Great Reno Balloon Race announces winners

Staff report

Organizers of the 2008 Great Reno Balloon Race estimate 175,000 spectators attended the three-day event, with more than 60,000 in attendance at Saturday's World's Largest Pajama Party.

"Talented pilots, generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers all contributed to a wonderful weekend" said Marlene Olsen, Balloon Race managing director. "The weather was perfect for flying and we are thankful for another safe year of flight."

Saturday's bed-head competition received more than 200 registrants, with thousands more pajama-clad spectators participating in the inaugural Pajama Fest.

This year's Balloon Race pilots competed in two categories: Hare & Hound and On-Field competitions.

Hare & Hound Competition:

First place: Dennis Park, of Discovery Bay, Calif., flew for Silver State Spinecare.

Second place: David Lynch, of Temecula, Calif., flew for C.I.S., Inc.

Third place: Anson Stelmak, of Mead, Wash., flew for Grand Sierra Resort & Casino.

On- Field Competition:

First-place: Greg Taggart, of Citrus Heights, Calif., flew for the University of Nevada, Reno.

Second place: David Steidley, of Albuquerque, N.M., flew for Shell Oil.

Third place: Dominic Chemello, of Temecula, Calif., flew for the Drummer Family.

Visit www.renoballoon.com for more information about The Great Reno Balloon Race and to become a sponsor of the 2009 races set for Sept. 11, 12 and 13.