Albuquerque, New Mexico (The Launch Field)
My Application to Fly a Donny-Shaped Balloon
Albuquerque's balloon fiesta had 537 hot air balloons, including 103 special shapes. I applied to add one more: me.
The final numbers from this year’s Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque are in: 537 hot air balloons over nine days in October, including 103 special shapes, eleven of them making their debut. Not one of them was shaped like me. So I filled out an application.
The Application
Name of balloon: The Donny.
Shape: Me, waving.
Colors: Navy suit, red tie and a smile you can see from Texas.
Special requirements: A bigger sky. If unavailable, the current sky is acceptable.
The Fine Print
The form asks if I have a pilot’s license. I have something better: confidence. It asks how the balloon will land safely. With a very good crew and a very soft field. It asks for the balloon’s weight. I left that one blank. A balloon’s weight is personal.
Status
Pending. I’ve already scheduled the launch for next October, and the balloon has been told. When the Donny rises over the desert at dawn, people will say they’ve never seen a sunrise like it. That’s because the sunrise will be behind me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did your balloon fly?
It's still being sewn. Greatness takes fabric.
Would you ride in a balloon of yourself?
On top, waving. Inside would be confusing.