Is it Albuquerque? Not quite.

But organizers of the Amarillo Invitational Balloon Rally, “Pirates of the Canyon,” have big plans for the annual event, which lifts off for the first time since 1986 on Oct. 27-29 at Tradewind Airport, just south of 34th St. between Osage and Washington.

The balloon rally is free and open to the public. Food and souvenir vendors will be on site.

Planners are hoping to attract 15-20 balloons to this event. And the weekend starts with the beautiful balloon glow on Friday evening, Oct. 27 between 6-8:30 p.m. At sundown all the balloons will be inflated on the ground, creating a colorful glowing effect that will please all in attendance and be a great chance for photographs.

The Saturday morning flight will be from 7-10 a.m. and the evening flight will be from 4-7 p.m. Amarillo Mayor Debra McCartt will be on hand Saturday morning to award the Mayor’s Choice Trophy. Both Saturday flights will start at Tradewind Airport. All Friday and Saturday activities are on Central Daylight Saving Time.

The Sunday morning flight will lift off from the parking lot of the Pioneer Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to see this special lift-off. The Sunday flight will be on Central Standard Time.

Host balloons for this event will be Chris Jones, pilot for "Serenity," and Joe T. Jones, pilot for "Quadnickel."

Any changes in plans, especially due to weather, will be posted on www.balloonamarillo.org.

Volunteer crew members are needed throughout the rally. For information, a schedule of events or to volunteer as a crew member, go to www.balloonamarillo.org or call 367-8311.