Balloon Fiesta 2021 price, advice, and chase crew

here's a couple tips and tricks to enjoy the 49th annual Balloon Fiesta.  October 2nd -10th, 2021

General admission $15, children 12 and under are free. 

parking at Balloon Fiesta park is $20 cash only.

The park and ride option to avoid the traffic  is $22 Adults, $20 Seniors, $10 children and includes admission. with parking at Coronado Mall, Cottonwood Mall, and Hoffmantown Church

ride your bike to the Fiesta bike valet parking is free. 

Little inspector Balloon - Brazil 

• you will want to get there early because dawn patrol usually starts at 6am with traffic getting in you can expect to leave at 4:30am
• The Balloon Glow usually starts around 6pm followed by a fireworks display.
• dress in layers it can be 53 degrees in the morning jacket weather, by the afternoon its in 70s and 80s a t-shirt will be comfortable. 
• all sessions are weather permitting. If the event cancels due to weather save your ticket for the next session.
• bring a camera, make sure all your batteries are fully charged. 
• there are metal detectors and searches of purses and backpacks at the gate. 
• if you are walking on the field with the balloons and pilots watch the ropes when they are inflating balloons. that rope is going up...

I enjoy the fiesta experience. I like to volunteer for Chase crew. You can sign up day of the event or in advance at the chase crew tower south end of the field. You don't have to drive your vehicle and you get the opportunity to work with the pilots and crew on the field assisting with getting the balloon from a bag in the back of the truck. To fully laid out in your section to inflate. Cold inflate, then the pilot adds the propane to make the envelope float. finally the zebras (launch director) come over and tell you you're next to fly. Watching the balloons fly away is a magical experience and everybody cheers. When you sign up for chase crew you choose the mornings and evenings you are available, you watch an instructional video, you get a free pass for the fiesta and you meet pilots from around the globe. 

Little Inspector pilot and crew 2013

                                                                

Chase crew for America Balloon

Don't forget to get a breakfast burrito and a hot chocolate to complete your experience. 

Check the Balloon Fiesta page for a schedule of events  https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule 

Purchase tickets here https://balloonfiesta.com/General-Admission

See you at the Balloon Fiesta 

Birthday Freebies in Albuquerque and Beyond

The Melting Pot 

I love to celebrate birthdays why not make it special when you go out. 

Here's a few locations that offer a little something extra. 

• Fuddruckers - Free 1/3 pound original burger the month of your birthday. Fudds Club
• Genghis Grill - free appetizer or dessert with sign up. Free small or regular bowl on your birthday. Note - you will receive your offer 7 days prior to your birthday on file, and this offer is good for up to 14 days after you receive. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. This offer and unique alpha-numeric code will automatically appear in your mobile app - cannot redeem based off of this message. Offer valid toward purchase of SMALL or REGULAR BOWLS only.  Genghis rewards
• Jack in the Box - 2 free tacos with purchase. Jack in the Box offers and stuff
• Krispy Kreme - receive a free doughnut just for signing up. Birthday Rewards are valid from the 1st day of the birthday month until the last day of the birthday month. Krispy Kreme Rewards 
• Pizza Hut - Join the Hut Rewards program and score a birthday gift for yourself each year — currently free cinnamon sticks with a $5 minimum purchase! For your birthday, enjoy free cinnamon sticks at participating Pizza Hut locations. Hut Rewards
• Redbox - Simply sign up online and you'll instantly get a free DVD rental. You'll also get a free 1-night DVD rental during your birthday month. Redbox perks 
• Red Robin - one free Birthday Burger Reward, valid only during the month of your birthday. Valid at participating locations only. Valid on dine-in and dine-out occasions. Offer valid once. The Birthday Burger Reward is good for one free Gourmet, Finest, Tavern Double or Big Style Tavern Burger.  Red Robin Royalty rewards 
• Regal Movie Theater - Treat yourself to a movie night out & present your Regal Crown Club card for a free small popcorn. Offer expires in 30 days from receive date. Regal Crown club 
• Starbucks - On your birthday (as indicated in your Starbucks Rewards account), you will receive one (1) complimentary handcrafted beverage OR one (1) complimentary food item OR one (1) complimentary ready-to-drink bottled beverage ("Birthday Reward"). Valid on your birthday only. sign up here at least 7 days prior to your birthday Starbucks rewards
• Red Lobster - one free dessert for your birthday with purchase of 2 adult entrees. Red Lobster Rewards 
• Target store - Let’s make your big day extra special. Enjoy your 5% off coupon! Find your gift in the Target Circle Offers section in the Target app or at Target.com/Circle
• The Melting Pot - a complimentary box of six of our Signature Dipped Strawberries with any menu purchase while dining in the restaurant. please reserve strawberries 24 hours in advance. Present email voucher at restaurant.  Club Fondue
• Tucanos - Club Tucanos members receive a FREE Birthday Meal during the month of their birthday. If you mention the birthday celebration to your waiter they may end up singing for your birthday. Don't forget to bring your photo ID! Offer is not valid until 24 hours after initial sign-up. Offer is only valid with the purchase of another meal of equal or greater value. Club Tucanos

*these offers are all bound by terms and conditions listed in the rewards club info. so you may want to double check your rewards status or call ahead to see if they are a participating location. 

New Mexico State Fair 2021 Deals and discounts

This year is a little different with covid procedures. Here is a link with info for admission. Please check before you go. https://statefair.exponm.com/p/covid-procedures

When: September 9th- 19th, 2021

 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday - Thursday

 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday

General admission: 

Adults (age 12-64): $12 

Seniors (age 65 and up): $8 

Children (age 5-12) $8 

Little Ones (age 0-5) FREE

Tickets can be purchased online here https://statefair.exponm.com/p/buy-tickets

dates and deals: 

9/9 $2 admission opening day, All Law Enforcement Officers get in FREE with valid ID. 

9/10 Friday All Firefighters get in FREE with valid ID or uniform. 

9/13 Monday $2 admission, $25 ride wristband

9/14 All Military and Veterans get in FREE with valid ID or uniform. $5 admission, $20 ride wristband

9/15 Wednesday Dollar Day! $1 admission | $1 rides -$10 minimum purchase | Get $5 off your PRCA Rodeo ticket with the promo code RODEO21

9/16 - $20 ride wristbands | Graze Days from 11am-4pm – every food vendor will offer at least one item from their menu for $3 | $12 adult admission, $8 child (5-12) and senior admission

9/17-9/19 – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEKEND – All teachers will get into the Fair for FREE when they present their district-issued ID or a pay stub at the ticket booth

+Sunday, 9/19 – Get $5 off your PRCA Rodeo ticket with the promo code RODEO21 

Bicycle parking/Bike valet is free  

Lots of free entertainment. music at the pavilion, Indian village artist demonstrations, Car shows on Main street. rides on the midway. and state fair food. 

See you at the fair

 

Albuquerque Railyards and Sunday shopping

 I wanted to get some fresh veggies so I could eat healthier. I don't have a garden or a green thumb so I usually get whatever at the store. I tried something different this week.

Who is it for: All ages, all incomes, there is something for everybody.

What: Fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, salsa, jerky, arts, honey, food trucks, entertainment. all locally sourced. 

When: Sundays 10am - 2pm, May to October.

Where: 777 1st St. SW, Albuquerque

Why: Support local farmers, and vendors

How: by car with free parking, bike with bike valet, Bus, and Rail runner train. They even have curbside pickup. 

Railyard Market is half inside the former blacksmith shop for the railroad. Half outside on the plaza so put on some sunblock. there are over 100 vendors to visit so you may want to allow for a few hours to see them all. There is a lot to see, do, and sample. Bring a backpack or a reusable bag to store all your purchases. 

Alien Mustang

My experience went this way. 

Alien Mustang with helicopter parts

 We were greeted at the entrance with a car show. I like cars. I couldn't resist the alien car. Well mostly car. Its a mix of multiple different mustangs and some helicopter parts. He created the alien to raise spirits during the pandemic. I know it made people smile. 

Then proceed to the start of the market at the bike valet and welcome booth. Here you can ask questions, park your bike, or purchase some double up tokens with EBT. They charge your card and give you double the amount of tokens for purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables and some other vendor items. You can use the tokens at other growers markets in the future. You can also pick up your preordered mixed veggie box with a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. that could kickstart some healthy eating. Next up the plaza with tempting food trucks. So many options its hard to choose. I bought a baklava from Fat City eats and treats. It truly was a treat. I got some fresh carrots, red onions and zucchini from Black mesa farm from San Felipe pueblo. Smoked garlic Jerky from Bar X. I admired many artists designs including Super rad designs Zia empire shirt. I got a steak seasoning spice blend from Chef Rick of old Norse world cuisine. Salsa from Alma's salsa. We ran out of time at 2pm closing time. I will have to return to visit the inside. If you have any Railyard favorites please feel free to comment on this post. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. 

Here is the railyard markets page with lots of info http://railyardsmarket.org/

here is a simple map with a vendor list http://maps.managemymarket.com/4512

Fat city eats and treats

    

Black Mesa farm 

Old Norse world spice blends

Super Rad designs 

Bar X Jerky 

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles in Colorado

This road trip from Albuquerque is only 5 hours and 20 minutes drive time. Easy directions I 25 north to Colorado Springs.

This trip was taken in July of 2019. with 7 people ages 16 -66. 

We stayed in a centrally located hotel in Colorado Springs. 

Dinner at The Airplane restaurant 

The Restaurant is built around and in a fully intact KC-97 tanker. You enter a building attached to the plane then proceed up the steps to the body of the plane with booths along both sides. It’s a nice wide body plane so its not too cramped with a tiny little tray. Plus the food is way better than a package of pretzels and a drink. Try Steak Neptune, Buffalo Steak, Pasta, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. They have a great selection and even the menu is fun. While waiting for your meal you can visit the cockpit of the plane and take pictures “flying the plane”. We had the opportunity to meet Bob Taylor Air Force veteran fighter pilot and saw a picture of the plane he flew in WW2/Korean War on the wall. Here is the link to the restaurant with the menu and history.   http://theairplanerestaurant.com/index.htm

 A visit to Garden of the Gods                

There are free trail maps at the visitor center with several trails to take. You can take a trail that best suits your abilities. The more physically able can hike a moderate trail, or if you have a knee injury you can park in or near the handicapped section and walk flat sidewalks that are also wheelchair accessible. The views and beautiful Sandstone rock formations were enjoyed by everybody. Make sure you bring water for hiking. They have a nice visitor center with snacks, ice cream and souvenirs. The Park got its name in 1859 when Rufus Cable said it was a fit place for the Gods to assemble and called it Garden of the Gods. Free Admission https://www.gardenofgods.com/

Take a ride on the Royal gorge railroad           

The views from this 2 hour train ride of the Royal Gorge, the Arkansas river, and the bridge are spectacular. The History of the area and silver mining boom are given while riding the train. Take a trip back in time to 1890 as they had rode the train while mining for silver and lead. The train is 1950s era so you wont get the smoke and soot on the trip. Your train passes over the hanging bridge where the gorge narrows to 30ft wide. The bridge built in 1879 is suspended above the river. They have multiple options for seating including coach, Club, or Vista Dome with full upward views. the 403 Grill is on the train for Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. The Nacho plate is a lot of food you may want to consider sharing it with several people. There are many fantastic photo opportunities. Train rides range from $44-79 per person. Meals and drinks are available on the train. https://royalgorgeroute.com/

Spend the day in Cripple creek     

 Only 45 minutes from Colorado Springs. this Gold mining town offers a train ride, a mine tour, and casinos. You don’t have to Mine for gold in this town but if you do there are several casinos in town that would love to help you with your winnings. 

Ride the Cripple creek & Victor Narrow Gauge railroad 

Climb aboard a century old steam locomotive that leaves from the 1894 depot and gift shop every 70 minutes. It’s a 45-minute trip with lots to see.Enjoy the views and experience including Echo Valley where you can hear the train whistle echo through the canyon. Train rates $14-19. Because this is a short ride there is basic snacks and drinks available for the ride at the depot gift shop. Please check the page for any coupons discount and promotions. https://cripplecreekrailroad.com/

 Explore the Gold rush era and tour the Mollie Kathleen Gold mine. 

Discovered in 1891 the first claim to be struck by a woman. You start with putting on a hard hat for a 1000 foot descent into the mine. In an elevator the size of a phone booth with 6+ people packed in it. Just in case you are claustrophobic it only lasts 2 minutes. You have to leave behind the backpacks and large purses. This is the only vertical shaft gold mine tour and you get to explore how they extracted the gold over the ages from dynamite to drilling. Highly informative tour with a free ore sample at the end. the tour last about an hour. Rates are $15-$25 tickets can be purchased at the gift shop prior to the tour. Underground temperatures are 50 degrees so Jackets are recommended. http://www.goldminetours.com/

And Automobiles                             

We rented a Suburban to transport all of us. If you are not used to driving a larger vehicle make sure you allow plenty of room for parking. We never did finalize a name for it. The beast got the most votes from The beast, behemoth, or Land Yacht. 

*All prices were current on 8-20-20 please check with the direct website for updated pricing. updated pricing on cripple creek railroad 5-24-23

Fiery Foods show 2020, Feb 28, 29,30th

It’s the 32^nd annual National Fiery Foods and BBQ show. I like a little spice in my life, and here's the place to get it. if you go to the store and just get bored with the selection of Salsa or BBQ sauce come and try a few more. You can work your way through all the vendors taste testing until you find a few you really like.Then buy the ones you like for dinner tonight. There are other people there with items related to this industry. Because you know you want chile pepper earrings, local art, breaking bad candy, a t-shirt, and a few ghost peppers to feed to your friends. With over 150 exhibitors you will probably find something you like.

The show attracts everybody who enjoys flavor with some fire, you decide how much heat you can handle. Plenty of drinks on site to quench the burn.
The show will be at Sandia with parking available and restaurants if you are hungry before or after the show. Just in case you don’t know where it is here’s the address:
Sandia Resort and Casino,
30 Rainbow Rd, Albuquerque, NM 87113. 
Head to the Hotel/Grand ballroom and you will see the signs or the people.
Show hours for the general public are:

Friday, February 28, 2020                         4 pm – 8 pm

Saturday, February 29, 2020                    11 am – 7 pm

Sunday, March 1, 2020                               10 am – 6 pm

General Admission tickets here.
Ticket prices are $10.50 for advance purchase.

$15.50 from February 24^th, 2020 through the day of show.

Children ages 11-18 $5.00, only available at the door.

Children 10 and under are free.

Ticket Questions? Please call Sandia Box office directly at 505-796-7778

The show attracts up 20,000 people through the 3-day run so it may be a little crowded during peak hours. I have been attending the shows since they were at the convention center, so I have found Friday evening is usually a nice preview time, everybody is fully stocked. Saturday everybody is off work so more people, bigger party, but difficult to manage a stroller through the crowds. Sunday some vendors have sold out of their most popular products, but they still have samples and are taking orders (no heavy bags). Stock your cabinets with some tasty BBQ sauce, salsa, seasonings, and marinades. Spice up your life.  

For more information about the show please go to the official site. http://www.fieryfoodsshow.com/

Yes, I know there is no 30th this month but I stole this meme, so I will be revising my calendar.... 

Miss Teddi's 4th Annual MCP Trunk or Treat for CBD/THC patients

Who is it for: Medical Cannabis and CBD patients. Children of all ages.
What:  A Halloween Trunk or treat party
When: Thursday October 31st 2019. Halloween evening 6pm -9pm.
Where: 9901 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM
How: Admission is simply a donation of a non perishable food item per person.
*which kicks off a fall food drive to be donated back to Charity.

Why: I attended this event for the first time last year and found out the people hosting, participating, and attending the event are fun, chill and pleasant. Plus who doesn't love a fun Halloween party which includes a sandwich, a jump house, music provided by a DJ, a game station, decorated trunks with candy provided by vendors that work in the community. Come meet the people behind the products. This event is not created to sell you products. It's to give a safe friendly environment for the kids, and to give back to the community.