The Great Reno Balloon Race has been a beloved community tradition since 1982, filling the skies with color and wonder each September. In 1994, a new tradition began when The Children’s Cabinet partnered with the Wilbur May Foundation to bring free tethered balloon rides to children and teens served by our programs.
Each year since then, special-shaped balloons ranging from playful characters to larger-than-life animals have lifted young riders just high enough to see the world from a new perspective. For many children, it is their first time experiencing the magic of flight, and the joy it brings is unforgettable.
By 2008, more than 8,500 children had already enjoyed tethered rides through this partnership, and the numbers have only grown in the years since. What has never changed is the laughter, excitement, and sense of wonder these rides spark for both the children and the balloon crews who make it possible.
While the Great Reno Balloon Race is known for its Glow Show, Dawn Patrol, and more than 100 balloons in the morning sky, the highlight for the kids of The Children’s Cabinet has always been those special rides made possible through the generosity of the Wilbur May Foundation.
We are proud to celebrate 32 years of partnership and are deeply grateful to the Great Reno Balloon Race and the Wilbur May Foundation for keeping this tradition alive. Together, we continue to lift children up and fill their lives with joy, adventure, and lasting memories.
