Albuquerque, New Mexico  - It is early in the morning and sunrise is still a long way off, but a lot of cars are already parked around Balloon Fiesta Park on the edge of Albuquerque. The city, the largest in the south-western US state of New Mexico, is filled with hot-air balloon enthusiasts for nine days every October during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Whether they have come to watch the colourful aircraft or to float in the sky themselves, all of the visitors have got to get up early because the launches begin around dawn. By the time the hundreds of balloons lift off, the area around the desert launch field -- where temperatures are slightly above freezing -- is buzzing with activity.

The field is big enough for 208 balloons to ascend simultaneously. During mass ascensions, balloons launch in two waves. Overseeing the orderly chaos are launch directors, also known as "zebras" because of their black-and-white-striped outfits.

Besides the early-bird balloonists are those who drive out to launching places nearby for their ascent. One of them is Russ Lucas, a 53-year-old from the state of Minnesota who is in no hurry to be aloft in his balloon, Cloud Dancer, this morning. Lucas, his wife and two female friends are watching the spectacle from the comfort of their truck with a thermos of steaming coffee.

They are eager to see the "special-shape balloons" on the programme. A total of 84 are registered to take part, including balloons in the shape of a castle, a fearsome-looking dragon, a Halloween house and Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

Lucas does not mind that the extravagant contraptions take a little longer to become airborne. "It's weird what people come up with," he said approvingly. Lucas, who has made his hobby his livelihood and offers balloon rides back home, prefers to stick with his Cloud Dancer, whose conventionally shaped bag is simply red with little white diamonds. Weirdness is not his style.

Balloonists and balloon watchers from dozens of countries have gathered for decades to enjoy the Balloon Fiesta. This year's edition, from October 3 to 11, will be the 38th. As always, almost a million people are expected to attend.

Not everything goes according to plan, though. "The weather has to be right, especially the wind," noted Fiesta spokeswoman Kathy Leyendecker. A strong wind will carry the balloons away. On this morning the wind is fine and all of the odd-shaped balloons are able to ascend. The object of the balloons' flight is not to race to a certain point. "You go where the wind carries you," Lucas said.

The landings are often as bumpy as the ascents are elegant. Basically, the balloons simply fall to the ground from a low altitude. Then helpers need to be on hand to load the unwieldy wicker gondolas back onto the vehicles that brought them to Albuquerque.

The farmers and homeowners around the city take the Fiesta good-humouredly. It is not uncommon for balloonists to land in people's front yards and receive a refreshing drink by way of greeting. (dpa)