Dozens of special shaped balloons prepare to lift off as part of the special shapes rodeo at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008. More than 600 balloons registered for this year's nine-day event.
Greenpeace unveils its new Stop Global Warming, Save the Climate hot air balloon in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 3, 2008. Greenpeace organizer Kristin Wheeler said with the annual international balloon fiesta starting Saturday, the group thought it would be a prefect time for the balloon's inaugural flight and to spread the group's message about climate change.
Gabriel Tharnish, 4, and his father Terry, of Belen, N.M., watch balloons launch as part of the Dawn Patrol, the first event of the 2008 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 4, 2008. The Dawn Patrol balloons take off before sunrise to give the other 600 plus balloons an indication of flying conditions.
Blazing fuel tanks hang from a hot-air balloon that slammed into power lines during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Bernaillo, N.M. on Friday, Oct. 10, 2008. The balloon scattered debris across the town as it disintegrated, killing one man and injuring another.
Spectators' shawdows cross the field as hot air balloons compete in flying competitions during the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008. The nine-day event wraps up Sunday with a mass ascension.
The shadows of bystanders are cast on the side of a balloon Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, in Albuquerque, N.M.
The ominous Darth Vader balloon lifts off during the special shapes rodeo at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008. The nine-day event draws pilots and spectators from around the world.
Olivia Ostrand of Cincinnati, and Adam Haag of Providence, R.I. watch as balloons take flight at sunrise during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, in Albuquerque, N.M.
Justin Sanchez holds the crown line of the "Kryptonite" balloon Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Thousands of people turned out Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M. The nine-day event wraps up Sunday with a mass ascension.