Here’s lookin’ atcha!

Cows do fly . . . and stagecoaches, bees, fireplugs.  Yoda, too!  Just get to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Special Shape Rodeo day and stand among the critters.  Big critters, that is!

It’s Special Shape Rodeo time!

In this third installment of our series on Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta (using our pictures from 2014), we’re showing you the absolute joy of standing on a launch site the size of 54 football fields gazing upward at some of the most unique, humorous, outrageous balloons anywhere.  Special Shape Rodeo day may be billed as a great day to bring the kids — and Albuquerque schools are out for Fall Break on October 8 and 9 this year when the rodeo lifts off — but it’s a great day to be any age at Balloon Fiesta.

You can’t believe you’re walking under a giant frog . . .

A crowd gathers under the big green frog at Balloon Fiesta 2014.

or that Humpty Dumpty isn’t ready to fall right on your head.

Of course, he’s upside down. He’s Humpty Dumpty!!

We even saw Elvis.  And then we heard people saying, “Elvis has left the field” as he floated into the blue. (They really did say that.  I’m not making this stuff up!)

Elvis as he leaves the field.

Of course, the crowd was held captive by Yoda’s spell and those all-knowing eyes.

Ah, those eyes. Those Yoda eyes.

And the Dreamland cow “moo-ved” from being a mere blob of white nylon to a real puffed- up farm animal.

Moovin’ on up: the Creamland Cow!

What do you think of these three lined-up bees ready for take-off?

Three bees in a row!

Are they chest-bumping?

Let’s hit it and then buzz off.

It’s a fun day — and everyone has favorite shapes they look for year after year.  What’s your favorite among the ones we were lucky enough to capture?

If you’re coming for Special Shape Rodeo days — or any day lift-off, for that matter — be sure to leave home early.  (Check the 2015 event schedule — they’re on for 7:00 AM on October 8 and 9.) This is one for the kiddos, but you grown-ups don’t want to miss any sights, sounds, and fun shapes either!

Special Shape Rodeo — what fun!!!

It’s a riot of color and odd combinations when special shapes hit the skies.  And all just part of the fun of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

You have to see this to believe it!

For more information:

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta event schedule: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/event-info/event-schedule

Special Shape Rodeo information: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/event-info/special-shape-rodeo

Oh, the Places We See series on Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta:

Best advice for Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta:  Go early.  Really early. 

Pulling strings to launch the big ones: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta