Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta or festival 2009

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly balloon fiesta that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA during early October. The balloon fiesta is a nine day event, and has around 750 balloons. The event is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. In addition, it is widely considered the most photographed event in the world. Weather conditions are favorable for the first day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The fiesta attracts more than 800,000 visitors. Some 550 balloons from 38 states and 17 countries will fill the skies during the nine-day event. The special shape hot air balloon can cost $50,000 to $150,000.

Those are three of 13 special shaped hot air balloons that have been held for weeks in China in a dispute between a Chinese company and an American balloon event producer. Many are scheduled to fly at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which starts Saturday and runs through Oct. 11.