Hundreds come out for Fiesta Fanatics cleanup event ahead of Balloon Fiesta

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The City of Albuquerque and community members are getting ready for the biggest party in town. On Saturday, hundreds got together in preparation.

Some of the fiesta’s biggest fans gathered at Balloon Fiesta Park ahead of the thousands that will visit next week.

“I’m just so proud of everybody that’s coming here from the parents to the kids to volunteer their time to help out on a Saturday when they could be doing any other thing. They could be playing video games, be on the screens, but instead, they’re here to make Albuquerque beautiful. So, very proud,” said one Cub Scout troop leader.

Around 300 people came to the Fiesta Fanatics clean-up event at Balloon Fiesta Park.

From young to old everyone was excited to help do their part to keep this community clean.

“We take ownership, and there’s a lot of pride here in Albuquerque, and it shows with all these 300 showing up today,” said Bily Gallegos, director of the city of Albuquerque’s solid waste department.

The City Solid Waste Department said community clean-up events have been going on for years a head of the international event.

“We’ve got every range going from kindergarten all the way to fifth grade.”

From church groups to Cub and Boy Scouts to everyday community members, everyone was out with one thing in mind.

“It just helps us to feel good and, like, you know, it’s, like, uplifting to help out the community,” said one set of volunteers.

Balloon Fiesta is something they’re all excited for and love so much.

“Well, when you know you’re doing it for a good cause, it’s a lot better.”

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