ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The mass ascension of hundreds of hot air balloons has been called off on the second day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Fiesta spokesman Tom Garrity said Sunday morning that winds between 300 and 400 feet above ground level were faster than officials would have preferred.

Garrity says more than 100 balloons had already been inflated.

Those balloons became part of an impromptu static display and onlookers are free to come and see them and talk to the pilots.

Garrity says flying events for Monday are still scheduled.

Approximately 550 pilots are taking part in this year’s Balloon Fiesta, which runs until Oct. 12. The event draws tens of thousands of spectators from around the world. Organizers say the atmosphere is unlike any other with few boundaries for attendees.

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