More than 1 million visitors descended on New Mexico's Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October for the annual nine-day event, which pumps more than $175 million into the state's economy, according to organizers. A kaleidoscope of color filled the brisk air as 550 pilots jockeyed for position after takeoff each morning. Attendees from as far away as Australia, Brazil, and Great Britain clapped and cheered as the 10-story behemoths rose one by one. "It's so colorful," said local resident Saul Jaquez. "I've heard it's the most photographed event in the world, so that tells you something." The event began in 1972 with just 13 balloons and is now one of the world's largest spectator events.
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