BALLOONING

Tom Rutherford is the co-founder of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. His career in ballooning began in 1972 when, as manager of KOB-FM, he helped organize the first hot air ballon race ever held in Albuquerque. He was vice-president of World Balloon Corporation for several years in the 1970's and early 80's during which time he piloted balloons for Budweiser and various other national & international clients and participated in balloon events across the country. He served as the field announcer for the Balloon Fiesta in October from 1989 - 2014.