Hot Air Balloon Ads Taking Off

Pizza parlors, car companies, banks, casinos, housing contractors and real estate agents want you to see their names in the sky.

More than 200 businesses have purchased flying billboards for this week - colorful advertising banners attached to hot-air balloons.

During the Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, only those companies willing to purchase a fiesta sponsorship - starting at $3,000 - are allowed to display a banner within the three-mile radius of the balloon field.

Fees paid by more than 200 corporate sponsors in this year’s fiesta help cover expenses, said Tom Garrity, director of media relations.

Advertisers say it’s money well spent, said Morgan Braden of Braden’s Balloons Aloft Inc.

“A flying billboard is a very good means of advertising,” Braden said. “And the exposure you get is less expensive than billboards that can cost from $500 to $1,000 per month. People will look at a balloon before they do a billboard. And the staying power is tremendous.”