New Smokey Bear balloon debuts at 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The new Smokey Bear special shape balloon has made its debut. After more than 20 years in operation, it was time for the last hot air balloon to be replaced . The new balloon’s design is similar to that of the previous one, but this version features a more realistic fur pattern on the bear and was made by a different manufacturer, Cameron Balloons.

The new Smokey Bear balloon made its first appearance during Friday’s Albuquerque Aloft event at Joe Harris Elementary. Although conditions were too windy for flight on the first day of the 2024 Balloon Fiesta, Smokey Bear inflated for a static display. According to a post by Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon , the new Smokey Bear balloon had its first flight on day two of the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Sunday, October 6.

In a News 13 interview with Smokey’s pilot, Elizabeth Wright-Smith, the balloonist explained that this year’s fiesta conditions have been windier and hotter than normal, making for a unique ballooning experience. According to Wright-Smith, the warm and windy conditions mean that the balloons ascend more slowly and use more fuel, fewer people can be in the basket at once, and pilots need more space to land.

The pilot also touched on the importance of the X Marks the Spot program , in which locals can mark their property with a large X if it is a safe space for hot air balloons to land. “Having the white sheets that say, ‘Yes, you are welcome here,’ is wonderful,” said Wright-Smith. The windy conditions make for less predictable balloon travel paths, often making it more of a challenge to find a safe place to land.

The Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon non-profit is still raising money to cover the cost of the balloon’s replacement. If you would like to donate to the fund, click here .

New Smokey Bear Balloon:

Old Smokey Bear Balloon:

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