A Lucky Winner Will Celebrate the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta With a Free Vacation in October

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Have you ever wondered what 500 hot air balloons look like in the sky? Always wanted to fly in a hot air balloon? Well, now is your chance! You could win a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico this October for the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta celebration.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110728/LA42911)

The 2011 theme, "The Greatest Show Off Earth," captures the magic of one of the most photographed events in the world. What began as a radio promotion in 1972, with 13 balloons in attendance, has grown to more than 500 balloons each year flying for nine days and takes place October 1-9, 2011.

As summer comes to a close, now is the time to plan a fall getaway to the awe-inspiring Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. Better yet, enter to win a trip for two October 5-8, 2011. The getaway is valued at more than $2,650 including:

• Three nights at Albuquerque Sheraton Uptown
• Hot air balloon rides with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Company on October 6, 2011
• Three days admission to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® with Gondola Club Hospitality Suite VIP access
• Admission to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
• Two official Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® jackets
• $200 Visa Card to be used toward airfare, gas or shopping

Visit www.ItsATrip.org/ballooncontest to enter the sweepstakes by August 25th.  

For nine days each October, the skies above Albuquerque are filled with color as 500+ balloons float over the city's high desert landscape. Besides enjoying the spectacle of Mass Ascensions, Balloon Glows, Special Shapes, and exciting hot air and gas balloon competitions, hundreds of booths offer a taste of local cuisine, arts and crafts from across the country. The event is action-packed and so is the city. Festivities and special events take place throughout Albuquerque, so plan extra time to take it all in.

Learn more about Visiting Albuquerque on Facebook (www.facebook.com/visitAlbuquerque) or Twitter: @see_albuquerque or @balloonfiesta.

The mission of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination. For information, call 505.842.9918, visit www.ItsATrip.org, Facebook http://www.facebook.com/visitAlbuquerque or Twitter http://twitter.com/see_albuquerque.

SOURCE Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau