Great Reno Balloon Race

The Nevada Day Committee got it wrong this year. By selecting "My Favorite Nevada Moment" as the theme for 2020, the committee has left people like me out.

I can't whittle my experiences in Nevada down to just one favorite.

In the wake of the global pandemic, and after looking at many strategies to hold the 39th event, The Great Reno Balloon Race has determined that it cannot safely and financially hold the 2020 spectator event.

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of events around the Carson City region Friday through Sunday to celebrate Nevada Day. Activities include the annual parade down Carson Street, a carnival at Mills Park, the 30th annual Nevada Day Classic, The La Ka Lel Be Pow Wow at the MAC, beard and rock drilling contests, delicious food dishes, pancakes, chili and plenty of beverages to suit kids and adults of all ages.

The Silver State celebrates its birthday this week in Carson City and will put on a statehood celebration like no other as Nevada Day comes into full swing, featuring the annual parade down Carson Street on Saturday, a carnival at Mills Park, The La Ka Lel Be Pow Wow at the MAC, activities for adults and kids, contests, delicious food dishes, pancakes, chili and plenty of beverages to suit every wild hair.

It's that spooky time again, when the leaves begin to fall, Nevada Day is gearing up to bring us the best parade in the state, and our little ghouls and goblins are putting together their terrifying and adorable costumes in preparation for sugary chaos.

Here is all the information you'll need to know during the next few weeks regarding Halloween, Nevada Day, and more.

Aeronaut Mark Prothro and Dianne, his bride of 49 years, didn’t plan on joining the hot air balloon traveling circus, but they’ve been a part of it since the mid 1990s.

Nevada's celebration of statehood provides for a bevy of activities that showcase the Silver State's best. From contests to exhibits, food and beverages of all kinds, Native dancing, hot air balloons, concerts, a carnival celebration at Mills Park and the famed Nevada Day parade, there is something for everyone throughout the long weekend.

If your Sunday plans are still up in the air, consider a short trip to Reno very early in the morning to catch the final day of the 2018 Great Reno Balloon Race. Glow Show and Dawn Patrol start around 4:30 a.m. and Mass Ascension takes place by 6:30 a.m.

Today's column features good news and bad news. The bad news is Labor Day is now behind us and we must re-adjust to a regular two-day weekend again. But therein lies the good news. Another weekend has arrived, and you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy your time off.

Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada will host their ultimate balloon scavenger hunt adventure on Sunday, September 9 from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m at the Great Reno Balloon Race in Rancho San Rafael Park.

Girls will meet balloon pilots, help clean the park, and join other Girl Scouts from across their council. Everyone is welcome to join the fun including family, friends, and not-yet Girl Scouts. And yes – this is a free event!

CARSON CITY — TravelNevada debuts five summer experiences in five Nevada territories, encouraging travelers to follow ancient Basque pilgrimages, traverse ghosts towns, explore alpine lakes and rock formations, practice mindfulness and view meteor showers from one of the last remaining dark skies.

Three hot air balloons are scheduled to launch early Sunday morning from East Fork Fire Station 12, located at 3620 North Sunridge Drive in South Carson City, part of a retirement celebration for a firefighting veteran with the East Fork Fire District in Douglas County.

Carson City wasn't left out of the sky candy mix on this last day of the Great Reno Balloon Race. A hot air balloon passed over calm, sunny Carson City skies Sunday morning.

I’m going to suggest that you keep this weekend’s plans flexible. There’s only a chance of rain, but the chance of it showing up at the wrong time is always high. The very early morning is best spent watching the hot air balloons against the Reno skyline, but you’ll probably want a sweater for the pre-dawn chill. Head up the hill to Virginia City this weekend. If you’ve never been to the annual International Camel Races, you’ve been missing out. Keep reading, there’s something for everyone on this list. Find your fun.

SATURDAY:

One might think that after Labor Day, it starts to get quiet around here. They would be mistaken. September is chock-full of adventure, starting with this weekend’s Virginia City International Camel Races and the Great Reno Balloon Races. You won’t want to miss the last of the Third Street Stage Concerts in McFadden Plaza: Shane Dwight is tonight’s featured performer. It’s the last day to see the Photography and Regular Art Show at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery, they’ll have their new Autumn Show on display Sunday.

FRIDAY:

The Great Reno Balloon Race is now offering a special interest license plate through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) featuring four ...

Nevada is one of the few states that celebrate its Admission Day, and boy do we throw a party. A parade, competitions of strength and facial hair, hot air balloons, bloody marys, a carnival, pow wow, and free chili are just a few of the festivities awaiting the capital city on Saturday.

The party begins Friday this year with a ribbon cutting celebration of the 'new' downtown. The Nevada State Museum hits its 75th Anniversary this year and will have a day full of fun and surprises. Keep reading to see where you need to take advantage of all the best this holiday weekend has to offer.

One last chance awaits to enjoy the Reno Balloon Races or Virginia City’s annual Camel Races, so don’t miss out. A remembrance ceremony will take place at the World Trade Center I-Beam Memorial in Mills Park to honor those lost fifteen years ago. Grab the whole family and a picnic for the final ‘Concert on the Green’ in the Genoa Park. The Trey Stone Trio will entertain as weekend winds to a close.

SUNDAY:

Welcome to the weekend, Carson City. Happenings, going-ons, and to-dos can be found all over. Early birds catch the Great Reno Balloon Race, while night owls can enjoy karaoke and live music. Kids won’t want to miss out on the Young Eagle flights at the Carson Airport, just make sure to get there on time. Learn about Roswell at the WNC Observatory or meet Author Sandie LaNae at Artsy Fartsy. Our valley offers something for everyone, keep reading and see.

SATURDAY:

So many wonderful things happen as the summer winds down. Glow Patrol, camels, ostriches, not to mention the return of all things pumpkin. Enjoy the last of our balmy evenings with the Mark Castro Band on the stage at Living the Good Life. Let Mike Thomas wow you with tales of ‘Undersea Wonders’ during his presentation at the Plaza. Rockabilly takes the stage at Sassafras when the Scoundrels from Vegas get started around 8:30 p.m. Meet Michael Malley at the artist reception celebrating his exhibit 'Silver State Swimmer' in the Community Center Sierra Room.

If you follow anything about us you know that right now is duck season. Not real ducks, but little, bright yellow, rubber ducks. 30,000 of them to be exact. Recently, they descended upon Reno and are now completing Duckie Boot Camp as they train for the big day — when they race down the Truckee River to raise money and awareness for homeless pets at Nevada Humane Society.

Here’s the 2015 Nevada Day event lineup and Halloween happenings, Thursday through Sunday. For all Halloween events go here. For everything Nevada Day, check out the official Nevada Day website here. Otherwise, see the event listing below.

THURSDAY
RSVP NEVADA DAY CARNIVAL, MILLS PARK IN CARSON CITY
Carnival rides for adults and children, live music, food booths, craft vendors & more. Hours: 10/29: 5pm - 9pm; 10/30-31: Noon - 9pm; 11/1: Noon - 8pm

Ready, set, GO! Whether you want to watch camels race, or hot air balloons light up the sky, this is a great weekend in Northern Nevada. If cool cars are more your style, you’ll find Carson SYFL Sunday Funday Show and Shine at Johnny Rockets. The annual Luau, Auction, and BBQ for the Boys and Girls Club hits Mills Park this afternoon in the Teixeira Pavilion. Enjoy all you can eat roasted pork and Mai Tais for a great cause.

SUNDAY:

• Great Reno Balloon Race at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno (3:30am Gates Open; 5:15am Glow Show; 5:30am Dawn Patrol; 6:45am Mass Ascension Launch; 6am-8am Sign up to be Girl Scout; 4:30am-10am Shopping along Balloon Boulevard)

Ready, set, GO! Whether you want to watch camels race, or hot air balloons light up the sky, this is a great weekend in Northern Nevada. If cool cars are more your style, join the Freaks of Nature Car Club at a show and shine in the parking lot of Yogurt Beach in North Carson. It’s root, root, root for the home team as the WNC Wildcats play a double header at Harvey Field.

SATURDAY:

Many of us will never forget where we were when we first heard about the hijacking and subsequent attacks on the World Trade Center. September 11, 2001 is burned into our collective memory. At 8:30 a.m. this morning there will be a memorial service at the 9/11 Memorial in Mills Park where an I-beam from the fallen towers now serves as a reminder. Even if you cannot make it to the ceremony, please take a moment of silence to remember.

FRIDAY:

• 9/11 Memorial Service at the World Trade Center Steel I Beam located at the eastern edge of Mills Park, near the entrance of the Marv Texeira Pavilion (8:30am)
• Last Day to sign up for Nevada State Museum tour guide training (training sessions are Sept. 15, 16, 22, and 23 from 9am-4pm; training and materials are free; Contact Deborah Stevenson: dstevenson@nevadaculture.org or (775) 687-4810, ext. 237 to RSVP)
• Great Reno Balloon Race at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno (3:30am Gates Open; 5:15am Super Glow Show; 6:45am Mass Ascension Launch; 7am-8am Star Wars Pajama Contest; 9:30am Tissue Paper Balloon Launch; 4:30am-10am Shopping along Balloon Boulevard)

The Nevada Division of Tourism, also known as TravelNevada, recognized outstanding members of the state’s rural tourism industry Thursday, April 16 at the VolunTourism Awards dinner at the Carson Valley Inn. The annual event was part of the state’s 25th Rural Roundup tourism conference.

The RE/MAX Nevada Day Balloon Launch (which is operated under the assistance of the Great Reno Balloon Race) will take place at 8:00am, Saturday, Nov. 1 (weather permitting) on the morning of the Nevada Day parade - right on Carson St. (near the Carson Mall) - and sponsorship packages are available NOW!

Last year this very popular event Sold Out, SO RESERVE YOUR BALLOON AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!

For a $400 sponsorship fee (to cover basic balloon operating and crew costs), businesses or private individuals can sponsor a hot air balloon and receive:

The deadline to submit applications for Official and Signature Nevada 150 events will be 5:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12. Over 400 events have been held across the Silver State since Nevada Day 2013, in celebration of Nevada’s Sesquicentennial, with many more ahead. To submit an event application please visit www.Nevada150.org. For questions or additional information please contact Scott Carey, events and community relations manager, at 775-687-0645 or shcarey@nevada150.org.

The following events will be held Sept. 1 through Sept. 14.

"Up up and away in my beautiful balloon" were the words of the Fifth Dimension's famous song of the 70s and those same words could describe Katie Griggs, this week's guest on Women to Women.

Griggs, a local balloonist, shares her experiences as a pilot with host Carol Paz. The great Reno Balloon Race is Sept. 5-7, and Griggs will have a balloon on Nevada Day.

The 75th anniversary of the Nevada Day Parade will be celebrated on Saturday, October 26th, 2013 in Carson City and is expected to produce record-breaking attendance.

The day-long experience is kicked off with the opportunity to ride in a hot air balloon. This is a rare opportunity to participate in a mass ascension with a downtown lift-off in Carson City. A downtown lift-off is extremely rare in the hot air balloon industry. Individuals and businesses can sponsor a balloon, which includes the opportunity to ride in the balloon during the event.