Friday morning Artesia’s skies had a colorful look as hot air balloons took off from local schools. Pilots Steve Wilson from Pagosa Springs, Colorado and Steve Mezzancello from Albuquerque were joined by family and community volunteers for set up and initial flights for Balloons and Tunes from Park Junior High School.
Mezzancello piloted the “Remax Hot Air Balloon” and Wilson was at the controls of the “Empty Nest” balloon.
Both balloons flew above the skies near Park Junior High.
(Mike Smith/Artesia Daily Press) Steve Mezzancello hooks the balloon envelope to the gondola of the “Remax Hot Air Balloon” Friday at Park Junior High School in Artesia.
Weather permitting, the festival shifts into high gear Saturday morning at sunrise at Eagle Draw Park.
Live music, food trucks and a fire concert are part of Saturday’s festivities.
The final lift off is set for Sunday morning at sunrise, weather permitting, at Eagle Draw Park.
(Mike Smith/Artesia Daily Press)
The “Remax Hot Air Balloon” is rolled out of a trailer before liftoff Friday at Park Junior High School.
(Mike Smith/Artesia Daily Press)
Steve Mezzancello checks the inside of the “Remax Hot Air Balloon” before it took flight Friday morning.
(Mike Smith/Artesia Daily Press)
The “Empty Nest” hot air balloon inflates before takeoff Friday morning at Park Junior High School in Artesia.
(Mike Smith/Artesia Daily Press)
“Empty Nest” hot air balloon pilot Steve Wilson (right) prepares for liftoff from Park Junior High School in Artesia on Friday morning.
