RENO, Nev. — The volunteer group supporting the Great Reno Balloon Race will hold its annual volunteer kick-off meeting March 27 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. Those interested in working with the volunteer Aeronauts should reserve seats at the meeting through the website www.renoballoon.com/volunteerkickoff. Those interested should make reservations by March 21, as space is limited.
The Great Reno Balloon Race, the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event, will take place Sept. 5-7 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
At the March 27 meeting, the Great Reno Balloon Race will welcome back past volunteers and recruit new ones.
“As a nonprofit, we rely on the support, strength and enthusiasm of our Aeronauts to execute a successful and safe event,” Pete Copeland, executive director of the Great Reno Balloon Race, said. “This year, like every year, we want our Aeronauts focused and well-educated on the event’s rules and responsibilities. The kick-off meeting is a time for us to provide current and potential volunteers with the ins and outs of the event and what volunteering entails.”
The Aeronauts are an integral part of the Great Reno Balloon Race, assisting pilots in preparing the balloons for flight; serving as chase crews; and assisting in field setup and breakdown, and with security. Aeronauts receive a variety of training courses and the opportunity to be a part of one of the region’s most celebrated events.
The March 27 meeting will include a light dinner.
The Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR) is the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event. The event has floated into the hearts and minds of Reno’s visitors and locals for the past 32 years. With nearly 100 balloons and 100,000+ in attendance each year, the event is a permanent fixture in Reno’s September skyline. GRBR is a nonprofit organization offering free admission because of its sponsorship support. For more information, visit www.renoballoon.com.
