Once again, the students, parents, family and teachers will get a preview of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at local elementary schools.

Albuquerque Aloft, which began in 2005, brings the joy of ballooning directly to children in their school playgrounds. This year’s event is set for Friday, Oct. 6, with the nine-day Balloon Fiesta beginning Oct. 7.

Parents, students and teachers will have the opportunity to meet the pilots and crew, and watch and learn how a balloon flies. Albuquerque Aloft also provides city residents and guests a visual preview of Balloon Fiesta, as balloons launch from different sites around the city simultaneously.

While the event is called Albuquerque Aloft, every Rio Rancho elementary school is participating in the event.

Balloonists at selected schools may elect to fly from the campus or may remain inflated at the school site. Weather permitting, inflation is scheduled at approximately 6:45-7 a.m., with launch scheduled for 7-7:30  a.m.