News and events
05-02-2012
DARTH VADER AND MORE SHAPE BALLOONS TOP 2012 GREAT RENO BALLOON RACE RENO, Nev. (May 2, 2012) – Darth Vader and a fleet of “Imperial Stormtroppers”... more
03-26-2012
Reserved VIP Parking Now Available for 2012 Balloon Race Passes Expected to Sell Out RENO, Nev. (March 26, 2012) – Reserved VIP parking passes for t... more
Balloon Race Named in Top 10 Nevada Events
Weather
News Talk 780 KOH weather
Balloon Race Team
Staff:
Pete Copeland , Executive Director
Tasha Courtney , Event Coordinator
Executive Board:
Pilar M. Aldecoaotalora, President - Sands Regency Casino/Hotel
Steve Trounday, Past President - Navegante Group
Ingrid Drummer, Vice President - Individual (Friend of GRBR)
Carole Anderson, Secretary - University of Nevada, Reno
Mike Klaich , Treasurer - Muckel Anderson, CPAs
Tony Rivara , Pilot Representative - The Great Reno Balloon Race Pilots
Michael Buis , Sponsorship Chair- Pacific States Communications
Ed Buzzetti, Grounds Specialist - Aeronaut Squadron
Board of Trustees:
Christi Quatro, Party Planning Chair- The Chamber
Nancy Gilbert, General Council- Attorney-at-Law
Ginnie Kersey, Trustee - Family Sponsor Representative
Ryan Sheltra, Trustee - Bonanza Casino
Linda Beltran , Trustee - Communications Installation Services Inc. (C.I.S.) of Reno
Karen Nichols , Trustee - Red Carpet Events & Design
Tyler Sciotto, Trustee - International Gaming Technology (IGT)
Staci Johnson , Trustee/At-large - Silver Legacy Hotel Casino
Harry Stetzell , Trustee, Washoe County Search and Rescue
Peggy Stromer, Trustee - Individual (Friend of GRBR)
Ron Smith, Trustee - Voice of The Great Reno Balloon Race
Bob Barnes, Trustee/At-large - Individual (Friend of GRBR)
Dina Kish, Trustee- Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
Liasons:
Sharon Zadra- Reno City Council, Ward 2
Bob Larkin- Washoe County Commission
Jaime Schroeder- City of Reno
Andy Mink- Washoe County Parks & Recreation
Dave Pirtle- Eagle Framing and Art Gallery
Launch Team:
Katie Griggs - Launch Commander
Larry Ratkoviak – Chief Safety Officer/Emergency Services Director
Phil Thompson – Chief Scoring Officer
Bruce Erickson – Grounds & Equipment Officer
Russ James
Jack Glandon
Terri Ratkoviak – Assistant Launch Commander/FAA Liaison
Steve Brown – Weather Official
Larry Jensen
Barry Varischetti - Lead Launch Director
Peggy Stromer - Lead Launch Director
Josh Varischetti - Lead Launch Director
Laura Ingram
Kevin Ingram
Dave Warriner
Skip Chapman
Janice Marie King - Lead Scoring Officer
Shawn Waggoner
Ron Hood
Forrest Griggs - Public Safety
Nancy Glandon - Public Safety
Richard Brong - Assistant Scoring Officer
Darrell Taylor
Cheryl Taylor
Jess Aragon
Angie Aragon
Gay James
The mission of the Great Reno Balloon Race is to provide a premier, safe, family-oriented/tourist-attractive, visually dramatic event that celebrates the joy of flight while remaining free to the public.
