Balloon Fiesta Ready to Take Flight

September 24, 2021 – New Mexico’s premiere fall event is just days away, and we now know there will not be a vaccination requirement to attend this year’s International Balloon Fiesta. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration expressed disappointment over the lack of a vaccine requirement, but Fiesta officials say they are following all CDC guidelines, including social distancing and mask mandates indoors as well as outdoors in large crowds. The Line opinion panel reacts to the decision and discusses how it might set a precedent for other high-profile events in the coming weeks and months.   

Host: Gene Grant 

Line Panel: 
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group 
Martha Burk, political psychologist and author of “Your Voice, Your Vote” 
Serge Martinez, UNM Law School 

For More Information:  

Balloon Fiesta will not require COVID-19 vaccination – KOB TV 

Organizers prep for the return of the Balloon Fiesta – Eminetra 

Balloon pilot in deadly crash had marijuana, cocaine in his system – Albuquerque Journal