Exciting balloons to pepper the sky this year at the Great Reno Balloon Race

The Great Reno Balloon Race just wouldn’t be the same without the special-shaped balloons that dot the field. During this year’s event, Sept. 7 to 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 to the Wilbur D. May Foundation’s support Hopper T. Frog, a 41-foot giant amphibian, will join Sea Fantasy, an enormous blue octopus, to provide tethered rides benefitting the Children’s Cabinet.

The American Eagle balloon, also funded by the Wilbur D. May Foundation, will rise each morning to carry the American Flag while the National Anthem is sung.

The Balloon Race welcomes additional special shape balloons to delight the 140,000 people who are expected to attend, including the Energizer Bunny standing at an impressive 166 feet; Airabelle, the Northern Nevada Dairymen’s flying cow; Sushi the giant fish, Strawberry and a wildfire safety advocate, Smokey Bear.

A division of Frito Lay, the Flat Earth Garden of Dreams, makes its Balloon Race debut this year. This unique special shape balloon features digital artwork and multiple appendages displaying two 14- to 20-foot tall monarch butterflies, a 25-foot tall apple basket, two 14-foot tall tomatoes, a classic barn, five cows grazing and two horses on a vivid blue and green background.

For a complete schedule of events and to find out more about this year’s event, visit www.renoballoon.com or call (775) 826-1181.