Organizations keep event free for everyone

The Great Reno Balloon Race fans will recognize some of their favorite Major sponsors at this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 7-9 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 there because of a sponsor’s generous support.”

Wells Fargo Bank is one of the Major sponsors returning to the field this year. Wells Fargo has been a strong supporter of the Balloon Race for more than a decade, bringing along some of the most loved special-shape hare balloons- Lilly and Joey, the cutest bees around, debuted in 2004 and will resume duties as hare balloons, or leaders, of the Wells Fargo Mass Ascension.

The Wilbur D. May Foundation will also return this September, sponsoring the American Eagle balloon that will fly during the National Anthem. The May Foundation has put smiles on the faces of young Balloon Race fans for 18 years, working in partnership with the local Children’s Cabinet and providing children with tethered balloon rides. This year’s tethered rides will be offered on special shapes, Hopper T. Frog and Sea Fantasy.

The Great Reno Balloon Race also extends a warm welcome to our brand new Major sponsors Bear Industries Printing and Publishing, Lennar and Shell. The National Championship Air Races and the Reno Air Racing Foundation have also lent their support to the event this year, both signing up at the Silver sponsor level.

Additional returning Major sponsors include Reno.com who will once again produce the Official Great Reno Balloon Race Program, Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Great Basin Internet Services, Eldorado Hotel Casino, Harrah’s Reno, Bonanza Casino, Communications Installation Services Inc. (C.I.S.) of Reno and Jack in the Box. KRNV News 4 and KOH Radio will also be returning as the Balloon Race’s official media partners to keep spectators informed about all the exciting events throughout the weekend.

Aside from Major sponsorships, there are levels for any business or individual to get involved and fly the skies, including Corporate and Family balloon sponsorships. For more information about the Balloon Race and becoming a sponsor, visit www.renoballoon.com or call (775) 826-1181.