At 5 a.m., darkness hangs like a curtain over Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park, hiding the riot of colors, shapes, and sounds about to be unveiled in the morning light. For now, you and the thousands of others entering the gates move like fireflies to the lights along the row of white concession tents.
An all-caps COFFEE sign anticipates both your caffeine needs and your alertness. Scouts shout, “Get your programs! Get your calendars!” But you’re on a breakfast-burrito mission.
At the Perico’s booth, the line is already four or five deep in all directions. No matter. You’ve got time and a craving for a sausage burrito with red and a bacon burrito with green—maybe a Frontier cinnamon roll to share. With your mission accomplished, you seek out a spot on the 84-acre launch field. Some folks have settled into chairs
