A perfect day for launch at the Albuquerque balloon fiesta. See the photos

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/07/albuquerque-balloon-fiesta-photos/ [login to see] 7/?utm_placement=newsletter
A crisp, clear fall day and an armada of hot air balloons. That combination kicked off the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday.
The fiesta, which lasts for nine days, drew nearly 830,000 people from around the world last year. Since its start in 1972 with just 13 balloons going aloft, the event has become one of the most photographed events in the world.