The city of Reno, Nevada, is one of the most populous cities in the Silver State. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the city is a popular tourist attraction. Called the "Biggest Little City in the World," it is home to numerous casinos and serves as a year-round starting point for numerous outdoor activities, ranging from skiing to boating. The area is also home to several popular air shows.
The Reno National Championship Air Races is one of the premier air shows in the western United States. The air show features five days of racing in which six different types of aircraft are featured, from biplanes to jet-class aircraft. Aviation enthusiasts also can get close-up access to air crews and pilots.
The show also features a large display of grounded aircraft to view, including military and antique planes. In 2010, the show is scheduled for Sept. 15-19. It's the 47th championship and will feature the "Snowbirds," a Canadian military air demonstration squadron.
Reno Air Races
14501 Mount Anderson St.
Reno, NV 89506-1244
775-972-6663
airrace.org
The Great Reno Balloon Race, held in September since 1982, is one of the premier hot-air balloon events in the United States. In fact, its considered America's "largest free hot-air ballooning event," according to the organizers.
The race features more than 100 hot-air balloons. Event highlights include tethered balloon ride for children, a pancake breakfast and the Glow Show, which is an early morning display of glowing balloons to help guide spectators to the launch field.
Other events at the show include a raffle, a photo contest and numerous vendors. As a special bonus, the 2010 event from Sept. 10-12 will feature the "first ever Balloon Race Wedding."
Great Reno Balloon Race
465 Court St.
Reno, NV 89501-1708
775-826-1181
renoballoon.com
Just east of Reno is the NAS Fallon Airshow, an event that the air base has named the "biggest little air show in the world." Held in Fallon, Nevada, at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, the air show offers free admission and parking and an appearance by the always entertaining Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's air demonstration squad.
Several "war birds" will be on display, from the past and present, as well as a variety of civilian aircraft. In addition to the action in the sky, the air show also includes field exhibits and hands-on displays. The base is located 55 miles east of Reno, and 2 miles southeast of Fallon.
NAS Fallon Airshow
NAS Fallon
Nevada 89406
fallonairshow.com
