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About the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally
Goal -the goal of the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally is to provide a safe and fun family-oriented event that can be enjoyed by hot air balloon enthusiasts of all ages.
History - The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally was first launched in 1982 as part of the Whole Enchilada Fiesta. In 1988, the balloon rally split off into a separate event officially named the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally. The first launch site for the rally was next to Burn Lake. It was moved to Mayfield High School in 1993, and then moved again to open areas owned by Southwest Cotton Growers located on Valley Dr. and Amador Avenue. In 2005, the rally was moved to its current site, historically known as “Brown Farm” field, which is located north of town just east of El Camino Real and southeast of Armstrong Rd.
Features - the MVBR features 65-75 hot air balloons which launch early on both Saturday and Sunday mornings of the rally, the popular Wells Fargo Bank Hot Air Balloon Glow, on Saturday evening of the rally, hot air balloon competition, official opening on Saturday morning of the rally, food vendors, and the Wells Fargo balloon tethered rides for the public on Saturday morning of the rally (all events weather permitting)
Launch Field the 16th Annual Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally, January 19-20 (2008), will be held at the Brown Farm Field located to the north of Las Cruces off of El Camino Real and Armstrong Road.
Funding and Sponsorships - for The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally is through support by local and regional businesses in the form of paid SPONSORSHIPS. The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally has always relied on the support of numerous local businesses through major and individual sponsorships and services. After its split from the Whole Enchilada Fiesta, the first major sponsor for the rally was United New Mexico Bank. The major sponsor for the event today is Wells Fargo Bank. In 2006, 101 Gold FM Radio joined as the official radio station of the rally. Special Rally Sections are published by both the Las Cruces Sun News and the Las Cruces Bulletin
Event Fee - NONE. The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally event is, and always has been FREE and open to the public, and is sanctioned by the City of Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, and the FAA.
Organization -the rally is organized by an all-volunteer committee which begins planning for the next rally in February of each year.
