The Great Reno Balloon Race is the largest free hot air ballooning event in the Nation with more than 100 balloons participating each year. During three days in early September, hot air balloons from all over join together at San Rafael Park in Reno Nevada. Each morning shortly after day break there is a mass ascension of dozens and dozens of colorful hot air balloons. A little later in the morning there is the Hare & the Hound Race where two “Hare” balloons launch 45 minutes apart, then land and place large cloth Xs on the ground. Other balloons then launch and try to get as close as possible to the cloth Xs. Spectators are encouraged to mingle among the balloons and launch crews during the launchings.