September
7-9   2012

The Great Reno Balloon Race

Event Highlights

The early morning hour acts much like a good cup of coffee without the side effects. The air briskly releases hints of fall. Looking around you see acres of billowing fabric, gently introducing panels of vibrant color into the landscape. As hot air encompasses the material, the liftoff begins and your spirits ascend with the hot-air balloons as they take flight.

The Great Reno Balloon Race is proud to feature the following events for your pleasure and enjoyment.

E. L. Cord Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
In conjunction with the Washoe County School District, and thanks to the generous support of the E.L. Cord Foundation, thousands of students will launch their hand-made tissue paper balloons into the air. This delightful sight is on Friday at 9:30 am. Click here for more information on the E.L. Cord Tissue Paper Balloon Launch and to download instructions to make a tissue paper balloon.

Glow Show
Beginning at 5:00am on Saturday and Sunday, glowing balloons will act as a beacon to those sleepy spectators making their way to the launch field. Each year different balloons participate in this fun show to make way for the highly anticipated Dawn Patrol. Don't miss this year's participants!

Dawn Patrol
A trademark of The Great Reno Balloon Race worth the early rise, the show features a handful of balloons that are qualified to fly in the dark. This is a dangerous task as atmospheric conditions change drastically as the sun begins to rise. Balloonists glow, twinkle and fly along with choreographed music across a darkened sky, leaving the crowd awe struck. Saturday and Sunday only.

Click here for more information on the 194th Aerostat Squadron Dawn Patrol.

T-6 Formation Fly Over
Each morning during the national anthem, just as the American flag is presented for Mass Ascension, spectators will be thrilled by a T-6 formation fly over. Thanks to our partnership with National Championship Air Races, visitors can experience just a brief taste of what the Air Races are all about.

Mass Ascension Launch
 Starting at 6:45am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, over 100 balloons will launch from Rancho San Rafael Park. The splendor of these unique and beautiful balloons thrills the crowd as they enjoy the multitude of vibrant sights and sounds in the early morning light.

Balloon Boulevard
Crafts, souvenirs, food and warm drinks await spectators at the concession line. Official posters may also be purchased here along with official Balloon Race clothing and memorabilia. We encourage you to visit and support our vendors as they are part of the reason this event continues to be free.

Balloon Blackjack
Pilots try their hand at throwing markers at jumbo-sized playing cards placed on the field. Those hitting 21, or closest thereto, at the centermost spot on the cards win the hand of the day! For more information on the rest of our on-field competitions, click here.

Tethered Rides
 After Mass Ascension, the RE/MAX balloon provides tethered rides for children. These rides are available to the general public for a $5.00 donation to the "Children's Miracle Network."

Thanks to the generous support of the May Foundation, the Children's Cabinet is able to provide tethered rides to disadvantaged children. These rides are not available to the general public.

Special Shapes
Each year The Great Reno Balloon Race features a variety of special shaped balloons to the delight of our spectators. In 2012, The Great Reno Balloon Race is featuring the following special shaped balloons: Darth Vader, Strawberry Heights, Smokey Bear, Pondemonium, Shark, Sushi, Planet Earth, Party Panda, and the Soccer Ball. Please click here to view these these special shaped balloons along with all other balloons participating in this year's event.


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.

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