By: Josiah Deason, Artesia High School

As the state approaches its 52nd year of cherishing the art of aeronautics, it’s as equally as important to acknowledge its origin as it is to contribute to its continuity, to embrace the enriching qualities and reasoning as to why it remains within the Land of Enchantment.

As most traditions begin, the International Balloon Fiesta began as a humble and compact event before its unknowing direction towards the status of being internationally recognized, with only about 13 balloons attending some parking lot in its 1st year, to where now in its 52nd year of development leads to the participation of over 1,000 aeronauts on a vast fairground, hosting thousands more in the surrounding Land of Enchantment to cherish the internationally renowned fiesta.

Just shortly after Albuquerque’s balloons sailed, so did Artesia’s, nearing its 41st Balloons & Tunes Festival at Eagle Draw on the first weekend of November. Starting last Friday at dusk, will be the premiere of the Balloons & Tunes Festival, known by many to be the Fire Concert, which holds itself as the catalyst of anticipation of this weekend-long celebration. Everyone is welcome to visit and cherish the enriching culture of our state starting this Friday, November 1st.

Josiah Deason is a Junior at Artesia High School.