Nearly 600 balloons covered the sky in Albuquerque on Saturday, October 6, kicking off the 47th year of the
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The festival started with thirteen balloons in 1972 and has grown over the years, clocking in 887,970 observers in 2017, according to
Albuquerque Business First. The hot-air balloons will continue to draw gawkers through October 14.