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Xscapers Balloon Fiesta Convergence 2023 – SOLD OUT
October 6, 2023 - October 15, 2023
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Albuquerque, NM
Balloon Fiesta (Box View Sites - South RV Lot)
Oct 6 - Oct 11 (Session 1)
Oct 11 - Oct 15 (Session 2)
It is that time of year again and we are taking TWO lucky groups of Xscapers to the 2023 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! If you haven’t been before, it is a must-see event for any RVer and it holds a special place in our hearts since it’s where the very first Xscapers Convergence took place!
There is nothing quite as beautiful as waking up in the morning and seeing hundreds of hot air balloons fly above your RV or get up and take the walk to the launch field surrounded by balloons as they begin their ascent. There is usually the opportunity to help crew for the balloon pilots and many Xscapers have gotten a ride in the past as a thank you for helping out.
In an effort to include as many Xscapers as possible in this very popular event, we have divided the 10 day Balloon Fiesta into two groups- Session One and Session Two. If there is space available, we will open it up to staying for the entire event. For now, we are limiting it to one session per SKP number.
*Are you looking for the Balloon Fiesta HOP? For registration information on this year’s Balloon Fiesta HOP, head over to escapees.com.*
Event Co-Hosts
Amy & Joel Henderson
JP Smith & Elena Slagle
Convergence Location: In the Action!
We are in the action!
Parking is in the Box View section of the south RV lot. It is walking distance to the event or you can take one of the free shuttles offered on site (wait times can be long). All parking will be dry camping, so please plan appropriately. There is a dump service and water fill available on grounds throughout the week for an additional fee.
You can find the FAQ’s for RV parking at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta by visiting: https://www.balloonfiesta.com/RV-Information
Live Music - The Border Hookups
Xscapers own Dave and Jacqueline Hudson make up the musical duo, The Border Hookups. With their mix of crafted harmonies, unique take on cover songs, and catchy originals, this husband and wife duo will keep your toe tapping throughout their entire performance.
Schedule
Session 1 (Oct 6 - Oct 11)
Session 2 (Oct 11 - Oct 16)
Friday (10/6)
Saturday (10/7)
Sunday (10/8)
Monday (10/9)
Tuesday (10/10)
Wednesday (10/11)
Thursday (10/12)
Friday (10/13)
Saturday (10/14)
Sunday (10/15)
Balloon Fiesta Full Schedule of Events
Is an Xscapers Convergence Right for Me?
Xscapers was formed to bring Escapees RV Club back to its original roots of supporting RVers who are working from the road. At Convergences, you will find a community of active and free-spirited individuals with a passion for travel and adventure.
About 80% of Xscapers have full-time jobs they do remotely or seasonally. This means we typically don’t hold activities during work hours (with the exception of Annual Bash). Starting later in the day also means later nights. We have found that this can be a factor in deciding what event program people attend.
We try to give the most fun and entertainment value at an affordable price. One way we do that is by boondocking as much as possible. Our events are also a great way for newbie boondockers to learn from experienced ones. We try to divide our camping areas into those who have solar and those who want to run generators when possible.
Xscapers is an inclusive community, connected through the bond of RVing. This means we welcome people from all walks of life, no matter race, sexual orientation, political/religious views, lifestyle or RV type. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
Add my name to the Waitlist
Frequently Asked Questions
There are porta-potties in the camping area, there are no showers. This is a dry camping event.
We welcome your furry friends! If they are outside your rig, they must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pets.
The Balloon Fiesta field plays host to a fireworks show that is visible from our camping area. There is some noise from the fireworks. But not as much as if you were on the balloon field where they are launched from There are no fireworks or open fires allowed in the camping area.
We will have on-site trash dumpsters. Please break down all trash to make it as small as possible.
Please do not plan on arriving any earlier than the time listed in the pre-event email.
If you would like to park next to someone, please arrive at the same time. We will try our best to park you next to those you arrive with. Remember to make new friends and invite new people to join you.
Please arrive full of water and with empty black and gray tanks. There is water on site to fill jugs and containers but not whole RVs. Please arrive with your water tanks full. There is a on-site pump out service for an extra fee.
Cell phone signal is strong for all major carriers. However, there are a lot of people drawing off the same cell towers during the Balloon Fiesta. It may be necessary to leave the camping area for data-intensive requirements.
Convergences are long and can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. It is important to practice self-care throughout the entire event. Here are some things to remember:
PRACTICE SELF-CARE
- Always be hydrating. Bring your own water wherever you go and be sure to get enough electrolytes.
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat healthy, nourishing food.
- If you don’t know what’s in something, it’s best not to drink or eat it.
- Drink responsibly. It is easy to overindulge when you know your RV is just a few steps away but becoming overly intoxicated can be dangerous for numerous reasons.
- Don’t hesitate to take a day off. Check out the event schedule and consider choosing a day to sit out and allow yourself to recover.
- Dress comfortably. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear that will keep you comfortable throughout the event. Consider the weather conditions and dress in layers if necessary.
- Make a plan. Stick with friends throughout the event. Establish meeting points in case you get separated and keep others informed of your whereabouts.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Be observant of the people around you and any potential hazards. Report any suspicious activity to event staff or security volunteers.
- Lidded cups and bottles help keep dust and other unwanted items out of your drink.
TIPS FOR ASSESSING A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE SITUATION:
As much as we would like to believe that all attendees are good and have our best interests in mind, Xscapers are not immune to the presence of sh*tty people. Additionally, we are not immune to the potential dangers of drug and alcohol use and misuse.
If it’s an emergency call 911!
- If you suddenly feel like you’re becoming extremely intoxicated and/or suspect that your drink may have been tampered with, immediately inform event staff, a bash buddy, an event safety volunteer, or ask people to help you by calling the attention of one of these team members. Do not go off alone with anyone. Stay in or get to a group area if possible.
- If you see someone who appears to be overly intoxicated, ask them if they need help. Particularly if they are being led away by someone who doesn’t appear intoxicated. Even if you are unsure of the situation, we recommend checking in. Simply walking up and saying “Hey! How’s it going?” gives you a chance to offer help if you think it’s needed.
- If you or someone around you needs help, seek out event staff, a bash buddy, or a safety officer. They are there to ensure your safety and will assist you.
CONSENT
Consent is the cornerstone of a healthy community. It’s simple: whether it’s a potential sexual encounter, physical touch of any kind, something requiring permission that will radically alter the experience of another person, or involves recording someone’s image or voice, you are responsible for getting verbal consent before engaging. It is neither ethical nor acceptable to proceed without that person’s awareness and clear consent. An impaired person cannot give consent. Children (anyone under 18) cannot give consent, you must speak with their parent/ guardian. Be aware: Silence does not equal consent. Coercion does not equal consent.
It is a felony to give drugs to a person without their knowledge or consent (even if it is meant in ‘good fun’). Don’t do it. Ever!
If you see someone who needs help, offer it. If you see someone being treated any way but wonderfully, step in and be an advocate or contact a staff member or safety volunteer. We are all in this together.
IT’S A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY!
The Escapees RV Club will not hesitate to involve law enforcement. At the very least, you can kiss your club membership goodbye for any violation of our event rules and membership code of conduct.
CRISIS SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
- If it’s an emergency call 911
- List of non-emergency crisis numbers to call (available 24/7)
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 - National Sexual Assault Hotline
1.800.656.4673 - National Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.7233 or TTY 1.800.787.3224 - Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- List of non-emergency crisis numbers to call (available 24/7)
No problem! Reach out to convergences@escapees.com with your question, and we’ll do our best to get you an answer.
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel 60+ days prior to the event: A $50 administrative fee will be deducted from your full refund. (Refund requests must be in writing by 11:59 PM central time, August 7, 2023.)
If you cancel 59 – 30 days prior to the event: You will receive a 50% refund of your registration fee. (Refund requests must be in writing by 11:59 PM central time, September 6th, 2023)
If you cancel within 30 days of the event: No refund will be issued.
We only accept credit or debit card payment for Convergence registration. All refunds will be credited to the card used at time of registration. No cash refunds.
To receive any kind of refund, cancellation requests must be in writing (registration@escapees.com) by 11:59 PM CST, September 6th, 2023. No refunds will be given after September 6th, 2023.
The main reason for you to attend a convergence should be to have fun and meet other like-minded RVers. Networking and making potential business leads is a natural result of being part of an awesome community. We don’t want the Xscapers community to be bombarded or feel like they are a commodity. If the main reason you are wanting to attend an Xscapers event is to sell something, market to, or simply to generate content we would ask that you contact us directly for corporate sponsorship.
Registration Includes
- Dry Camping (No hook ups will be available. Pump out and water available on-site for an extra charge.)
- The Border Hookups Concert
- Commemorative Sticker
- Souvenir Swag
- Convergence Hosts
Price
-
RV Campsite (Includes 1 Ticket) $350
Price includes parking for one RV/ rig and one person.
Must be an Escapees RV Club member.
NO HOOKUPS AVAILABLE -
Extra Person (age 12+) $25
Kids under the age of 12 can attend for free.
-
Field Pass (buy onsite) $15
You will need to purchase a daily field pass available at the gate for each day you would like to enter the field.
You must be an Escapees RV Club member to attend this event. If you are not currently a member, you will be able to add a new membership during the registration process. Tickets are non-transferable.
Tickets go on sale May 17th, 2023 at 11:00 AM Central
TICKETS ARE LIMITED TO ONE SESSION PER SKP NUMBER
Cancellations
If we must cancel the event, or your attendance at the event, for any reason including local health department restrictions, such as those restricting the size of gatherings, you will receive a full refund of your registration fees.
Cancellation Policy and Fees:
If you cancel 60+ days prior to the event: A $50 administrative fee will be deducted from your full refund. (Refund requests must be in writing by 11:59 PM central time, August 7, 2023.)
If you cancel 59 – 30 days prior to the event: You will receive a 50% refund of your registration fee. (Refund requests must be in writing by 11:59 PM central time, September 6th, 2023)
If you cancel within 30 days of the event: No refund will be issued.
We only accept credit or debit card payment for Convergence registration. All refunds will be credited to the card used at time of registration. No cash refunds.
To receive any kind of refund, cancellation requests must be in writing (registration@escapees.com) by 11:59 PM CST, September 6th, 2023. No refunds will be given after September 6th, 2023.
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to the following:
- As an attendee, you assume all risk and danger relating to your personal property, RV and attendance at the event, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. In the event of loss or theft, no claim will be made upon Escapees, its volunteers, employees or agents.
- Volunteers may be directing and assisting you in your parking areas. However, it is the driver of the vehicle who is ultimately responsible for avoiding obstacles or dangerous situations and is solely responsible for any damage to one’s property or the property of others.
- As an attendee at this event, you are granting your permission to be filmed, videotaped, audiotaped, or photographed, and granting to Escapees RV Club the full use of any such recordings or images without compensation.
- By registering, you will also receive occasional email notifications of future Convergences; however, you can opt-out of these notifications at any time.
In addition to the above, you will be required during registration to agree that you will help provide a safe environment for everyone by complying with our health and safety rules, and to release Escapees RV Club from liability should you become ill or injured during the event.
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