The Great Reno Balloon Race is back this weekend. Dozens of balloons took to the skies over Rancho San Rafael Regional Park for a preview Thursday morning.
Veterans with Honor Flight Nevada opened the event by unfurling American and Nevada flags high above the park.
"For the veterans, especially the ones that have gone on Honor Flight, but for all veterans, this is another thank you, another shake of the hand," said Jon Yuspa, Founder and CEO of Honor Flight Nevada. "They come out here and they are appreciated, they were invited to be a part of it."
A crowd gathered to see the flags float over the park.
"The patriotism means everything, supporting veterans means everything," said Vietnam Veteran Larry Dunn. "I'm part of those veterans who support veterans."
This year the event will have an bonus Dawn Patrol show.
"This year we're expanding our Dawn Patrol into Friday," said Executive Director Pete Copeland. "Dawn Patrol is one of our favorite events, they've been asking for another show for years and this year we were able to deliver."
Nearly 100 balloons will be flying over the park this weekend - including plenty of fan favorites.
"We always try to bring in new balloons, with some fan favorites," Copeland said. "We will have the Elvis tribute balloon that hasn't been here in awhile and we will have the Darth Vader balloon who is here about every other year."
A little closer to the ground, The Children's Cabinet is giving tethered rides to some of their clients through a partnership with the Wilbur D. May Foundation. It's a decades-long tradition, and this weekend, 600 kids will get to see the event from a whole new perspective.
"It's so special to see them go up in a balloon, to see their faces, to just have that special experience in the air and having a very different vantage point," said Amy Riley with The Children's Cabinet. "We have the Simba balloon and the Pumpkin Head balloon and we're really excited about it."
This the world's largest free ballooning event.
More information: https://renoballoon.com
