By Jake Sunderland, reno.com
September 5, 2008

They launch more than 100 balloons, provide juice and chocolate milk to hundreds of smiling children, clean up after one of Reno’s biggest events and by the time they are ready to head home, most of Reno is finally waking up and eating breakfast. No, it’s not the Super Friends it’s the Aeronauts, the official volunteer group of The Great Reno Balloon Race.

President of the Aeronauts, Shirley Keys, has been volunteering with the Balloon Race for 10 years and said that while the Aeronauts are responsible for the set up and the take down of the Race, the real excitement comes in the launching of the balloons.

“A lot of pilots come from out of town without a crew,” Keys said. “So we supply them with crew and there is a camaraderie between the pilots and the Aeronauts. When we get together it’s just a lot of fun. There is some work: putting up the balloon, chasing it and then bringing it down. It’s just a kick. It’s good exercise, you are out there in the hills and you are running around, and there is usually a tailgate afterwards.”

Keys said that while launching the balloons is the most exciting part, being an Aeronaut is also rewarding because of their work with children.

“Tissue paper balloons is the other one that is so much fun,” Keys said. “Thursdays and Fridays the kids come out to the park and we use Bunsen burners and the kids get to fly the balloons. We also have the Children’s Cabinet who does tethered rides for the kids. We help them tether and launch the balloon and make sure that they have what they need to do their job. We keep their milk and orange juice cold and take it down to the field for them.”

Keys said that it was her own children that originally drew her to the Race. And as a single mother on a tight budget it was a great way to experience something fun and amazing with her children.

“It truly is the only free family event in town where it cost nothing,” Keys said. “All you have to do is show up.”

Even though they live for the Balloon Race, the Aeronauts are active year round and spend the rest of the year crewing for local balloon pilots.

“We have 16 pilots in this area that balloon year round,” Keys said. “And wherever they fly, the pilots try to get us up.”

And that Keys says is one of the best things about being an Aeronaut, getting to fly in balloons, and if you are lucky you might just get to go up during the Race.

“It’s just like heaven,” Keys said. “You see the bottoms and you see the tops of the balloons. It’s just really fun.”

Keys said because the Aeronauts are active year round there is never a bad time to join. All they ask is that volunteers be at least 18 years old and be willing to learn and have fun. Parent volunteers can bring their kids along. If you are interested in getting involved with the Race in a completely unique way, call Keys at the Aeronaut hotline at 775-233-9050.