Great Reno Balloon Race

The Great Reno Balloon Race is a spectacle to behold. Each morning from September 11 through 13, over 100 hot air balloons rise in mass ascension from Rancho San Rafael Park, filling the sky with blobs of color in the dawn light. Numerous specialty balloons in a variety of shapes (such as the American Bald Eagle, Wally the Clown Fish, and Smokey Bear) punctuate the dozens of traditional hot air balloons, all floating lazily over northwest Reno. The Great Reno Balloon Race is a delight for photographers and spectators, but you have to get up before the sun for the Glow Show and Dawn Patrol. To get an idea of what you can see, go to my Great Reno Balloon Race pictures.

This is a very family friendly event and it's free. To really get into it, register on site for the World's Largest Pajama Party (Pajama Fest 2009) and the Bed-Head Competition, both at the Pajama Party Tent. Having some fun will make it easier to beat the birds out of bed. Get the information you need to enjoy the Great Reno Balloon Race at these links:

• Great Reno Balloon Race Website
• Great Reno Balloon Race Schedule
• Photography Tips & Photo Contest
• Parking & Transportation Information
• E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch - Around 1,000 elementary and middle school students will participate in two days of the Tissue Paper Balloon Launch. This event is Thursday and Friday, Sept. 10 and 11, at 9:30 a.m. on the launch field at Rancho San Rafael Park.
• Balloon Race Office - (775) 826-1181

Hot air balloon flying is dependent on the weather. If it's too windy or there are other adverse conditions, some activities may be curtailed or even grounded. It's a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out. This being Reno, the weather can change dramatically in a short period of time.

Balloon Race Wine Walk

The Riverwalk Wine Walk will have a special theme this Saturday, September 12, to celebrate the Great Reno Balloon Race. Race pilots and some of their gear will be available along the walk route, along with race posters, photos of past events, and you can enter a raffle for some ballooning gear. Wine drinkers must be 21 and pay $20 for the tasting, but families can enjoy the downtown stroll and balloon race ambience of this month's Wine Walk, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Reno.