In anticipation for the 2019 Albuquerque New Mexico International Balloon Festival, we decided to go to the 2018 Reno Great Balloon Race.
The first thing you need to know is......this is an early event! If you are a night owl you may struggle a bit, but it is worth it!
The festivities started on Thursday with a Special Shape Round Up at 6:30am, National Anthem at 6:45am and the Preview Day Launch at 6:50am.
Friday Gates Opened at 3:30am beginning with Super Glow Show at 5:15am, National Anthem at 6:45am, Mass Ascension/Judge Declared Target Competition begins at 7:00am, E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch at 9:30am, Competition Ended at 10am, Event ended at 11am.
Scott n I didn’t get to make it to the Thursday or Friday events, I have this really unruly problem called “Work”! We left the Bay Area at Noon on Friday.
Satuday Gates Opened at 3:30am, we took the shuttle provided by “The Row” Silver Legacy Circus Circus n El Dorado. They had a Chalet set up with heaters n food! It was great! Glow Show at 5am, Dawn Patrol at 5:30am, National Anthem at 6:45am, Mass Ascension/ Judge Declared Target Competition began at 7am, Bed Head/Pajama Party Competition Judging at 8-8:30am. Then Nap Time back at the Silver Legacy!
After nap time we had lunch and made our way around downtown Reno with a pretty big group of friends.
Sunday The schedule was pretty much the same as Saturday.
The best part about Sunday is that Scott n I took advantage of the fact that you can go right out into the chaos of it all. Get up close n personal with the balloons. They in courage you to get involved n be part of a balloon team. Be courteous, long lines for the bathrooms just have patience n enjoy the festivities!