City Councilor Brook Bassan Helps Launch X Marks The Spot for Balloon Fiesta

September 16, 2021

The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC), The Associated Contractors of New Mexico (ACNM), in conjunction with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the City of Albuquerque’s “City Council Balloon Task force” initiative, announces the 2021 X Marks the Spot. Everyone is asked to make a large X and put it on their property, business or even on their roof.

This is a message to balloonists that we appreciate them and anyone who puts out an X, can win one of nine large gift baskets. This is the third year for the program, and it is a great opportunity for the city to participate in Balloon Fiesta. The initiative provides local landowners who allowed pilots to land balloons on their property a chance to win gifts and gift certificates to local businesses.

Sponsored by the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Contractors of New Mexico, X Marks the Spot, was geared at engaging locals who are excited about the idea of balloons landing on or near their property. Additional details about the program include:

Pilots will carry cards with them and upon landing their balloon will gather information from the participating landowner or if the landowner was not available, the pilot would gather information about the property. Once flights concluded each day, pilots will turn in their cards and Balloon Fiesta officials will draw a winner for each day.

One winner will be recognized as “landowner of the day” at the end of each day’s flying events. That landowner or X owner will be informed that they would receive a prize. The winners will be receiving their packages at the end of the week.

There will also be a Community Service award winner drawn at the end of Balloon Fiesta. This winner will be chosen from our Landowner Relations committee as exemplary patron, committed to furthering community involvement and safety. All prizes have been sponsored by the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce’s members and partners and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many X packages will be distributed by the AHCC? The AHCC is preparing 400 Xs and Landowners are asked to make their own Xs with white sheets, which we hope many will do. The X’s will be available while supplies last at:

Westside

Signature Sweets and Flowers

3322 Coors Blvd NW # 5N, Albuquerque, NM 87120  (505) 833-5400

South Valley and Downtown

Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce 1309 4th SW 505-842-9003

Northeast Heights

PC Place II 9324 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 (505) 293-1867

How did the pilots respond to the promotion last year? According to AIBF, Director of Operations, Sam Parks, the pilots were excited to see all the Xs, welcoming to land and many new friendships were created.

Will this happen again next year? Absolutely, this is a great way for the entire city to participate in Balloon Fiesta, and safe landing spots are essential to a great Balloon Fiesta. Special thanks to City Councilor Don Harris for engaging the task force and City Councilor Brook Bassan for continuing the program for a better Albuquerque experience.