Albuquerque Balloon Festival: Pictures

Hundreds of balloons lift off to mark the official start of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta during the first mass ascension in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday. The nine-day event attracts hundreds of balloonists and thousands of spectators from around the world. AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan
A man takes pictures as hundreds of hot air balloons lift off on the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Saturday. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Attendees walk past a hot air balloon as it is lit by flame while being prepared for take off on the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Saturday. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Two men walk inside a hot air balloon as it is prepared for lift off on the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Saturday. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
A hot hair ballon lands on a service road as many others fly during the opening day of the 44th International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday. AP Photo/Andres Leighton
Hot air balloons lift off on the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Saturday. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Balloons launch from Balloon Fiesta field and float above the crowd as they just take off during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, Sunday. Leo York/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A hot air balloon flies above Albuquerque as the sun rises behind the Sandia Mountains during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, Sunday. Leo York/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A special shaped hot air balloon, named Willy The Little Cop, flies during the 44th International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., Sunday. AP Photo/Andres Leighton
Spectators gather outside of Balloon Fiesta Park to watch the balloons take off from Balloon Fiesta field during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, Sunday. Leo York/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Hot air balloons fly during the opening day of the 44th International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday. AP Photo/Andres Leighton
Balloons launch from Balloon Fiesta field and float above the crowd as they just take off during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, Sunday. Leo York/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Hot air balloons are lit up by flame as they prepare to take off on the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Saturday. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Hot air balloons lift off as the sun rises over the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Saturday. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
A pilot is assisted by his crew as he inflates his hot air balloon during the 44th International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., Sunday. AP Photo/Andres Leighton
A special shaped hot air balloon flies among others during the 44th International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., Sunday. AP Photo/Andres Leighton
Attendees watch as hundreds of hot air balloons lift off on the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Saturday. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Hot air balloons drift in the sky as one is lit by flame after taking off on the first day of the 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Saturday. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson