RENO, Nev. (KRNV amp; MyNews4.com)–Today, The Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR) announced its full slate of 2015 attractions during a special preview event at Great Basin Brewing Company in Reno. GRBR, now in its 34th year, will take to northern Nevadas sky with upwards of 100 hot-air balloonsincluding 16 special shapeson Friday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 13. During the preview, event organizers also unveiled the 2015 official poster designed by Shery Larson, a balloon pilot and enthusiast from Dunsmuir, Calif.

Were thrilled with this years official poster design, exudes Executive Director Pete Copeland. This was the first time in many years that we invited the general public to contribute their vision for a poster design through a contest. We received a number of remarkable designs, both digital and hand-illustrated, with an entry even coming from the United Kingdom. After much deliberation, our judges chose Sherys design because it captured the essence of our event in a way that the judges deemed memorable.

Fans can purchase the official poster for $10 at the Merchandise Tent during the event. New apparel, designed by local company SWAG | Blue Moon and depicting a fresh new look, will also be available at the Merchandise Tent.

Year-after-year, GRBRs fans attend the event to see the ethereal giants fly high above Renos skyline. This year, 16 special shapes will be flying at GRBR, including new balloons: Master Yoda; Neptuno; Aaron, an Elvis-tribute balloon; Norman, a dragon; Aquario, a fish bowl; Pi, an apple; Miss Bell, a replica of the Liberty Bell; Walkin on Air, a pair of flip flops. Returning special shapes include: Darth Vader, Smokey Bear; La Ristra, the chili peppers; Sushi; Gus T. Guppy; Wells Fargos Centre Stage; Soccer Ball and Limoncello, a lemon.

Community outreach has been of critical importance for GRBR over the past 20 years, including a partnership with the Wilbur May Foundation, which sponsors two special shapes that provide free tethered rides to the children and families of the Childrens Cabinet. This year, Wilbur May has sponsored the Aquario and Neptuno balloons. Another annual tradition for GRBR is the EL Cord Foundations tissue paper launch, in which the Washoe County School District brings 900 students to the event for an interactive project to learn how hot-air balloons work.

For the beer aficionado, Great Basin Brewing Company developed a Dawn Patrol beer, paying tribute to the trademark early morning glow show featuring a handful of balloons that are qualified to fly in the dark. Over the years, the brew has become a collectable item for balloon enthusiasts. This year, it will be sold at both Great Basin Brewery locations and local retail outlets, with proceeds going back to GRBR.

For more information about GRBRincluding Cloud 9 VIP Club, reserved VIP parking passes, volunteering and vendor opportunitiescall (775) 826-1181 or visit online www.renoballoon.com. For the latest updates on this years event find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/RenoBalloon or follow us on Twitter @RenoBalloon.

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