One of the new highlights of this year's Balloon Fiesta is a drone show. For those not from this area, here is some information on what you'll see. (1) This is the 50th anniversary of the Fiesta. (2) The 25th is the 25th anniversary of the gas balloon races that take off each year and fly from here to as far as they can go in the U.S. (3) The 'cross' symbol is the Zia symbol, the symbol of one of the Indian Pueblos in New Mexico. It has become the official symbol of New Mexico. (4) The Red or Green Chiles represent your choice when you order New Mexican food - "Red or green?" - meaning which Chile sauce you want for your dish. If you want both you say, "Christmas." (5) The tram up the Sandia Mountain is the longest tram ride in the world. (6) Roadrunner and Coyote are symbols of the cartoon and two of our local bird and animal friends. (7) We have two dominant cultures - Hispanic represented by the Mariachi musicians and Indian represented by the pots and church. (8) The sponsor for the drone show is one of the local Indian casinos. (9) Finally, 'Sid' is Sid Cutler, a pioneering balloonist who was the inspiration for the Balloon Fiesta that started with 13 balloons to celebrate the 25th anniversary of a local radio station. That's kind of long, but it might help anyone not familiar with the symbols of our area. Drone shows are amazing and this one was perfectly tailored for us local New Mexicans.
