ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – On Saturday, Albuquerque kicked off the 52nd Annual International Balloon Fiesta. There was a slight delay, but the pilots eventually made it up into the sky. Even though the event prompts attendees to get up before the sun, many were rewarded with nearly 600 hot air balloons lifting off to the sky on Saturday. At first, winds were persistent, and a yellow flag was raised. A family was just about to head out when they were stopped. A woman approached the young girl with them and asked for help to switch the yellow flag to a green flag. The balloons quickly inflated and filled the air. Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival returns for 34th event Visitors from all over the world came, and even one visitor drove 1,600 miles from Indiana. They said it was worth the drive, though. Officials with the New Mexico Department of Transportation are also reminding residents and visitors about increased traffic due to the festival. Over the next week, they anticipate delays in the area of the I-25 Improved Comanche to Montgomery Project. The fiesta will run until October 13 this year.