A sign of the times: Balloon Fiesta mixes tradition with high-tech drones

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Hot air balloons are not the only things that take to the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Since 2022, high-tech drones equipped with a bright LED light source have illuminated the sky and often formed iconic New Mexican symbols.

But what does it take to put on this type of aerial display and what can visitors expect to see at the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? KRQE News 13 spoke to the CEO of Verge Aero, a drone show company that has coordinated shows all over the world, including at the Macy’s 4th of July event in New York City, President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory celebration, and at Balloon Fiesta.

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“We spend a lot of time with the organizers, kind of getting their ideas on what they’d like to see up in the air and then taking those concepts and then turning it into artwork and then, in turn, creating the actual flight paths that the drones fly,” said Nils Thorjussen, CEO of Verge Aero, based in Austin, Texas.

In the past shows at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, lighted drones have formed the shape of 3D hot air balloons that appear to move, the New Mexico flag, green and red chiles, aliens, “Looney Tunes” characters such as Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, Balloon Fiesta messages and more.

On the day of the show, staff from Verge Aero and its partners work with volunteers to place the drones on the ground and make sure everything is functioning properly. When that is done, all it takes is one pilot to start the show. “It’s just a ‘go’ command,” said Thorjussen. “So, the pilot executes that command, and then their job is really just paying attention and making sure everything is proceeding as planned,” Thorjussen explained.

At the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, spectators can expect to see an estimated 500 drones, which is the same amount that flew in 2023. However, there will be new elements of this year’s show. “We are adding some new effects. So we’ll see how that goes for the evening shows, that is,” Thorjussen said.

Drone show schedule:

Saturday, Oct. 5

• 5:45 a.m. Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
• 7:45 p.m. Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino

Sunday, Oct. 6

• 5:45 a.m. Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
• 7:45 p.m. Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino

Monday, Oct. 7

• 5:45 a.m. Drone Show

Tuesday, Oct. 8

• 5:45 a.m. Drone Show

Wednesday, Oct. 9

• 5:45 a.m. Drone Show

Thursday, Oct. 10

• 5:45 a.m. Drone Show
• 7:45 p.m. Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino

Friday, Oct. 11

• 5:45 a.m. Drone Show
• 7:45 p.m. Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino

Saturday, Oct. 12

• 5:45 a.m. Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino
• 7:45 p.m. Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino

Sunday, Oct. 13

• 5:45 a.m. Drone Light Show, sponsored by Sandia Resort & Casino

If you are thinking of bringing your own drone to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, you won’t be able to. Balloon Fiesta Park and the surrounding areas will be a “no drone zone” Oct. 5-13, 2024.

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