Special shape balloons in China held up— again

Posted at: 10/01/2009 6:29 PM | Updated at: 10/02/2009 7:23 AM
By: Valerie Castro, Eyewitness News 4; Charlie Pabst, KOB.com

It's been just one international obstacle after another keeping 13 special shape balloons from leaving China and coming to Albuquerque in time for Balloon Fiesta.

The balloons had cleared customs and were getting ready to be shipped, but then communism got in the way.

A national holiday in China has some doubting whether the special shapes will make it to Balloon Fiesta.

One balloon owner says all he can do at this point is hope the balloons arrive in time.

The beloved special shapes have hit another roadblock on their way from China.

Thursday was a national holiday in China, as the country celebrates 60 years of communist rule.

That means flights in or out of the country are a no-go, at least for one day.

"If it's not rain or wind, now we gotta deal with the Chinese communist birthday, so I hope it doesn't hinder it too much," Fiesta attendee Lynn Phillips said.

For Frank Wechter, the holiday means his special shape is still stuck behind red tape in China because of shipping problems that surfaced after a balloon show there.

"My shape is the 'World's Largest Shopping Bag,' which had its debut in China and has never been seen here in the United States," Wechter said.

The "World's Largest Shopping Bag," along with the very popular "Darth Vader" will have to sit tight in Beijing until the festivities end on Friday.

Wechter says no other setbacks are expected, but he hopes to see his shape very soon.

He said, "I'll believe it when I see it. They ain't here yet, but we're hoping for the best."

Governor Richardson and Homeland Security have been able to speed up the customs process, so when the balloons arrive in the U.S., they can head to Albuqerque after about a day.

Print Story