Reno's Balloon Races Flying High
Northern Nevada's Annual Spectacle Offers Kaleidoscope of Color
More than 100 balloons of all shapes and sizes fill the sky over Reno, and while balloons are aloft, there's action galore along Balloon Boulevard at Rancho San Rafael.
Time your Reno visit to the first full weekend in September, and you’ll see one of the most colorful sights in the western United States – for free.
An annual event that began in 1982, the Great Reno Balloon race is now one of the largest balloon rallies in the United States. Each morning before dawn on race days (Sept. 5, 6 and 7 in 2008), cars and trucks line McCarran Boulevard just north of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park (RVs and trailers are prohibited). Some of the thousands of spectators – there were 180,000 in 2007 -- also park on adjacent streets and walk to the park.
The Dawn Patrol and Glow Show
Before the sun rises, the mornings’ first event takes place as the Dawn Patrol ascends to test ballooning conditions. The illuminated balloons provide a splendid photo opportunity for camera-carrying spectators. Next comes the Glow Show when selected balloons shimmer with interior lighting.
Mass Ascension
As the first rays of morning appear, the scene on the large flat area of the park where 100 or more balloonists have assembled becomes one of concentrated activity. Balloons are attached to their baskets, inflated and gear is stowed. Crew and passengers climb into the baskets, and at a given signal, the balloons ascend en masse. Most of the passengers are friends/clients of the balloons’ owners and sponsors. Others have won the rides through contests or drawings.
Although most balloons are traditional in shape, each year brings an increasing number of special shape and logo balloons to join those from previous years. There’s Smokey Bear, a stagecoach, a tree trunk with birds, the Energizer bunny and a huge American eagle. One balloon is a Noah’s Ark complete with a zoo-full of inflated animals. Another, sponsored by the Northern Nevada Dairymen, is in the shape of huge cow.
The Races
After the ascension, the balloons take part in various competitions. When it’s Hare and Hounds, two balloons with flags attached to them get a head start. The other balloons chase after them and the balloonists who capture the flags win the race.
In Balloon Blackjack, balloonists throw beanbags as they ascend, trying to hit four-foot playing cards of various denominations on the ground. Winners get prizes like complimentary restaurant dinners and nights at hotels. Another popular event is the Key Grab, the object of which is to grab a ring of keys attached to a 20-foot-high pole. The keys belong to a car, truck or other vehicle, which is awarded to the first balloonist to successfully grab and hang on to the keys.
On the Ground
While the balloons are aloft, there’s musical entertainment on the field. Spectators can also browse Balloon Boulevard, lined with balloon art displays, food vendors and concession booths brimming with balloon memorabilia.
At 9 a.m. on the day before as races begin as well as the first day of the show, spectators can also watch as 1,000 elementary and middle school children launch tissue paper balloons made in classes funded by a philanthropic foundation.
Additional Information
Parking is limited and traffic, congested, so most people find alternate parking (free parking is available on the University of Nevada-Reno campus, southeast of the park, within easy walking distance). RTC buses go between the downtown bus center and San Rafael Park on race days. A balloon race-related event, Balloons, Jazz & Wine Walk, takes place September 6, 2-5 p.m. downtown ($15 per person). As the event nears, additional information on the Great Reno Balloon Race becomes available.
 |
 |
 |
 |
