To Albuquerque now, where under a desert sky, hundreds of pilots ready themselves to be lighter than air. At dawn, they'll lift off in hot air balloons, painting the October sky in a wash of color.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The new Smokey Bear special shape balloon has made its debut. After more than 20 years in operation, it was time for the last hot air balloon to be replaced. The new balloon ...