It's a bee…It's a bear…It's a bunny…It's a balloon!

Known for its impressive special-shape balloons, The Great Reno Balloon Race, scheduled for Sept. 11, 12 and 13 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, will display some old favorites and some new characters at this year's event.

Wells Fargo will be returning with Lilly and Joey, the little bees that dance their way across the sky with an occasional hug and kiss. With a length of 100 feet and standing 90 feet tall, Cent're Stage will make its first appearance in the event since 2005 and will give spectators a big taste of the old West.

Thanks to Energizer, the Energizer Bunny keeps going and going as it makes yet another appearance at this year's event. With ears as tall as the presidents' faces on Mount Rushmore and a body that stands 15 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, the pink bunny is a sight that no one will be able to miss as it floats across the sky.

Another familiar balloon is Smokey Bear who will return to the Balloon Race thanks to Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperators. He is a reminder to us all that “only you can prevent forest fires.” With three Mayflower shaped appendages, the Mayflower balloon will make its third event appearance this year thanks to Sierra Moving Systems.

Thanks to the Wilbur D. May Foundation, a new shape will make its debut at the Balloon Race this year. Pandy the Panda Bear, standing at 100 feet tall, will be providing tethered rides to children from the Children's Cabinet after mass ascension each day.

Kellogg's Tony the Tiger will make its first appearance at The Great Reno Balloon Race this year. Standing nearly nine stories tall, this special-shape balloon has a special rotator that allows the pilot to rotate Tony as he flies through the air.