Great Reno Ballon Races Turns 40
This year marks the 40th anniversary of one of the area’s most famous events: The Great Reno Balloon Race. Admission is free, and with a respite from the smoke and the perfect autumn weather, it’s well worth setting the alarm clock a little earlier this weekend. This year there are nearly 100 balloons in attendance, so try and get out there and enjoy the spectacle!
Saturday, September 11 3:30 a.m. – Gates open to the public 5:00 a.m. – Glow Show 5:30 a.m. – Dawn Patrol 6:45 a.m. – 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony 6:50 a.m. – National Anthem performed by Sierra High Notes 7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch 4:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Shopping along Balloon Boulevard Website / Parking and Transportation / Safety Practices | Sunday, September 12 3:30 a.m. – Gates open to the public at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park 5:00 a.m. – Glow Show 5:30 a.m. – Dawn Patrol 6:45 a.m. – Barron Hilton Remembrance Ceremony 6:50 a.m. – National Anthem 7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – Scavenger Hunt 4:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Shopping |
Nevada Magazine was invited to attend the pre-public launch where we were kindly allowed in the Smokey the Bear balloon. Smokey Bear balloons have graced America’s skies since 2003, bringing awareness to—you know the line—the prevention of wildfires. Our pilot Don has 31 years of ballon experience and was a wonderful host.
Unfortunately, the weather was a little too warm that morning and two extra passengers was a bit too much for Smokey, so we took a brief pit stop on the other side of McCarren to shed a passenger (I volunteered as I know my way around the Rancho San Rafael wilderness). It was a wonderful experience, and we are very thankful to the Friends of Smokey the Bear balloon group for having us. Thank you as well to all those at the Forest Service who made this launch possible.
All photos in this post are credited to Teresa Munson.
