Overview
- More than 100 special-shape balloons are registered for this year's event, a major draw for families.
- Crews began inflating balloons around 5 a.m. at Balloon Fiesta Park, with launch status still subject to weather checks.
- Traffic heading to the park was heavier than earlier in the week in the pre-dawn hours.
- The 53rd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs October 4–12 with daily decisions guiding morning ascensions.
- Earlier in the week, Day 4 saw a confirmed liftoff under a supermoon and a vivid Sandia sunrise.