Great Reno Balloon Race continues to thrill
Mark calendars for early morning flights Sept. 11-13, 2009
October 11, 2008
The internationally renowned Great Reno Balloon Race will paint the Reno skyline again Sept. 11-13, 2009 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
What began with just 20 balloons in 1982 has grown to showcase more than 100 balloons and pilots from as far away as Auckland, New Zealand. On average, 140,000 spectators from all over the world come to share in the wonder of this three-day event.
The 2009 schedule of events will be posted soon; in the meantime, read on to see what last year's event offered its myriad fans. The 2008 event had an estimated 175,000 fans in attendance over the three-day period. Check out the video below to catch a glimpse of what makes this event so unique.
2008 Schedule of Events
Thursday, September 4
6:45 a.m. - Media Day Launch (Sponsors and invited Media)
9:30 a.m. - E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch at Rancho San Rafael Park
Friday, September 5
5:30 a.m. – Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Park
6:45 a.m. - National Anthem with T-6 Fly Over Presented by the National Championship Air Races
6:45 a.m. – Wells Fargo Mass Ascension Launch / Hare & Hound Competition
7:30 - 10 a.m. - Other on-field competitions
9:30 a.m. - E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch at Rancho San Rafael Park
*8 a.m. – 8 p.m. -Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – Open during park hours and free to the public
Wilbur D. May Great Basin Adventure Park – open with free admission, $2 log rides
Saturday, September 6
4:30 a.m. – Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Park
5 a.m. - Glow Show (Major Sponsor Balloons)
5 – 7 a.m. Bed Head On-site Registration
5 – 11 a.m. - Pajama Party
5:30 a.m. - Dawn Patrol
6:45 a.m. - National Anthem with T-6 Fly Over Presented by the National Championship Air Races
8 – 10:30 a.m. Dixie May Foundation Kids’ Corner (north east corner of launch field)
6:45 a.m. - Wells Fargo Mass Ascension Launch / Hare & Hound Competition
7:30 - 10 a.m. - Other on-field competitions
7:45 – 8:15 a.m. - Bed Head Awards
2 - 5 p.m. - Balloons, Jazz & Wine Walk
Downtown Reno; cost is $20.00 per person
* 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. -Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – Open during park hours and free to the public
Wilbur D. May Great Basin Adventure Park – open with free admission, $2 log rides
Sunday, September 7
4:30 a.m. – Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Park
5 a.m. - Glow Show (Special Shape/Logo Balloons)
5:30 a.m. - Dawn Patrol
6:45 a.m. - National Anthem with T-6 Fly Over Presented by the National Championship Air Races
6:45 a.m. - Wells Fargo Mass Ascension Launch / Hare & Hound Competition
8 – 10:30 a.m. Dixie May Foundation Kids’ Corner (north east corner of launch field)
7:30 – 10 a.m. - Other on-field competitions
* 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. -Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – Open during park hours and free to the public
Wilbur D. May Great Basin Adventure Park – open with free admission, $2 log rides
*The activities with an asterisk are provided by the Washoe County Parks Department. Celebrate The Great Reno Balloon Race with special hours and complimentary admission to the May Museum. Don’t miss the Museum Gift Store featuring beautiful art objects, jewelry, books, stationery and a special children’s section. Call the May Museum at (775) 785-5961 for more information or visit them online at www.maycenter.com
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