White Sands Invitational Balloon Festival

September 19, 1998

Mary Saxton

Fine Art Photographer

 All images are Copyright 1998 by Mary Saxton

            Any reproduction of images must leave images unaltered and give full credit to Mary Saxton.
              To receive permission to use images, please contact Mary Saxton at msaxton@zianet.com
 
Dawn broke majestically Saturday morning as people gathered around on various dunes to watch the pilots set up their hot air balloons.
The big gentle giants slowly inflate.
 
A balloon in the shape of a globe was the second balloon to launch Saturday morning. 
Norwest Bank's Miss Penny was soon up, up, and away!
Even Spider Man made an appearance.
The morning remained under heavy overcast skies as the balloons floated over and around the dunes at White Sands National Monument.
The crowd cheered and clapped as this unique Ristra-shaped balloon launched in to the sun filled morning sky.
This is definitely a New Mexico favorite!
After the sun came out from behind the clouds the temperature rose dramatically.  Most of the balloons just hovered close to the dunes and drifted slowly westward toward a safe but sandy landing.