What a way to kickoff to the 50th #BalloonFiesta! This morning, 13 pilots launched from Coronado Center, home to the first Balloon Fiesta in 1972, in a tribute flight. This video features Balloon Fiesta director of operations, Sam Parks and Jewel Cutter, “First Lady of Balloon Fiesta,” wife to late founder, Sid Cutter. The balloon being flown has a special meaning to the ballooning community. The brand new balloon was specially designed to tell the love story of Sid and Jewel. An enhanced replica of the last balloon Sod owned, this design features subtle nods to places around the world that meant the most to Sid and Jewel. So many wonderful stories to tell about Balloon Fiesta, we hope to hear many more over the next nine days! We’ll see you all tomorrow bright and early!