Photos: International Balloon Fiesta kicks off with early morning flights from local schoolyards

Amaya Hernandez and her parents watch balloons inflate — Tanya Hernandez, left, Joseph Hernandez and Amaya Hernandez watch as balloons inflate at MacArthur Elementary School in Albuquerque’s North Valley on Friday.

Michael Piro, left, helps inflate the Raks Building Supply balloon at MacArthur Elementary School in Albuquerque on Friday morning, Oct. 6, 2023.

MacArthur Elementary School students Dionni Enriquez, left, Legend Zapata and Aziah Perez, watch as hot air balloons are inflated at their North Valley school.

Raks Balloon pilot Frank Martinez, inspects his balloon as it inflates at MacArthur Elementary School in Albuquerque on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.

MacArthur Elementary School students and their family gather around Morning Magic as it inflates at their school in Albuquerque on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.

Raks Balloon team members inflate their balloon at MacArthur Elementary School in Albuquerque on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.

Raks Balloon pilot Frank Martinez controls the burner as his crew uprights the basket before taking flight from MacArthur Elementary School in Albuquerque on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.

The Raks balloon, left, and Morning Magic take flight from MacArthur Elementary School in Albuquerque on Friday.

Jon Austria

Jon Austria Jon Austria Jon Austria Visuals editor

Published October 6, 2023 - 11:26 a.m. Modified November 3, 2023 - 5:29 a.m.

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