The 3rd Annual Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally was held the weekend of July 4-6 in Raton, New Mexico. It was a small, but colorful rally with only 32 registered balloons. The event was kicked off Friday night with a pilot and crew reception at the Holiday Classic Courtyard in Raton. Pilot briefing followed where everything was reported a go for the Friday mass ascension of this three day rally.
The rally began as a fulfillment of a dream for 18 year old Jarrod Giacomo who had always wanted to fly in a hot-air balloon. Jarrod was spending his summers in New Mexico with his grandmother and his dream was brought to the attention of Bruce Hale by Jarrod's uncle, Chuck Henry. Jarrod was told he could only get a tethered ride in California because of his Multiple Sclerosis and that it would cost around $400. Since Jarrod couldn't travel to Albuquerque to ride, Bruce Hale brought the balloon to Jarrod. Charles Ludberg, Bruce's latest student pilot at the time, came along. Jarrod got his ride that lasted almost two hours. Bruce and Charles and their crews had such a great time in Raton with flying and fishing and hospitality that they decided to do an annual event. Thus the Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally was born. All who participated hope it will continue to be an annual event.
Friday morning pilots volunteered to fly folks with special needs in the spirit of the rally. The day turned out to be bright and sunny but the winds were blowing to the northeast carrying balloonists back across town and into the impending mesa where few accessible roads exist. It was a short flight for most pilots, but the town was pleased as flight patterns took the balloons over the community. Those residents that didn't show up at the launch sight had a wonderful view of the balloons as they flew overhead and landed in yards and fields. Fortunately there were only three PZ's in the area, and from what I could observe, pilots and crews were doing their best to maintain friendly relations with the locals. Horses and other livestock are always a concern and there was an abundance in this community to look out for. Because of the unfavorable direction of the winds, the competition was postponed.
A glow was planned in conjunction with the Raton Fourth of July fireworks show but due to some exuberant townsfolk shooting off fireworks early and gusty winds, balloonists opted not to set out due to the hazards involved. Chuck Ludberg did inflate but at the first evidence of fireworks getting too close, quickly pulled the plug. Perhaps next year there will be a better awareness on the part of the townsfolk regarding the hazards involved with balloons and fireworks and a real glow can actually take place, assuming gentle breezes.
Saturday was overcast with the winds once again blowing to the northeast. Flying was at pilots discretion. Many opted to go south of town to launch from Hwy. 64 and they were rewarded with a long flight back to town.
Sunday overcast burned off early and it was declared a competition day. Pilots launched away from the field and tried to hit the target placed close to the La Mesa Park Airport where the event was staged over the weekend. Three balloonists were close but the majority just had a great day to fly and to do a hop or two to swap out passengers.
This year's Balloonmeister was Glen See. Pilot coordinator was Charles Ludberg and the Official Sponsor was International Bank. The people of Raton were friendly and enthusiastic making the whole weekend fun for all involved.
Raton is located in Northeastern New Mexico on the New Mexico, Colorado border off I-25. Fishing, hiking and camping are all popular activities. Sugarite Canyon State Park is only eight miles east of Raton on NM 72. Museums like the Santa Fe Trail Museum and the Kit Carson Museum dot the area. Capulin Volcano is 31 miles east of Raton on U.S. 87, and Vermejo Park Ranch is 40 miles west of Raton on NM 555 with hunting, fishing and dining at the lodge. All activities at Vermejo Park Ranch, owned by Ted Turner, are by reservation only. Visitors to the area rarely lack for anything to do. Just sitting and watching the sun set can be put on the highlight list.
