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Why is this necessary? I've been to balloon festivals in other places but I can't help but wonder why there is such a need for security at the balloon festival? What are they thinking will happen?
I don't think in all its history anything bad has ever happened at the Balloon Fiesta, save for the flying accidents. I would tend to agree with Alacran and say that because of the sheer size of the crowds it attracts the Fiesta's organizers and the City just want everyone to be and feel safe. I remember the 2001 Fiesta, which was held just weeks after 9-11, many people wondered if terrorists might ever target something like the Fiesta because it attracted such a large crowd. Security was ever present and tight that year!
I'm surprised at the question. Albuquerque has a fairly high crime rate. Why would you assume that there would not be at least low level crime at a large gathering of people?
I'm surprised at the question. Albuquerque has a fairly high crime rate. Why would you assume that there would not be at least low level crime at a large gathering of people?
I have to agree with your post. There are more than 100,000 people in attendance at some of the balloon fiesta events and it would seem irresponsible not to have any security at all with that amount of people in one park. A city of 100,000 or even smaller would have a police force.
The most common problem at the balloon fiesta are auto thefts and break-ins, and there are several news articles that discuss this year's efforts by APD to combat this problem. There is also a big problem every year with auto thefts and break-ins at the crowded hotels during the balloon fiesta. This year APD is planting several bait cars to try to catch thieves.
Why is this necessary? I've been to balloon festivals in other places but I can't help but wonder why there is such a need for security at the balloon festival? What are they thinking will happen?
But you have not been to one as big as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, as it has been the largest in the world. It has over 800,000 visitors.
Their apparent function is to highly scrutinize the very dangerous things you might be bringing in with a toddler.
But yea, 100,000 people in one place, security's a good idea.
Actually, I think Albuquerque deserves some credit for this. The big events: The state Fair, The Gathering of Nations, The Balloon Fiesta, etc... are all well patrolled, but largely unintrusive. I've never had nor seen a problem at any of these events, in spite of alcohol being available at most of them.
Actually, I think Albuquerque deserves some credit for this. The big events: The state Fair, The Gathering of Nations, The Balloon Fiesta, etc... are all well patrolled, but largely unintrusive. I've never had nor seen a problem at any of these events, in spite of alcohol being available at most of them.
-Z
Very true. Albuquerque does great all around with these big events. Traffic usually flows well, and everything runs smoothly.
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Security at the Balloon Festival
