There will be bunnies, bees and bears, oh my!

The Great Reno Balloon Race, which takes place each year at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, is known for its vivacious special-shape balloons. This year, spectators will find some of their favorites from last year as well as some new characters at the event on Sept. 5, 6 and 7.

Each morning the American Bald Eagle balloon will rise to the national anthem, thanks to the continued sponsorship of the Wilbur D. May Foundation. Wells Fargo will bring Lilly and Joey, the little love bees in the sky, back for another year. Lilly and Joey will lead the Hare and Hound Competition, kissing their way to the finish line.

Another familiar balloon is Smokey Bear who will return to the Balloon Race thanks to the Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperators. He is a reminder to us all that “only you can prevent forest fires”. Thanks to Energizer, the Energizer Bunny balloon seems to keep going and going! It is quite a sight to see with ears as tall as the president’s faces on Mount Rushmore and a body that rises 15 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty.

A new addition to the Balloon Race this year is Wally the Clown Fish, the friendliest fish in the sky. At a whopping 100 feet long and weight of 950 pounds, this gentle giant will give tethered rides to support the Children’s Cabinet, also thanks to the May Foundation.

"We love to see the sparkling eyes and bright smiles of children as they watch the special shapes inflate and come to life,” Dixie May, founder of the Dixie May Foundation, said.

The May Foundation is also helping Lucy the Ladybug float her way around the Truckee Meadows for the Children’s Cabinet. Lucy sits atop a giant sunflower, measuring 70 feet long and 90 feet tall, and she can lift 1,800 pounds.

For a complete schedule of events and for more information on this year’s event visit www.renoballoon.com or call (775) 826-1181.