The 29th annual Great Reno Balloon Race is scheduled for Sept. 10 – 12 and in addition to the traditional favorite events, this year the community favorite has new balloons, activities and the first-ever airborne wedding.

The video segment above was shot at the 2009 Great Reno Balloon Race.

New For 2010
While every seat at the Balloon Race is great, this year spectators have an opportunity to take advantage of special VIP seating, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For only a $5 donation, spectators will be able to have an up-close view of Glow Show, Dawn Patrol, and Mass Ascension from a VIP area located next to the west gate entrance to the launch field.

All spectators can also dine in style while they watch the balloons float above Rancho San Rafael, with a catered breakfast from High Pointe Catering, the event’s official caterer. Guests will be able to choose from a variety of menu items, including omelets and waffles. Coffee, juice and assorted breakfast cocktails will also be available for purchase.

Special shaped balloons and mama and papa bumble bees, Lilley and Joey, will be returning in 2010 to provide tethered rides for the Children’s Cabinet, and they are bringing their new bundle of joy, Little Joelly Bee, for her United States debut flight. This year, the Balloon Race also welcomes back the Wells Fargo Stagecoach Balloon.

This year also marks the first-ever Love is in the Air Wedding at the Balloon Race. Winning bidders, Curt Ainsworth and Stephanie Swartz will be married in front of 50,000 Balloon Race spectators on Saturday, Sept. 11.

The World’s Largest Pajama Party and Bed-Head Competition will return on Saturday, Sept. 11, so keep those pajamas on and don’t touch that hair! Registration for the Bed-Head competition is 5 – 8 a.m. and the most out-of-control bed-head will be announced on the main stage at 8:30 a.m. for bragging rights.

Balloon Race spectators also have until the end of September to support their favorite special event by texting “balloon” to 20222 to donate $10 through the “Mobile Giving” program*. The last day to text your donation and be entered to win a ride in a hot-air balloon or T-6 airplane is Tuesday, Aug. 31.

For a full schedule of events, more information on this year’s Balloon Race, or to set up one-time and recurring donations, please visit www.renoballoon.com.