Balloon rally draws crowds, Quad A thanks Rio Rancho for support

During public forum at the March 13 meeting, Crystal Ciarza Moon, identifying herself as a board member and special events chair for the Albuquerque Aristot Ascension Association ("Quad A"), thanked the City of Rio Rancho and its partners for supporting the 2025 "Friends and Lovers" hot-air balloon rally.

Moon said the rally included 68 balloons and more than 300 balloonist crew and volunteers from across New Mexico and beyond. She told the governing body the organizers prioritized local vendors and partners, and staged major activities at local venues the Mac and the Block. "It was breathtaking to see the skies of Rio Rancho filled with balloons from edge to edge," she said, and added that the city received extensive media coverage: "Rio Rancho actually received over 428,000,000 media impressions," a figure she presented during public comment.

Deputy Mayor Jeremy Linentine and Councilor Weimer both thanked Quad A and described the event as professionally run and enjoyable. Councilor Weimer said, "It was very enjoyable, very spectacular, very professionally run," and noted her appreciation for the pilots and crews who helped ensure safe flights.

Moon said Quad A hopes to return in 2026 and requested deeper partnership, including additional funding, more accessible landing sites and broader collaboration with county and tourism entities. She remained available for questions after the meeting.

This item was recorded during the public comment portion of the meeting; it did not require or produce any formal council action.