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
Volunteer
Become an Aeronaut - the official volunteer group of The Great Reno Balloon Race! New members are currently being accepted to participate during the 2012 Great Reno Balloon Race on September 7 - 9, 2012!
What is an Aeronaut? The volunteer group, or Aeronauts, consists of about 100 individuals providing help in many areas of the race.
Learn more about what it's like to be an Aeronaut in the Reno Gazette-Journal article Volunteers work hard ahead of balloon races.
How long are the volunteer/Aeronaut shifts?
The need for Aeronauts begins on Tuesday the 4th and continues through Sunday the 9th. Shifts range between between 4 - 6 hours in duration. There is sure to be a shift to fit your schedule.
For a complete list of shift times for you to print, please click here.
What kind of help is needed:
- Field set-up and break-down
- Security
- Up-keep of the grounds
- Pilot Gala and Silent Auction - monitoring auction tables and taking tickets
- Pilot crewing
- Other misc. tasks
Join the Aeronauts: To volunteer at The Great Reno Balloon Race, download the Aeronaut application and the Aeronaut guidelines. Applications and entry fees may be sent to: Aeronauts, P.O. Box 20803, Reno, NV 89510. You may also fill the applications out and bring them to the next Aeronaut meeting (see below). For more information call (775) 826-1181 or email us.
Aeronaut Membership includes:
1. Crew training and a crew achievement program
2. Aeronaut shirt and hat or visor
3. Members get to actively (hands on) assist pilots and are an active part of The Great Reno Balloon Race
4. Aeronauts Tailgate Party on the field Saturday
5. Appreciation party in October for all paid members (includes dinner and incentive gift)
6. Second year members receive a jacket
7. Opportunities to assist hot air balloon pilots as a crew member through out the entire year
Upcoming Meetings:
All meeting locations, except September are at SANGA Club at 1776 National Guard Way, Reno, Nevada (see directions below). All meetings begin at 5:30 p.m.
Meeting Dates:
April 18, 2012
May 16, 2012
June 20, 2012
July 18, 2012
August 15, 2012
Location Details:
Nevada Air National Guard SANGA Club at 1776 National Guard Way, Reno, Nevada. From 395 N or S, take the Plumb Lane exit. Head into the airport and turn right on Terminal Way. Go left on National Guardway and the next right. There will be a gate on your right where you will need to give your name. From there it’s a straight shot to SANGA.
Please join us if you would like to volunteer! For more information call (775) 826-1181 or email us.
A BIG thanks to the Aeronauts! The Aeronaut Squadron works diligently to ensure the Balloon Race runs smoothly and assists with all aspects of the event. They are a vital part of the Balloon Race, usually the first to arrive and the last to leave, and we thank them for all of their hard work. They also assist our pilots as crew menbers during the event and throughout the year.
Many non-profit groups also lend a hand each year, such as the University of Nevada, Reno’s ROTC, Boy Scouts of America - Nevada Area Council, Washoe County Search & Rescue, and others who are a big part of the success of The Great Reno Balloon Race. We cannot forget the Washoe County Parks & Recreation staff who have been with us from the beginning and helped to make Rancho San Rafael not only the picture-perfect setting for the event, but also its home.
Without the continued support of these diligent and dedicated volunteers we would not be able to bring you this spectacular and premier hot air ballooning 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.
