Today kicks off the annual Great Reno Balloon Race. The Wednesday before the festival is media day, where members of the local media interview pilots, crews, and officials of this very popular event. And yes, sometimes take to the sky inside those small wicker baskets known as the Gondola as part of their reporting. The public festivities will start bright and early Thursday morning with the always popular Dawn Patrol. When a handful of balloons will ascend into the dark sky (weather permitting) and dazzle the crowds below with a light show. The main attraction starts at 7AM, when upwards of 100 balloons will take to the sky in a mass ascension to the delight of thousands on the ground.

These images were shot from my apartment complex, 1.5 miles East of the festival grounds with my big lens.

More information about this popular event can be found at the following link: The Great Reno Balloon Race