Great Reno Balloon Races 2013

Each year in early September Reno plays host to the largest FREE Hot Air Balloon event in the world. With over 120,000 spectators in attendance each year, the Great Reno Balloon Race is by far one of the best special events in the Reno Tahoe Area.  This year will be the 35th Anniversary of the race and surely one you wont want to miss. 

Make sure that you get up early, brave the traffic and get a seat on the field for The Glow Show, Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension.  Each one is accompanied by wonderful music and an even better announcer.  It has never failed to bring tears to my eyes. A wonderful experience!  This is one event that brings out the masses.  Everyone from families, youth groups, college kids, and anyone 1-100.  Totally worth the 4:30 alarm clock on a weekend!

A few notes/reminders:
Parking can be tricky.  The area around Rancho San Rafael is all residential.  Get there early to get a good spot, or pony up the $15 to park in the lot. 

Wear good shoes. Even if you are in the lot, be ready to walk. It's okay for handicap access, but sometimes uneven pebbled paths can be tricky for those in a wheel chair for with a walker.  

Bring a blanket and warm beverage.  The summer nights/early mornings in Nevada are chilly and laying in an open field at 5:00 a.m. can get down right cold.  The event does host vendors that offer breakfast items and drinks, but the lines can be long and are usually cash-only.

Restroom Facilities.  Simply a line of port-a-potties that always seem to have a lengthy queuing line.  Just pay attention to your "little's" especially. The wait can be up to 5-10 minutes.

Please check out their website for more information and upcoming dates:
www.RenoBalloon.com

Thanks to our Friend Javi for the amazing soundtrack.
"Fairlight"
Nave Artificial, Musician and Composer
YouTube - Nave Artificial