The Great Reno Balloon Race Releases 2021 Event Details
RENO, Nev. (August 2021) — In preparation for its 40th anniversary event, The Great Reno Balloon Race announces its 2021 entertainment lineup.
The Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR) prepares to captivate its
many spectators during its 40th anniversary event this Sept. 10 through Sept. 12 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno, Nev. This internationally recognized event and beloved local tradition remains the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning festival and provides free admission to the public from sponsorship support.
The Great Reno Balloon Race is free to the public thanks to the generous support of event sponsors. Event organizers ask spectators to arrive early as Rancho San Rafael Regional Park has limited entrances. For more information on parking and transportation, spectators can visit renoballoon.com/spectator-info/parking/.
WHEN: Friday, September 10 — Sunday, September 12, 2021
WHERE: Rancho San Rafael Regional Park — 1595 N. Sierra Street, Reno, Nev.
SCHEDULE:
Friday, September 10
3:30 a.m. – Gates open to the public at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 a.m. – Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m. – Dawn Patrol
6:45 a.m. – National Anthem performed by Nick Eng
7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch
9:30 a.m. – E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Launch
4:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Shopping along Balloon Boulevard
Saturday, September 11
“Paint The Park Pink” for Breast Cancer Awareness (spectators are encouraged to wear pink)
3:30 a.m. – Gates open to the public at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 a.m. – Glow Show
5:30 a.m. – Dawn Patrol
6:45 a.m. – 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
6:50 a.m. – National Anthem performed by Sierra High Notes
7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch
4:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Shopping along Balloon Boulevard
Sunday, September 12
Donor Awareness Day (spectators are encouraged to wear blue)
3:30 a.m. – Gates open to the public at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 a.m. – Glow Show
5:30 a.m. – Dawn Patrol sponsored by Donor Network West
6:45 a.m. – Barron Hilton Remembrance Ceremony
6:50 a.m. – National Anthem performed by High Desert Harmony Chorus
7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch
6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – Girl Scouts Scavenger Hunt/Sign Up to become a Girl Scout
4:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Shopping along Balloon Boulevard
TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE EVENT:
- No Pets: We all love our furry friends, but for their safety please leave them at home.
- No Drones: Due to FAA safety regulations, drones cannot fly in or around the event. They are distracting to the pilots who are navigating changeable weather patterns.
- No Smoking: Smoking is not permitted on the field. This includes E-cigarettes.
- No Lasers: Lasers are not permitted at the event. Lasers can be harmful to the pilots’ eyesight during early morning flights, which can be extremely dangerous.
For more information on safety practices at the event, visit renoballoon.com/grbr-safety-practices.
“There is something about waking up early, bundling up in blankets, and staring up at these magnificent and colorful balloons,” said Executive Director of GRBR Pete Copeland. “Every single year, much like the spectators, I am drawn in by the pure magic of the event. We are very grateful that we can celebrate our 40th anniversary with an event this year, and we can’t wait to welcome our pilots and fans back for this annual tradition.”
Before the sun peeks over the mountains, spectators will see the daily iconic Glow Show illuminating the park with a soft warm light — a signal that the event has begun. During the Show, the early morning sky will be decorated by the choreographed glow of up to 10 hot-air balloons. On Friday, Sept. 10, we will have a special Super Glow Show where upwards of 40 balloons will take over the performance.
It’s not until dawn that eight hot-air balloons lift off the ground to perform Dawn Patrol. Only a few pilots in the world can perform this skilled show, and it is a must-see for all attendees. This year, Dawn Patrol will be held all three days of the event. During the daily Mass Ascension, the remaining balloons will rise and fill the park with an array of colors and shapes while the sun
rises.
New this year, Sands Regency and The Great Reno Balloon Race is hosting a special experience each day of the event for first responders. This includes a VIP Tent with ample viewing and a complimentary meal. First responders just need to show ID for entry.
On Saturday, Sept. 11, the event will hold a remembrance ceremony in honor of 9/11, also that day attendees should wear their best pink for breast cancer awareness to “Paint the Park Pink.”
Then, on Sunday, Sept. 12, attendees are encouraged to wear blue in honor of Donor Awareness Day.
Spectators will see a variety of special-shaped balloons, including new-to-the-event special shapes: Allycorn, a pink unicorn; Kermie, a frog; Humpty Dumpty; Rocket Raccoon; Keystone
Willy, a cop; and Con-Air, a robber. Returning special shapes include: Billy the Kid, a cowboy; Smokey Bear. Click here to download photos of these special shapes.
As the balloons dazzle and spectators capture photos, they can share their best photos through a photo contest in partnership with Reno Tahoe. Attendees can tag #RenoBalloon21 on
Instagram for a chance to win prizes.
ABOUT:
The Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR) is the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event. The event has floated into the hearts and minds of Reno’s visitors and locals alike for the past 39 years. With upwards of 100 balloons and 120,000+ in attendance each year, the event is a permanent fixture in Reno’s September skyline. GRBR is a nonprofit organization offering free admission because of its sponsorship support. For more information, visit renoballoon.com, or find them at Facebook.com/RenoBalloon or Twitter @RenoBalloon.
