January Event Features Balloons Over Las Cruces

If you happen to be in southern New Mexico on January 21-22, 2006, you’re likely to see a very colorful skyline. During those dates, over 90 unique and colorful balloons will take to the skies near Las Cruces for the 14th Annual Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally.

This annual event is fully organized and operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, whose goal is to provide recreation and entertainment with a fun and safe event for hot-air ballooning enthusiasts. The emphasis in on fun and safety rather than on large cash prizes.

The weekend activities will begin with a daily hound-and-hare competition at 6:30 A.M. followed by a mass ascension in two waves beginning at 7:15 A.M. There will be tethered rides on Saturday afternoon and a Balloon Glow, featuring the unique Wells Fargo Stagecoach Balloon, on Saturday evening. The awards banquet is slated for Sunday afternoon. All balloon activities will take place at Swig Field.

For more information about the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally visit www.mvbr.com or call (505) 526-7528.

Located in the Mesilla Valley, Las Cruces is an affordable and accessible vacation destination. There’s a great new wheelchair-accessible B&B just outside of town, and a number of accessible cultural attractions throughout the area. It makes a great winter getaway for slow walkers or wheelchair-users. Consult the Winter 2006 issue of Emerging Horizons for specific details on accessible offerings in the area.