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Samm Carrasco, left, and Bill Chapel, both of Albuquerque, team up to unload the Smokey Bear hot air balloon on Friday at Brown Field. The two balloonists were preparing for today's Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally, which has 40 hot air balloons registered for this year's event.
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In image 1, Samm Carrasco, left, and Bill Chapel, both of Albuquerque, team up to unload the Smokey Bear hot air balloon on Friday at Brown Field. The two balloonists were preparing for today's Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally, which has 40 hot air balloons registered for this year's event.

In image 2, Ronnie Lavin of Taos adjusts the display at his stand Friday where he'll be selling handmade polar fleece hoods and other items during the balloon rally. "It's a long haul (from Taos) but hopefully it'll be worthwhile," he said.

In image 3, Carrasco moves the basket from the trailer onto a truck at Brown Farm Field.

If you go

•What: Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally

•When: Today and Sunday

•Where: Brown Farm Field, take Main Street north to El Camino Real; Brown Farm Field is a mile north on the right side of the road.

•Information: (575) 522-1232

The schedule

Today

•6:30 a.m.: Greeting and welcome by the balloonmeister, pilot briefing at the stage, VIP tent open for pilots, sponsors and paid VIP guests

•7 a.m.: Mayor's proclamation and official opening

•7:30 a.m.: Mass ascension in two waves

•2:30 p.m.: Afternoon activities begin. Vendor booths open. Pony rides open.

•3 p.m.: Fun launch ascension, Cadillac Kings

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•3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Tethered rides for the public, $2 donation

•5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Balloon glow

Sunday

•6:30 a.m.: Greeting and welcome by the balloonmeister, pilot briefing, VIP tent open for pilots, sponsors and paid VIP guests

•7:15 a.m.: Mass ascension in two waves

•Information and to volunteer or become a vendor or sponsor: mvbr.com, (575) 522-1232.