Know Your City: 2011 Great Reno Balloon Race

It’s time again to set your alarms to 4:00 am for the 2011 Great Reno Balloon Race. The race which celebrates it’s 30th anniversary this year starts on Friday the 9th and ends Sunday the 11th. While most of the action is in the early morning this is still a great family event for kids of all ages. Fun shaped balloons for this year include Smokey the Bear, a soccer ball, a panda bear, and the Wells Fargo stagecoach among other colorful balloons. To make it even better entry to the event is FREE!

Below is a schedule and some tips on how to make the most out of your early morning.

Saturday – Sunday Schedule

5:00 am: Glow Show-Glowing balloons light up the pre-dawn darkness as guests enter the field.

5:30 am: Dawn Patrol-A few select balloons are allowed to take flight, in darkness, and light up the sky with a choreographed light show accompanied by music.

6:45 am: Mass Ascension- All balloons lift off and begin their race around the city.

Rest of the day: The fun doesn’t stop when all the balloons are airborne. Make this your day out on the town and you might just walk out of a restaurant or shopping center to find a lost balloon waiting in the parking lot.

Tips

Prepare for the conditions: It may be summer but the Nevada high desert can be cold before dawn. Be sure to pack an extra layer of clothes or blankets to stay warm.

Make your experience comfortable: Unfortunately, seating is not provided at the field. Come prepared with blankets or chairs so you don’t have to stand for the event.

Bring your camera: The race offers an array of photo opportunities from mid air balloons to grounded balloons available for up close shots.

Get there early: Maybe the most important tip of all. The event is widely popular in the Truckee Meadows and parking is always an issue on the north end of the University of Nevada. Be sure to get there early and prepare to walk up to a mile in order to get into the event. Show up late and you might be standing for the event.

For more information call 775-826-1181 or https://renoballoon.com/

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