15 Wild Balloons at the 2016 Albuquerque International Balloon Festival

This year at the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival, some of the most imaginative and clever hot-air balloons have risen. This is a list of several of my favorite balloons to appear.

Angry Birds

A crowd favorite for sure! This popular Angry Bird is recognizable from miles around.

The Piranha Monster!

This giant piranha is the killer fish of the skies! Great, now I’m afraid of the air.

Annie the Lady Bug

This cutie is just floating freely on a yellow sunflower as it cruises through the clear blue Alburqueque skies.

Humpty Dumpty

Even Humpty Dumpty made an appearance. Instead of falling, this time he’s flying!

Squirt the Fire Hydrant

Who would have expected to see a giant flying red fire hydrant? That’s what makes the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival so exciting and unique.

Lottie Dottie Chicken

Chickens can fly. Lottie Dottie is proof.

Flying Gator

This green giant has two means of flying, his body being a hot air balloon, and his rocket jet pack.

The Crazy Snail

This snail brought a smile to everyone’s faces. Look how much fun he’s having. It’s contagious.

Mr. Be Happy

That’s right. Don’t worry, just be happy. This happy rainbow boy spread good cheer among the skies of New Mexico.

Copter Boy

A helicopter that’s also a balloon? That’s ingenious!

The Sheepish Black Sheep

He’s shy, but he’s also very loveable. Who could resist this flying cow’s charms?

The Cute Fly Penguin

Bimbo Bear

Even the famous Bimbo Bear makes an appearance.

Ham-Let

That’s right: when pigs fly!

The Lovebirds

Aww, aren’t they sweet!

This was only the beginning. Look out for part 2 tomorrow!