WHAT: Visit Albuquerque Valentine’s Day Weekend Escape winner to redeem balloon ride for two

WHO: Contest winner, Jerry M. (Las Vegas, NV)

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at 7 a.m. MST

WHERE: Balloon Fiesta Park - Balloon ride to take place during Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally (Feb. 11-12)

DETAILS: The Visit Albuquerque (Visit Albuquerque) ran a Valentine’s Day Weekend Escape sweepstakes to give a lucky couple a chance to experience a romantic weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition to other prizes, the winner of the sweepstakes has received a hot air balloon ride for two people at the Friends & Lovers Balloon Rally, which will take place Feb. 11-12 at Balloon Fiesta Park.

This year’s winner, Jerry M. from Las Vegas, NV, is a former airline employee whose last trip to Albuquerque occurred more than 30 years ago. He and his wife are set to fly on Saturday morning, Feb. 11, 2012, at 7 a.m. from Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque. In January, Jerry entered Visit Albuquerque’s Valentine’s Day Weekend Escape sweepstakes and was randomly selected as the winner from over 8,000 entries. The sweepstakes received local and national attention.

In addition to a balloon ride for two, Jerry and his wife have received two night room accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque and a $200 Visa card to be used for his travel expenses.

The Friends & Lovers Balloon Rally is open to the public and expects to have 100 balloons in the air on Saturday and Sunday mornings this weekend. The rally has been held annually over Valentine’s Day weekend since 1976.

There is still plenty of time to make Valentine’s Day plans in Albuquerque. For information on hotel packages, special meal offerings and Valentine’s Day themed events, visit http://ItsATrip.org/valentine.

Contact Kelly Ryan to schedule an interview. Please call for information on exact location of the photo opportunity on Saturday morning.