The Reno Balloon Races

As the crisp morning air keeps weary spectators from dozing off, announcers for the dawn patrol parade direct the stationary balloons in an orchestrated lighting sequence. Balloons flicker their engines on and off to a gentle and uprising melody. Eventually the first group of balloons set off into the starry sky, slowly followed by the rising sun, bringing warmth and light to set the stage for the rest of the show.

Early morning alarms are a necessary attribute in gathering loads of tired spectators in Idlewild park, just west of the University of Nevada, Reno. The Balloon Races in Reno Nevada attract 150,000+ spectators annually. The free event brings a great sense of community to the Reno/Tahoe area and only gets increasingly more popular every year.