Imagine hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons in the early morning blue sky attempting to maneuver close to one of six poles to grab a prize envelope. This impressive mid-air spectacle, the Key Grab Competition presented by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., will take place on the Balloon Fiesta launch field at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Friday, Oct. 12 at 8 a.m., and one lucky balloonist will win a new Honda Ridgeline.
Balloonists have to successfully navigate among hundreds of other balloons heading for the same spot, and, per the rules, they may use only the wind to get to the prize pole at the right altitude and the right time. To add even more challenge, the balloonists may only grab the prize envelope with their hands. For spectators, this is one of Balloon Fiesta's most watchable and spectacular events!
Balloons will launch from outside of the field and fly south. Six thirty-foot tall flexible PVC poles will be placed upright on the field about fifty yards apart. The top of each pole will have a sealed envelope. One envelope will award a Honda Ridgeline truck; the remaining envelopes contain prizes from other sponsors.
When: Balloon launch at 7:00 a.m.; key grab begins at approx. 8:00 a.m.
Where: Balloon Fiesta Launch Field
Who: Hundreds of balloon pilots; all are eligible to participate
Spokesperson: Issaac Gooden, Manager, Honda Events & Promotions (available on-site from 6:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.)
In further support of the Balloon Fiesta, Honda Power Equipment is the official generator of the event and the official sponsor of the event's RV Park.
About Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline is a half-ton pickup with some cool surprises like a dual-action tailgate and a spacious, lockable In-Bed Trunk™. Under the hood, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine provides 247 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ridgeline is built on a reinforced, rigid unit body structure and is equipped with sophisticated safety systems and more.
About American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, marine engines, and personal watercraft. Founded in Japan in 1948, Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production of motorcycles in 1979 and automobiles in 1982. The company has invested more than $9 billion in its North American operations, with employment of more than 33,000 associates, and annual purchases of more than $16 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America.
