ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Family, friends, and community members came together at Balloon Fiesta Park on Monday to honor balloonist Scott Appleman. It was a room full of people and hugs as loved ones came together to honor Appleman who died unexpectedly in August at 66 years old.
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Appleman founded Rainbow Ryders in 1983 and grew it into a sprawling business spanning New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah. He served on Balloon Fiesta’s board for five years and was the one who created the beloved Balloon Glow and Special Shapes Rodeos.
Local leaders credited Appleman for making a permanent mark on the state’s tourism economy which just hit a record $8.6 billion. “It would not have been eight billion dollars if Scott didn’t put his heart and soul into pushing this tourism industry to reach those numbers,” said Tanya Armenta, President of Visit Albuquerque.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller also spoke at the memorial and proclaimed Monday as Scott Appleman Day.