ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – The City of Albuquerque and its community members are preparing for the biggest party in town. On Saturday, hundreds gathered in preparation.

Some of the festival’s biggest fans gathered at Balloon Fiesta Park in front of the thousands who will visit next week.

“I’m just so proud of everyone who comes here, from the parents to the kids, who volunteer time to help out on a Saturday when they could be doing something else. They could be playing video games or appearing on screens, but instead they are here to make Albuquerque beautiful. So I’m very proud,” said a leader of the scout troop.

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Around 300 people came to the Fiesta Fanatics cleanup event at Balloon Fiesta Park.

From young to old, everyone was excited to do their part to keep this community clean.

“We are taking responsibility, and here in Albuquerque there is a lot of pride, and you can see that in the presence of all of these 300 people today,” said Bily Gallegos, head of the city of Albuquerque’s solid waste department.

As the leader of the international event, the city’s waste department announced that municipal cleanup operations have been taking place for years.

“We have all areas from kindergarten through fifth grade.”

From church groups to Boy Scouts and Boy Scouts to everyday community members, everyone was there with a purpose.

“It just helps us feel good and it’s also uplifting to help the community,” said a group of volunteers.

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The Balloon Fiesta is something they all look forward to and love so much.

“Well, if you know you’re doing it for a good cause, it’s much better.”

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