Hello again friends! Welcome back to another episode of Festival Pass Stories Podcast. This week, we have a live event that’s too far out to be called a festival. Our host Pat Tully talks hot air balloons with guest Tom Garrity of The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Tom’s impressive resume started as an intern at the Dallas Morning News. He quickly moved up the ranks in broadcasting, eventually working as a news director, producer, and reporter. His perseverance landed him a job in New Mexico. After winning Emmy’s in News Media, Tom decided to focus on public relations, so he founded The Garrity Group in 1997. Since its inception, Tom’s company has, “helped various organizations with strategic planning, issue management, crisis communications, media relations and campaign development/management.” Their clientele list has grown exponentially, but the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of Tom’s favorites.

This live event is a visual masterpiece. Host to over 500 hot air balloons and nearly one million people, the Balloon Fiesta will take your breath away. Let’s set the scene: a perfect fall day in the Rio Grande Valley serving as the backdrop to hundreds of balloons of all shapes, sizes, and colors taking to the sky. It has to be one the most majestic sights a person can witness. What also makes it so exciting is the precision of the pilots that man them. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest of its kind. It’s a nine day party, with entertainment of all types. It takes place from October 2nd to October 10th.

You can find a breakdown of the schedule, tickets, and donation info on their website. Also, make sure that you download the app to track the balloon's location at any time during the event. They just may be flying over a city near you.

“When I got there I was just blown away to see all these balloons launching in waves. It was such a visual feast to see all those balloons back then…taking to the sky and flying in the Albuquerque Box.” - Tom Garrity (AIBF)

Catch the interview on Festival Pass Stories! https://festivalpass.com/stories

You Can Find Tom and The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta On:

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Website: https://balloonfiesta.com

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/balloonfiesta

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balloonfiesta/

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balloonfiesta/

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