The Great Reno
Balloon Race
Up, up and away
-- Don’t miss the Video of the
event!
In its 31st year the Great Reno Balloon Race has
drawn about a hundred of balloonists and thousands of spectators to this
colorful event. Most of you have
probably seen a single balloon floating calmly in the air maybe over Napa’s
wine country but seeing the mass ascension of a hundred balloons and seeing
them ‘dancing’ in the wind against the deep blue sky is an unforgettable sight.
I have visited Reno
and photographed the Balloon Race now for several years and won’t get tired of
it. Last weekend 6 photographers joined
me in Reno to experience this
unique photo opportunity. We stayed
comfortably in spacious condos with all amenities to be well rested for the early
morning activities – and early means really early before dawn. We left for the Rancho San Rafael just
outside Reno shortly after 4am to be there for the glow show and see 7
special night-flying balloons – the dawn patrol - ascend at the start of
dawn. During the glow show and the ‘dawn
patrol’ the balloonists choreograph their burners that heat up the air in the
balloons to make them ascend with the music - each balloon representing another
instrument. Against the dark sky it is
quite a sight to see.
Glow Show
The Wells Fargo StageCoach Balloon
The Smiley Balloon
Dawn Patrol
As dawn lightens the sky, the wind carries the Dawn
Patrol over the horizon.
As the sun rises, the balloonists prepare for the mass
ascension of ~100 balloons and it is fascinating to observe the balloonists and
their crew as they prepare for rising in the air. The balloons are laid out on the ground,
first filled with cold air using big fans.
Once inflated, the burners throwing big flames are turned on
heating up the air and the balloon rights itself.
All the while, people walk between the balloons, experience
the heat from the burners while standing close and looking into the
balloon. Overhead, a flock of geese
makes a fly-over curious what’s going on down there.
The Shark Balloon over towers all.
If you have never been to a balloon festival, don't miss the opportunity to come to Reno with me
on September 6-9, 2013! Save the Date!
on September 6-9, 2013! Save the Date!
Til next time,
Meggi
For those who are interested, the video was composed of over 2500 images taken over 3 days of the festival.
For those who are interested, the video was composed of over 2500 images taken over 3 days of the festival.
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For all Animal lovers and conservationists:
Please see for yourself how the kindness of a small group of people can make a difference!
Please join me in October for a great visit at a wild mustang sanctuary right here in California.
The proceeds will directly benefit the horses at RTF.
Copyrigth M. Raeder-Photography
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An unforgettable afternoon Equine Fine Arts Photographer Kimerlee Curyl and Wildlife Photographer Meggi Raeder
Date:
For all details click here.
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