September 2008 Reno Hot Air Balloon races

One of Reno's many anual events is a Hot Air Balloon Race in early September. Being our first year in the area, we of course decided to checked it out. It kicks off in the morning with a glow show prior to sunrise, then a specialized team are allowed to lift off as the sun is rising. Apparently, it's quite dangerous with the atmospheric pressure changes as the sun rises. We were not planning on getting up early enough to walk 1/2 a mile in the dark, but Roslynn begged, (and it was her birthday weekend) so we obliged. She didn't even complain when we got her up at 4 a.m. I wish she popped out of bed that easily every morning. After the glow show and the sun is fully up, the jets fly overhead, and once the traditional eagle balloon has lift off, the rest of the balloons are free to go. It's quite beautiful seeing over 100 balloons in the air. The festivities were fun, complete with pajama, and bed head contests, and local vendors.