News and events
10-26-2009
Great Reno Balloon Race 2009 Photo Contest Winners Announced (RENO, Nev.) – Judges gathered in early October to take on the difficult task of select... more
08-25-2009
Balloons & Tunes Wine Walk Returns The Great Reno Balloon Race continues into the afternoon (RENO, Nev.) – After waking up for a morning fil... more
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History & Education
History of The Great Reno Balloon RaceIt's hard to believe, but the first Balloon Race was held in 1982 with only twenty balloons. The idea was to create an event that would keep visitors in town the weekend between the State Fair and the Reno Air Races and 29 years later, it has become world-renowned, and locally, a beloved community tradition that provides free entertainment to over 150,000 spectors. Year after year the event brings together the passion and support of people with different backgrounds from around the world that share a dedication to ballooning, family and community. To learn more about the history of The Great Reno Balloon Race click here.
- Publicity & Coverage of The Great Reno Balloon Race
- GRBR Facts at a Glance
- Ballooning Terms
E. L. Cord Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
The Great Reno Balloon Race’s E.L. Cord Tissue Paper Balloon Launch is held on Thursday and Friday of the event at 9:30 a.m. on the launch field. More than 2,000 young students from Washoe County School District and surrounding areas will make their way down to the field to launch colorful hand-made hot-air balloons that they created in their classrooms as part of their curriculum.
The students will discover the wonder and excitement of lighter-than-air flight as they launch their model hot-air balloons off of mini-burners with the help of dedicated volunteers from the community. This special program is made possible by a generous donation from the E.L. Cord Foundation and the support of the Washoe County School District.
If you are a Washoe County school teacher or are just interested in making a tissue paper hot-air balloon, click here for detailed instructions. Please email us if you have any additional questions.
Special thanks to Lou Loftin with the Washoe County School District for his continued support and dedication to The Great Reno Balloon Race and for the many hours he has spent in organizing the E.L. Cord Tissue Paper Balloon Launch.
More Facts About Hot Air Ballooning
Q: How do hot air balloons fly if they don't have an engine or motor?
Q: How are hot air balloons inflated?
Q: How do you steer a balloon and make it go where you want it to?
Q: What is the envelope?
Q: What is the basket?
Q: What is an inflator fan?
Q: What is a burner?
Q: What are tether lines or ropes?
Q: What are "crew" and what do they do?
Q: What does the term "briefing" refer to?
Q: What is a "special shape" balloon?
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.
