The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is happening this week in New Mexico. What started in 1972 as a modest gathering of 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot has grown to be the largest hot air balloon event in the world.

Nearly 600 balloons now launch from a 78-acre field (the equivalent of 54 football fields) within the massive 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta attrac...