will have the chance to see these special shapes launch in the morning and glow in the night sky.
This year there will be 16 new special shape balloons, adding up to 106 special shapes in total.