The Albuquerque aviator who turned a 1972 gathering into Balloon Fiesta, and taught the city to look up at dawn.
Sid Cutter came from a family that already understood aircraft. In 1972 he helped gather balloons for what was supposed to be one weekend. The Albuquerque Box, and the people who kept coming back, made it the Fiesta.
He flew, he promoted, and he kept inviting the world. The mass ascension still has his kind of patience in it: propane, a crowd in parkas, first light.
The park belongs to the city. His name belongs to his family. This is a hometown tribute, with balloons in the picture instead of a portrait.
Independent tribute to an Albuquerque hero. Not affiliated with the person, the family, or any team or foundation that carries the name. We don’t use their photograph. See a mistake? Write dukecitylegends@gmail.com.