Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 4, 2008--The Balloon Fiesta Park is full of hot air as hundreds of balloons prepare for launch on day one of the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival.

More than 600 fiesta balloons from 24 countries will fill New Mexico's skies through October 12, attracting an estimated 800,000 guests to one of the most photographed events in the world.

This year marks the 225th anniversary of hot air balloon flights and the festival's 37th year.