ABC’s daytime talk‑show host and journalist Tamron Hall made her inaugural visit to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday morning, describing the experience as “incredible” and noting the warm hospitality of the attendees.
“It’s already incredible. We’ve been here about 30 minutes. First of all, the nicest people in the world, I think, are all in attendance here,” Hall told KOAT reporter Miguel Marquez as she walked among the colorful balloons and families gathered on the fairgrounds.
Hall, who is celebrating the eighth season of The Tamron Hall Show, said the sheer number of people created a festive atmosphere. “We were weaving through what looked like millions of people, and everyone’s like ‘Right on through, go right on through, go right on through,’” she added.
Although Hall could not bring her son Moses to the event, she shared a sweet moment when he looked up the Balloon Fiesta online and reminded her that children under 12 receive free admission. “My son Moses isn’t here, and he actually went online and looked up Balloon Fiesta, and he said to me, ‘Mom, kids under 12 get in free!’” Hall said with a smile.
Seeing the balloons up close, Hall said, moved her to tears. “This is absolutely magical,” she said, emphasizing how photographs cannot fully capture the scale and beauty of the soaring balloons.
The morning’s balloon ascension proceeded after a brief delay, allowing pilots to launch their colorful vessels into the clear New Mexico sky. The event, a long‑standing tradition in Albuquerque, draws visitors from across the nation and showcases the region’s unique blend of natural beauty and community pride.
Why the Fiesta Matters to Albuquerque Residents
The Balloon Fiesta is more than a visual spectacle; it is a significant economic driver for the city. Local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, see a surge in patronage during the ten‑day event, and volunteers from the community help ensure safety and smooth operations.
Hall’s remarks underscore the event’s role in bringing together families, tourists, and longtime Albuquerque residents. Her praise of the “nicest people in the world” reflects the city’s reputation for hospitality and reinforces the Fiesta’s status as a unifying celebration of local culture.
Looking Ahead
As the Balloon Fiesta continues through the week, organizers anticipate more spectacular launches, special‑shape balloons, and evening glow displays. Hall’s positive experience adds to the growing list of national personalities who have highlighted Albuquerque’s charm and community spirit during the festival.
For those planning to attend later in the week, tickets remain available, and families with children under 12 can still enjoy free admission, a detail Hall’s son Moses reminded her of during the interview.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
