2024 Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally coming to Rio Rancho

The Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (Quad A) announced Thursday that the 2024 Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally will be held in Rio Rancho Feb. 10-11.

The Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally has traditionally been a staple event hosted in Albuquerque. Quad A decided to relocate the flying event to Rio Rancho as a proactive response to align the event with FAA guidelines, and the decision underscores a commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

This year’s event will offer an unforgettable experience for local balloon enthusiasts and families, with various activities. The rally will feature with RC and hot-air balloon flying events, crew contests and food trucks at Campus Park.

The Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally, originally known as the Albuquerque Cloudbouncer Balloon Rally, was initiated as a strategy to stimulate interest in the 1975 World Hot Air Balloon Championships and the 4th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which was rescheduled from February to October that year.

The tradition of celebrating the hot-air balloon crew is a cherished part of the Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally, recognizing their role in ensuring a successful flight for a hot-air and RC balloon pilot. Also, Quad A announced Debi Ostgulen as its balloonmeistern. She will bring her vast experience and passion as a commercial hot air balloon pilot to the event, ensuring the 2024 rally is remembered.

The role of a Balloonmeistern, a term of German origin, is prestigious in the hot-air ballooning community, referring to the person responsible for coordinating and overseeing all ballooning activities during an event. Traditionally, a woman fills this position at the Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally, illustrating the event’s commitment to female leadership and inclusion in aviation.