  |
|
|
|
The Great Reno Balloon Race, Nevada2008 Event Takes Place September 5 through 7 in Reno, Nevada
Watch more than 100 magical balloons as they float over the skies of Reno and compete for prizes.
The Great Reno Balloon Race began in 1982, and it's still flying high as one of the most popular events in Reno, Nevada. Back in 1982, only 20 balloons flew during the races, but today, dozens more fill up the skies, including many specialty balloons like the Great American Bald Eagle, Smokey the Bear, the Energizer Bunny, the Little Bees, and the Flat Earth Garden of Dreams. The RacesRaces take place every day of the event, and these races include daily Hare and Hound races combined with other events on the launch field. There are also food and craft booths located throughout the park, to keep you occupied after the mass ascension takes place around 6:45am every day. The Glow Show and Dawn PatrolProbably the best part of the Great Reno Balloon Races are the early morning events that start off at 5:00am. The Glow Show and Dawn Patrol (at 5:30am) are both truly magnificent spectacles, and they are certainly worth getting out of bed so early. Be sure to leave early enough to find a parking place and walk into the park for these events, because they are extremely popular and the park fills up fast. RanchoSan RafaelPark The balloon races are located in RanchoSan RafaelPark, located 1595 North Sierra Street. The event is free, and admission to the park is free, as well. After the balloon races, visitors can enjoy the park's other attractions, like the WilburD.MayCenter and the Great Basin Adventure (there is a fee for these attractions). The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden is free however, and should be in full bloom during September. Transportation to the Balloon RacesParking is available at the University of Nevada Reno's north parking lots, (free), and there are a few parking spaces closer to the event. However, the best way to reach the races is by public transportation. The RTC RIDE program will provide park and ride service to and from the races on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 & 7. They will pickup riders at Meadowood Mall, ReedHigh School in Sparks, and downtown Citicenter site in Reno. For more information on times, locations and fares call (775) 348-RIDE. RV InformationSadly, the days of parking your RV along McCarran Blvd. bordering the park are gone. The City of Reno banned the practice in 2005 because of safety concerns. There is no RV parking access inside RanchoSan RafaelPark, but there are RV parks located relatively close by to the park. The Great Reno Balloon Races are an event the entire family can enjoy, and better than that, they are still free. Bring a camera to capture the magic of these beautiful balloons in flight, and you won't be disappointed with your early morning adventure.
The copyright of the article The Great Reno Balloon Race, Nevada in Nevada Travel is owned by Sherril Steele-Carlin. Permission to republish The Great Reno Balloon Race, Nevada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
