Old Town merchants hope construction doesn’t deter Balloon Fiesta tourists

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Balloon Fiesta is the peak season for merchants in Old Town, but this year some are holding out hope that tourists make it to them even with Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction still happening.
“I’m staying hopeful the tourists don’t know about the construction,” Marlene Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez is the owner of Old Town Pizza Parlor. She said during Balloon Fiesta it’s all hands on deck.
“It’s our busiest time of the