Love to take to the air at balloon rally

RIO RANCHO — The annual Friends & Lovers Balloon Rally is always scheduled around Valentine's Day. This year, it gets to take flight on the day for lovers.

Balloons are set to take to the air shortly after sunrise Feb. 14-15 during the event that "brings pilots, crews, families and spectators together for a multi-day experience" across Rio Rancho, according to a press release. It is hosted by the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (Quad A).

"It's such a good event to show the love to each other," said Kristelle Siarza Moon, special events chair of Quad A. She said the when there's hot-air ballooning around, it's easy to find joy and forget what going on in the rest of the world.

This year's event is slated to host about 80 balloons, including two special-shape balloons, "which are always a fan favorite and add a unique, playful element to the event," the release states. Additionally, approximately five remote-control, or RC, balloons are participating for "low-level ballooning action."

As is tradition with Friends & Lovers, a Balloonmeistern has been named. Sue Oldenberg's has been involved with ballooning for nearly five decades, including as a longtime team target member, former Quad A secretary, pilot and community contributor. "She was selected on merit for her years of dedication and impact, making this both a professional and deeply personal honor for the event and community," the release says.

Friends & Lovers is also known as a pilot- and crew-forward rally where they can expect "special prizes" to thank them for their "participation and celebrate the spirit of ballooning."

During the two-day Friends & Lovers Balloon rally, residents will be able to see pilots take flight from multiple locations around the city, pending weather conditions. "Several launches will also take place at Rio Rancho Public Schools and Rio Rancho parks, giving students and families a rare, up-close look at ballooning and reinforcing the rally’s strong community connection," according to the release, noting public viewing locations are encouraged in the Loma Colorado and Cabezon neighborhoods.