Featuresfeatures_oldAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2002 – Image Gallery, Part 1Part one of our special gallery from Balloon Fiesta 2002.By Editorial Staff - Published: October 13, 20020PrintEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedin Click any image to view a larger version.Gas balloons getting readyIt’s loud, it’s boring, it’s inflation time for the gas balloons"Why do I always sound like a mouse when we inflate these helium balloons?"Much-needed sand for ballast — fortunately, New Mexico has a lot to spareRichard Abruzzo’s basket — ready for a multi-day flightRichard Abruzzo attaches the national and state flags to his balloonNow all we have to do is wait for sunset …… to start the gas balloon race!Competitors Louis Vitanza and Bert Padelt lift off, eventually landing in West VirginiaThis’ll wake you up quicker than coffee!That eagle is either proud to be an American or intends to pop another balloon"I want YOU to join the Mass Ascension"Bear-ly able to get off the ground"Quit fiddling with it — let’s light this candle!"OUCH! Move over Green, you’re always hogging the bed!"Return to AVweb’s coverage of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.Continue to Image Gallery Two