Evan Haddad Reno Gazette Journal
Friday update: Officials announced the cancelation of Friday's balloon races just before 6 a.m. because of weather. Organizers expect it to resume as scheduled on Saturday and Sunday.
A flying Smokey Bear is coming to patrol Reno skies this weekend.
Smokey and as many as 100 other balloons will take to the air when the 40th annual Great Reno Balloon Race commences tomorrow.
GRBR, which has dubbed itself the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event, runs until Sunday, Sept. 12.
"Competition is back," said Pete Copeland, the executive director of the Great Reno Balloon Race. "We're just happy to be back — it should be a great event."
The race, which was not open to the public in 2020, will be free and feature new balloons. Honoring first responders is the theme of the year. This year also marks the 30th year in partnership with the Washoe County School District, which will be recognized by a launch of tissue balloons made by local students.
The first race took place in 1982 with just 20 balloons as an event aimed at keeping visitors in Reno between the Nevada State Fair and the Reno Air Races.
THE BASICS:What: The Great Reno Balloon Race.
When: Sept. 10-12. Gates open at 3:30 a.m. each day.
Where: San Rafael Regional Park, northwest of UNR in Reno.
Cost: Free
Parking: General public parking is available starting at 3:30 a.m. at Rancho San Rafael Park for a $20 donation to the event. The lots are located on the corner of Sierra Street, McCarran Boulevard, and Coleman Street. With estimates of up to 150,000 people, event organizers warn that parking will fill up quickly. Visitors can park for free at University of Nevada, Reno's north lots, but cars must be removed by 10 a.m. Parking is prohibited along McCarran Boulevard, and parking laws will be enforced.
RTC will be adding extra, free service to the RAPID Virginia Line from Sept. 10-12 from 4 to 10 a.m., and extending the route to Rancho San Rafael Park.
BALLOON-VIEWING HIGHLIGHTS:"Glow Shows" are around 5 a.m. each day. Balloons are tethered to the ground and lit up to the beat of music.
“Dawn Patrol” balloons ascend at 5:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, flown by an elite groups of pilots licensed to fly in the dark.
Mass ascension of balloons is 7 a.m. each day.
Shopping along Balloon Boulevard: 4:30 to 11 a.m. each day.
RE/MAX balloon provides tethered rides for kids after mass ascension. These rides are available to the general public for a $5 donation to the Children’s Miracle Network.