October 2024

At the 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Cheri White and Mark Sullivan will enjoy the prime spot—soaring high above Albuquerque in the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Hot Air Balloon.

Celebrated as the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, the balloon fiesta promises an extraordinary lineup Oct. 5-13. Cheri and Mark will pilot the balloon over the picturesque Albuquerque landscape alongside more than 550 colorful balloons in an array of shapes, themes and designs.

This is the 25th year of flight for the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Hot Air Balloon, which takes to the skies at electric cooperative annual meetings and special events. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives is a national network of more than 800 energy cooperatives serving 30 million members across 46 states. It shares resources and services to help co-ops better engage and serve their members.

The Touchstone balloon program began in 1999 when Cheri competed in the National Hot Air Balloon Championship under the Touchstone Energy banner. Her remarkable performance—winning the women’s division and finishing 10th overall—captured media attention and demonstrated the balloon’s potential to connect with communities.
As enthusiasm grew, Cheri stepped up as general manager and chief pilot for Cooperative Balloon Associates, which manages the balloon program and its five balloons.

“We started with just one hot air balloon, and now we have expanded to five, with support vehicles positioned across the country,” Cheri says. “During peak periods, all five balloons might be flying at different events on the same day. We have bases in New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas. Our balloons have flown in nearly every state except Hawaii and Alaska.”

Mark, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, is no stranger to ballooning. He claimed victory at the North American Hot Air Balloon Championship in 1992 and the U.S. National Gas Balloon Championship in 1995. Mark can be found flying the Touchstone Energy Hot Air Balloon in New Mexico at the Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta in Truth or Consequences, Great American Duck Race in Deming, and Red Rock Balloon Rally in Gallup this December.

For the past 25 years, Cheri and Mark and the Touchstone balloon teams have provided a variety of experiences, including traditional flights, tethered rides where the balloon is secured to the ground with ropes, and cold air balloon displays, which showcase inflatable balloons that stay anchored. The balloons have been featured at more than 650 cooperative events, competitions, festivals, farm shows and other gatherings across the nation.

“Our fleet includes five impressive balloons, each a 77,000-cubic-foot hot air balloon that rises over 77 feet tall and spans 60 feet in width when fully inflated,” Cheri says.
Each balloon has a 14-cubic-foot basket that can carry a pilot and two passengers. The balloons are powered by dual propane burners, fueled by a pair of 15-gallon propane tanks.

“Our team takes great pleasure in bringing hot air balloons to small communities that might not have had the chance to experience one before,” Cheri says. “The most rewarding part of our program is creating lasting memories for our local cooperative members in these rural areas.”

Cheri and Mark, inspired by their own thrilling experiences, are passionate about sharing the joy of ballooning with as many people as they can. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the ideal setting for this magical introduction.
“I really love flying the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Balloon because it allows me to connect with our local rural electric cooperatives and their amazing cooperative members,” Mark says.

Each day of the fiesta features morning and evening balloon ascensions, where spectators can marvel at hundreds of balloons launching. The event also includes competitions such as balloon glows and races, highlighting the skill and artistry of pilots from around the world. Both Cheri and Mark will pilot their own hot air balloons in several events throughout the week, weather permitting.

In addition to the ballooning excitement, cooperative members and attendees can enjoy a lively mix of entertainment including live music, dance performances and an array of food vendors offering local and international cuisine. Families will find plenty of activities for kids, including balloon rides, arts and crafts, and interactive exhibits.

Whether you are a devoted ballooning fan or a curious newcomer, the 2024 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta promises an unforgettable celebration of color, creativity and community.