Sid Cutter News Today

Sid Cutter is known as the father of hot air ballooning in Albuquerque, and his balloon ride company still operates today.

Back in 1972, balloons were not so common in Albuquerque, and Sid Cutter was the go-to guy as a balloon pilot himself and acquainted with other balloonist in New Mexico

The poster at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a fan-favorite collectible for its new design every year.

This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Back in 1972, balloons were not so common in Albuquerque, and Sid Cutter was the go-to guy as a balloon pilot himself and acquainted with other balloonist in New Mexico and around the country.

Balloon Fiesta begins in just a few weeks, and we've dug into the KOAT Video Vault to bring you classic coverage of the 1998 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The 50th Balloon Fiesta is in the books. As we close this year's fiesta, we take a look back at what made headlines during the 50th International Balloon Fiesta.

Thirteen hot air balloons launched early Friday morning from the south parking lot of Coronado Center in Uptown in a reenactment of the seminal 1972 balloon rally that evolved into the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – now celebrating its 50th year.

Thirteen balloons reenact the inaugural 1972 balloon rally that became the iconic Balloon Fiesta

Sid Cutter's introduction to ballooning was a bit of an accident. Since that first balloon ride, ballooning in New Mexico has blossomed.

On Friday, September 30, Balloon Fiesta will host a reenactment of the first flight that launched from Coronado Center, at 6600 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque.