ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The crew of the Smokey Bear balloon hopes to have a brand new one at the Balloon Fiesta this year because the current one is showing its age.
It’s an iconic special shape that catches the eye of thousands of people each year at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. However, Smokey needs a makeover. That’s where Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon comes in. The non-profit travels the country educating about wildfire prevention.
The non-profit said the current hot air balloon is more than 20 years old and needs to be replaced. The group expects the current balloon will only last another year. That’s why they are now teaming up with local popcorn company Cornivore and are selling $10 bags of popcorn to help keep Smokey flying.
“The biggest thing is it’s starting to get porous, and it won’t keep the hot air in, so we burn a lot more fuel than needed,” Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon Chairman Mike Garcia.
The new balloon, being produced in Michigan, will cost $180,000. The organization said it would look like the original.
