The world’s largest free hot-air balloon festival makes its return to the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park this weekend.

In 1982, just 20 hot-air balloons took flight at the Great Reno Balloon Race. Now, close to 100 balloons will lift off on September 7 – 9. Spectators are clad in pajamas, wrapped in blankets and clutching hot beverages as they gaze into the sky for the Glow Show that takes place at dawn. Shortly after, some will rise for Dawn Patrol and then the rest follow later at Mass Ascension. Skill and consistency are the keys to a victory and a piece of the $11,000 prize.

The mission of the GRBR is to provide a premier, safe and family oriented event that is visually dramatic and celebrates the joy of flight while remaining free to the

Airplane racing is the world’s fastest motor sport and returns to the Reno skies this week.

When viewed in person as planes dart across the sky above the crowd, the event is quite spectacular. People from all across the country come out to Reno for the heart-pounding action September 13 – 17.

“For the general public, it’s the type of aviation event they can’t see anywhere else, no other show flies this low and close to the crowd so the excitement is there; and nowhere else can you walk through the pits and get close to all of the different planes and the pilots,” said sport class president, Bob Mills, who will be racing for his seventh year.

This year’s event highlights the races, which are the most popular part of the festivities. They will

What is all the hype about Reno? We’re here to tell you.

Northern Nevada has long-been known for being home to the largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe. But that isn’t all that the area has to offer. Reno lives up to its classic adage of being “The Biggest Little City”. From the views of the snow-capped Sierra Mountains to the tax-friendly business structure, it was easy to come up with 10 reasons we love living here.

1. There’s always something to do

The Reno-Tahoe region is blessed with 300 days of sunshine annually. Combine that with four distinct seasons and it is hard to stay indoors on just about any given day of the year. With the abundance of mountains, lakes, rivers, sun and snow, the range and choices of outdoor

The National Championship Air Races return to Reno for its 53rd year this week.

Photo courtesy of www.airraces.org

The weather is predicted for clear skies and early attendance numbers are through the roof, tracking ahead of last year’s races by 10% according to president and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association, Mike Crowell. Attendance last year was up by 8% to total a whopping 150,000 attendees. Crowell hopes that this year’s will fall between 160,000 and 175,000.

The races will begin today, September 14 and run until Sunday the 18 at the Reno Stead Airport.

“The weather right now – knock on wood – looks good with beautiful mornings and nice afternoons,” Crowell said. “If we get great weather, I think we’ll see a boost in