The most unusual and exciting feature of the Albuquerque balloon fest is that spectators are allowed to walk amongst the balloons as they inflate on the launch field each morning. Visitors are welcome to ask questions and meet the pilots--they may even be asked to help out a crew member with the inflation process! When it is time for a balloon to launch, "zebras" (the traffic directors DRESSED in black and white outfits) will clear a path in the crowd for each balloon to take off.