The Great Reno Balloon Race

The 27th year of The Great Reno Balloon Race begins on Friday and runs through Sunday. What began with just 20 balloons in 1982 has grown to showcase more than 100 balloons and pilots from as far away as Auckland, New Zealand. On average, 140,000 spectators from all across the world come to share in the wonder of this three-day event. The event is held at Rancho San Rafael Park, 1595 N. Sierra St.

Schedule of Events

Today

4:30 a.m. - Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Park

5 a.m. - Glow Show (Major Sponsor Balloons)

5 - 7 a.m. Bed Head On-site Registration

5 - 11 a.m. - Pajama Party

5:30 a.m. - Dawn Patrol

6:45 a.m. - National Anthem with T-6 Fly Over Presented by the National Championship Air Races

8 - 10:30 a.m. Dixie May Foundation Kids' Corner (north east corner of launch field)

6:45 a.m. - Wells Fargo Mass Ascension Launch / Hare & Hound Competition

7:30 - 10 a.m. - Other on-field competitions

7:45 - 8:15 a.m. - Bed Head Awards

2 - 5 p.m. - Balloons, Jazz & Wine Walk

Downtown Reno; cost is $20.00 per person

- 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. -Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Gardens - Open during park hours and free to the public

Wilbur D. May Great Basin Adventure Park - open with free admission, $2 log rides

Sunday

4:30 a.m. - Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Park

5 a.m. - Glow Show (Special Shape/Logo Balloons)

5:30 a.m. - Dawn Patrol

6:45 a.m. - National Anthem with T-6 Fly Over Presented by the National Championship Air Races

6:45 a.m. - Wells Fargo Mass Ascension Launch / Hare & Hound Competition

8 - 10:30 a.m. Dixie May Foundation Kids' Corner (north east corner of launch field)

7:30 - 10 a.m. - Other on-field competitions

- 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. -Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Gardens - Open during park hours and free to the public

Wilbur D. May Great Basin Adventure Park - open with free admission, $2 log rides.

Transportation/parking tips

Arrive early as there is limited parking at the event site. Park for free at the University's north lots but remember that cars must be removed by 10 a.m. For a $5 donation to the Reno South Rotary Club children's charities, park at N. Sierra St. and McCarran Blvd. or the Coleman St. parking lot.

Autos, RVs and trailers are prohibited to park on McCarran Boulevard and will be towed.

Transportation to and from the Balloon Race is provided by RTC Ride (www.rtcwashoe.com/section-special-events), which will offer direct, nonstop service to the entrance of the park on Saturday and Sunday from 4-10 a.m. Service is every 30 minutes and departs from CitiCenter in downtown Reno, Reed High School in Sparks and Meadowood Mall. Fares (round trip) are $5 for adults, $3 for youth (ages 6 to 18) and $2.50 for seniors/disabled. For more information call (775) 348-RIDE.

Handicap parking is available at the Washington St. entrance.

For more information about this year's event call the Balloon Race office at (775) 826-1181 or visit www.renoballoon.com.

What's new this year? The World's Largest Pajama Party.

On Saturday, you're invited to attend the World's Greatest Pajama Party, Bed-Head contest and more.

In conjunction with the Pajama Fest, there will also be a Bed-Head contest, and Reno.com's Pajamarazzi will be taking photos of pajama wearers free-of-charge and posting them to Reno.com for folks to see and share. Those with the craziest 'do should register at the Pajama Fest tent between 5 - 7 a.m. on Saturday for a chance to win a prize. Judges will scour the crowds for these categories: Best Kids Bed Head (12 and under); Best Teenage Bed Head (13 - 18); Best Female Bed Head; Best Male Bed Head; Best Group Bed Head (4-plus people); Best Corporate Bed Head (must pre-register online at www.renoballoon.com.

Tips for spectators

- Dress in layers as September mornings can be quite chilly before dawn.

- Leave pets at home. Thousands of people and unpredictable sounds leave animals confused and anxious.

- Do not smoke on the launch field ... propane, sparks and dry grass do not mix.

- Bring a camera.

- Admission is free but bring money for tethered rides, souvenirs or food and drink form a variety of vendors.

- If you plan to show up early, bring a flashlight to the park. Parking can be a challenge even during the early morning hours and spectators can have a long walk from the car to the park. The early morning dew can leave the grass in the field feeling a little damp, so bringing a blanket or lawn chair will help keep visitors comfortable and dry as they watch more than 100 balloons inflate and fill the skies above the Truckee Meadows. Hot chocolate or coffee in a thermos is also a good way to stay warm in the early morning.