The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: October first, watching balloons rise over Albuquerque.

A century ago, one P.A. Van Tassell, an Albuquerque bartender, inflated a large bag with hydrogen and floated 14,000 feet into the air. Although he didn't know it, Van Tassell had started a New Mexican ballooning craze that has grown into the world's most photographed annual event.

The 31st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes flight this Saturday and continues through October 13th. The nine day event will attract more than 850 hot air balloons. At 7 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday, they'll all take to the air in a "mass ascension." It's a incredible sight, as huge balloons of myriad shape and color create a veritable froth of psychedelic champagne bubbles against the evanescent blue New Mexico morning sky.

And all next week, they will hold other attractions and competitions, such as the special shape rodeo, which features unique balloon designs, from a giant cactus to a polar bear. During evening "balloon glows" this Sunday and next Saturday, an armada of balloons will illuminate the sky with a dramatic canopy of color and light. Races, parachute jumps, a glider stunt show, fireworks, and biplane aerobatics round out the schedule.

Balloon watching and the parties it spawns aren't the only attractions. Nearly a million and a half spectators are expected, but not all will watch from the ground. The festival's central office keeps a list of balloonists willing to take passengers. As the Mommas and Poppas once asked, "Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?"

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