December 5, 2007 2008 Dates and Sponsor Incentives ... Dates scheduled, sponsorship sales now officially open ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, (775) 826-1181 The internationally renowned Great Reno Balloon Race will paint the Reno skyline again September 5, 6 and 7, 2008 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. What began with just 20 balloons in 1982 has grown to showcase more than 100 balloons and pilots from as far away as Auckland, New Zealand. On average, 140,000 spectators from all over the world come to share in the wonder of this three-day event.
“We are excited to announce the 2008 event dates and would like to invite the community to become
» moreSeptember 9, 2007 Results for the 2007 Great Reno Balloon Race ... Largest Balloon Race in the history of the event ... Media contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, (775) 826-1181 The 2007 Great Reno Balloon Race finished on a high note Sunday. With an estimated 180,000 spectators attending throughout the three days, event organizers agree it was the largest Balloon Race in the history of the event.
“The 2007 Great Reno Balloon Race was a true success,” said Marlene Olsen, Balloon Race managing director. “The pilots, the sponsors, the spectators, and even the weather contributed to a record year for the event.
For a total price purse of $20,000, this year’s Balloo
» moreSeptember 3, 2007 Planning to Attend The Great Reno Balloon Race? ... Transportation, parking, how to dress, etc. ... Media contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, (775) 826-1181 Organizers of The Great Reno Balloon Race have put together some helpful tips for spectators of the eventˇ¦s 26th year of high-flying fun, September 7, 8 & 9 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Tips include important information on how to get to the event, where to park, what to wear, things to do and what not to doˇK
- Parking at the event is extremely limited and traffic can get congested. Use RTCˇ¦s convenient Park & Ride program (below). Park for free at the University. For a donation to
» moreAugust 28, 2007 Tissue Paper Balloon Launch Returns ... More than 1,000 students expected to participate ... Media contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, (775) 826-1181 Thanks to a generous grant from the E.L. Cord Foundation, approximately 1,000 elementary- and middle-school students will participate in two days of the popular Tissue Paper Balloon Launch, Thursday and Friday, September 6 and 7 at 9:30 a.m. on the launch field at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
Students and their teachers will begin in the classroom by constructing hot-air balloons from tissue paper, while learning new elements of science, mathematics, art and history. Then, the Aeronauts,
» moreAugust 13, 2007 They’re Baaaaack…. ... Giant cows, flying fish and buzzing bees come to Reno ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, (775) 826-1181 The Great Reno Balloon Race just wouldn’t be the same without the special shape balloons that dot the field. During this year’s event, September 7, 8 and 9, spectators can expect some familiar shapes and some exciting new visitors to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
Wells Fargo will once again present everyone’s favorite bumblebees, Lilly and Joey. They will lead the pack on all three days as they blaze the path for the Hare & Hound Competition, kissing their way to the finish line.
Thanks
» moreAugust 3, 2007 Support the Balloon Race and Win a Chance to Fly ... Dawn Patrol Club offers spectators a rare opportunity ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, (775) 826-1181 Organizers of The Great Reno Balloon Race would like the public to have a chance to win a coveted balloon ride during Dawn Patrol on Sunday, September 9. The Balloon Race returns September 7, 8 and 9 for its 26th year.
“In recent years, The Great Reno Balloon Race has faced increasing fees, including the rising cost of propane,” said Steve Trounday, Balloon Race President. “This promotion is a great way for us to generate support for the Balloon Race, while presenting spectators with the ch
» moreJuly 26, 2007 The Great Reno Balloon Race Announces its Major Sponsors ... Favorites return and new sponsors are welcomed ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, (775) 826-1181 The Great Reno Balloon Race fans will recognize some of their favorite Major sponsors at this year’s event, scheduled for September 7, 8 and 9 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. However, some new Major sponsors will help to ensure that the Balloon Race remains free for everyone.
“Besides being the only way to fly during the event, sponsorships are the lifeblood of The Great Reno Balloon Race,” said Balloon Race President, Steve Trounday. “Every balloon that you see on the field this year is
» moreMarch 29, 2007 Judges Announce Winners of Great Reno Balloon Race Photo Contest ... Event sponsorship awarded to first-place winner ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181
Judges gathered on Thursday, March 15 to select the winners of the 2006 Great Reno Balloon Race Annual Photo Contest. Nearly 100 amateur photos were received from participants throughout the country, but all three prize winners were from California.
Congratulations to Brian Wong of San Mateo, Calif. for taking first place in the contest. With one solitary balloon against a striking sunrise over the silhouetted mountains, he captured a peacefulness only experienced in the first hours of th
» moreFebruary 6, 2007 Deadline Extended for Great Reno Balloon Race Photos ... Last chance for amateur photographers to win big with 2006 race photographs ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 The Great Reno Balloon Race has extended the deadline for its annual Balloon Race amateur photo contest to March 1, 2007. The photographer to best capture the essence of the race in his or her photo will be awarded a free family level balloon sponsorship at the 2007 Great Reno Balloon Race (an $800 value).
Second and third-place winners will also be chosen. In addition, the photo will be published in the official 2007 event program and possibly in other media, such as magazines and newspap
» moreNovember 27, 2006 Fly High in the 2007 Great Reno Balloon Race for Free ... Amateur photographers have the chance to win big with 2006 race photographs ... Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com The Great Reno Balloon Race is once again sponsoring the annual Balloon Race amateur photo contest. The photographer to best capture the essence of the event in his or her photo will be awarded a free family level balloon sponsorship at the 2007 Great Reno Balloon Race (an $800 value).
Second and third-place winners will also be chosen. In addition, the photo will be published in the official 2007 event program and possibly in other media, such as magazines and newspapers. Deadline for submi
» moreOctober 2, 2006 Balloon Race Sponsorships are a Great Investment ... Sign up now to receive discounted sponsorship fees ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 On the heels of the most successful Great Reno Balloon Race in history, with a record-breaking attendance of 175,000, event officials are offering a special incentive for early sponsor sign ups. By signing up early, sponsors can lock in the 2006 sponsorship prices before they go up on November 1.
“Executing an event the size and caliber of the Balloon Race takes a great deal of support from the community,” said Steve Trounday, president of the Balloon Race Board and vice president of marke
» moreSeptember 10, 2006 Record-Breaking Year for the Great Reno Balloon Race ... Thousands of spectators join in 25th Anniversary celebrations ... Media contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 The 25th Anniversary Great Reno Balloon Race was one for the record books! Saturday’s Balloon Race crowd of 75,000 was the highest in history. Throughout the event an estimated 175,000 spectators braved the early morning chill to celebrate 25 years of high-flying fun.
“ Those of us who have been involved with the event for a long time agree that this was the best year ever, not only because of record-breaking crowds, but also because of the caliber of pilots and sponsors that participated, ”
» moreAugust 28, 2006 Balloon, Jazz & Wine Walk Returns to Downtown Reno ... Balloon Race tradition provides fun for the whole family ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 Celebrate the final days of summer with an afternoon stroll through downtown Reno, along with great music, great art and great wine at the fourth-annual Balloon, Jazz & Wine Walk on Saturday, September 9 from 2 to 5 p.m.
The Great Reno Balloon Race, Club Cal Neva, Harrah’s Hotel Casino, Peppermill Hotel & Casino and the Riverwalk Merchant’s Association have joined forces to welcome Balloon Race pilots, their crews, sponsors, locals and tourists alike to downtown Reno. The community is invite
» moreAugust 8, 2006 Let the Festivities Take Flight! ... Great Reno Balloon Race to officially kick off 25th anniversary activities ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 The Great Reno Balloon Race is celebrating 25 years of high-flying fun and in anticipation of this memorable event, is throwing an official 25th Anniversary Launch Party for friends, fans and family of all ages. The party is scheduled for August 19th, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Reno Sports Complex, 2975 N. Virginia St. and is jam packed with activities sure to please every member of the family.
The festivities begin with tethered balloon rides. Rides cost $5, with proceeds going to the Ball
» moreAugust 1, 2006 A Look Back on 25 Years… ... Balloon Race asks you to Share Your Memories ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 After 25 years of the most vibrant colors dancing across an early-morning sky, the Great Reno Balloon Race wants to hear from the community. A Share Your Memories page has been added to www.renoballoon.com and fans are encouraged to submit their fondest event memory.
“Organizing the Balloon Race is a lot of work and long hours year after year,” said Steve Trounday, Balloon Race president. “Hearing stories from the community and knowing that we have helped to create lasting memories and famil
» moreJuly 20, 2006 Largest Free Hot Air Balloon Event in the Nation Celebrates 25 Years ... 2006 expected to be a record-breaking year in attendance ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 The nationally renowned Great Reno Balloon Race will be celebrating its 25th anniversary September 8 through 10 at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, Nev. What began with just 20 balloons in 1982, has grown to showcase more than 100 balloons and pilots from as far away as Auckland, New Zealand. On average, 140,000 spectators from all over the world come to share in the wonder of this three-day event.
“Where else can you look up and see flying cows, soaring homes, giant bumblebees and a bunny t
» moreJune 15, 2006 Balloon Race and Comedy Club Partner for a Night of High Flying Humor ... Great Reno Balloon Race and Catch A Rising Star present an evening of entertainm ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 The Great Reno Balloon Race and Catch A Rising Star Comedy Club are putting the fun back in fundraising with the second annual High Flying Humor, a comedy show and silent auction, to be held on Thursday, June 22 at 7:15 p.m. inside the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. A portion of the ticket sales, as well as proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the Great Reno Balloon Race.
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Great Reno Balloon Race, scheduled for September 8, 9 and 10, 2006.
» moreMay 12, 2006 Volunteers Needed for 25th Anniversary Balloon Race ... Aeronauts looking for a few good men and women ... Media contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, (775) 826-1181 (Reno-Nev.) – The Aeronaut Squadron, the volunteer division of the Great Reno Balloon Race, is looking for hot-air balloon enthusiasts to help with the implementation of this year’s 25th Anniversary of high-flying fun. A volunteer drive is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 to provide information to the public about becoming a Balloon Race volunteer. The event will take place at noon at Rancho San Rafael Park.
Aeronauts will be on hand to answer questions and provide a live demonstration of how
» moreMarch 28, 2006 Judges Announce Winners of Balloon Race Photo Contest ... 25th Anniversary sponsorship awarded to first-place winner ... Media contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 Judges gathered on Friday, March 24 to select the winners of the 2005 Great Reno Balloon Race Annual Photo Contest. Photos were received from all over the country, however, this year’s first, second and third place winners were all local spectators who captured the splendor of this nationally recognized hot-air ballooning event. In addition, one honorable mention was awarded.
Creativity and the ability to harness the essence of the Balloon Race were among the criteria in choosing the prize p
» moreMarch 6, 2006 Great Reno Balloon Race Seeking Sponsors ... ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 (Reno, Nev.) – Brightly colored hot air balloons, crisp fall mornings and family fun, what’s not to love? In preparation for its 25th anniversary celebration, September 8-10, 2006 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Balloon Race organizers are seeking sponsors who want to become involved with one of northern Nevada’s most beloved special events. Keeping the event strong year after year is a continuing effort of event organizers, who cite sponsorship support as the key reason why the event remain
» moreJanuary 16, 2006 Fly High in the 25th Anniversary Balloon Race for Free ... Amateur photographers have the chance to win big with 2005 race photographs ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 (Reno-Nev.) The opportunity to win the 2005 annual amateur photo contest has been extended. Event organizers of the Great Reno Balloon Race have extended the deadline to March 1, 2006.
The photographer to best capture the essence of the race in his or her photo will be awarded a free balloon sponsorship at the 2006 Great Reno Balloon Race (an $800 value). Second and third-place winners will also be chosen. In addition, the photo will be published in the official 2006 event program and po
» moreOctober 4, 2005 Why were RV’s banned from parking on McCarran Blvd? ... Memo from Great Reno Balloon Race staff and executive board ... To: Balloon Race Fans
From: Great Reno Balloon Race staff and executive board
In response to concern in regards to RV parking at this year’s Balloon Race, the Great Reno Balloon Race board and staff would like to take this opportunity to explain. Please know that the decision to ban RV parking on McCarran Blvd. was not made internally by the Balloon Race, this was a decision passed along to us by the City of Reno and the Reno Police Department.
The decision was made based on safety conc
» moreSeptember 27, 2005 Balloon Race Pilots Donate Prize Money to Hurricane Katrina Efforts ... ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181
(Reno, Nev.) – 2005 Great Reno Balloon Race pilots voted to donate all of the monies left over from the cancellation of Friday’s on-field competitions to the American Red Cross, in support of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. The total donation amount is $5,000.
The Great Reno Balloon Race completed its 24th year with just one day of cancelled competition due to strong winds Friday morning. The weather, however, did not deter most Balloon Race fans from attending
» moreSeptember 6, 2005 The Stage Coach Takes ˘ENT'R STAGE™ at the Balloon Races This Week! ... New Special Shapes Flying High Above Reno skies ... Media Contact: Aimee Eiguren, aimee@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 (RENO, NEV-) The Wells Fargo stagecoach, a symbol of the company’s image, heritage and values for over 150 years will take to the sky to make its debut and to celebrate the Great Reno Balloon Race, Sept. 9-11 at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, Nev.
The famous “Little Bees” will be buzzing again at this year’s event. This colorful duo, “Lilly and Joey” come to the Great Reno Balloon Race for the second time provided by Wells Fargo Bank and are the winners of numerous national special shap
» moreAugust 31, 2005 Balloon, Jazz & Wine Walk Returns to Downtown Reno ... ... Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 (Reno, Nev.) – Take an afternoon stroll through downtown Reno, as you enjoy great music, great art and great wine at the third-annual Balloon, Jazz & Wine Walk on Saturday, September 10 from 2 to 5 p.m.
The Great Reno Balloon Race, Club Cal Neva, Harrah’s Hotel Casino, For the Love of Jazz and the Riverwalk Merchant’s Association have joined forces to welcome Balloon Race pilots, their crews, sponsors, locals and tourists alike to downtown Reno. The community is invited to sample various wi
» moreAugust 29, 2005 Important Information about the Great Reno Balloon Race ... Transportation, parking, how to dress, etc. ... Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 (Reno, Nev.) – Organizers of the Great Reno Balloon Race have put together some helpful tips for spectators of the event’s 24th year of high-flying fun, September 9,10 & 11 at Rancho San Rafael Park. Tips include important information on how to get to and from the event, where to park, what to wear, things to do and what not to do.
§ Parking at the event is extremely limited and traffic can get congested. Anyone wishing to park at the site should plan on arriving early. Please see the attache
» moreAugust 23, 2005 Balloon Race Posters Provide Lasting Memories ... Limited edition and commemorative posters help celebrate the event ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, 775-826-1181 (Reno, Nev.) – Each year artists lend their talent to the Great Reno Balloon Race and help produce posters that provide lasting memories for spectators. This year is no exception with 2005’s limited edition and annual commemorative edition poster. Each poster demonstrates the majestic beauty of hot air ballooning in a way that promises to be a welcome addition to any collection.
The limited edition poster was designed by Kurt Larsen of International Game Technology (IGT). As the supervisor fo
» moreJuly 29, 2005 Great Reno Balloon Race Decorates the Reno Sky ... This year’s event is well under way ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, (775) 829-2810 (Reno-Nev.) One of Northern Nevada’s most beloved events, the Great Reno Balloon Race will be held September 9 through 11 at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, Nev.
Thanks to the continued support of generous sponsors, the Balloon Race continues as a free event for its 24th year. More than 100 vibrant hot-air balloons will participate this year, including several new special shapes. Last year’s event saw a record 75,000 attendees on Saturday, with a total of more than 130,000 throughout the th
» moreJune 15, 2005 Great Reno Balloon Race Announces its Major Sponsors ... Favorites return and new sponsors are welcomed ... Media Contact: Jennifer Sanzi, jennifer@o-apr.com, (775) 829-2810 (Reno, Nev.) – Great Reno Balloon Race fans will recognize some of their favorite major sponsors at this year’s event, scheduled for September 9 through 11. However, some new major sponsors will help to ensure that the Balloon Race remains free for everyone.
Wells Fargo Bank is one of the major sponsors returning to Rancho San Rafael Park this year. Wells Fargo has been a strong supporter of the Balloon Race for almost a decade, bringing along some of the most loved special-shape hare ballo
» moreMarch 21, 2005 Judges Announce Winners in Balloon Race Photo Contest ... ... Judges gathered Friday, March 11 and selected the winners of the 2004 Great Reno Balloon Race Annual Photo Contest. Creativity and the ability to capture the essence of the Balloon Race were among the criteria in choosing the prize photos. First, second and third place were awarded to Balloon Race spectators who came to Reno to enjoy and to photograph the splendor of this nationally recognized hot-air ballooning event. In addition, two honorable mention awards were given.
Congratulations t
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