The Voice Behind the Great Reno Balloon Race: A 44-Year Legacy
Every September, the early morning air at Rancho San Rafael is filled with anticipation and the distinct voice of Ron Smith, who has been the announcer for the Great Reno Balloon Race for the past 44 years. Rising before dawn at 3:30 a.m., Smith’s routine includes a simple ritual to prepare for the day: “Coffee (laughs). Simply clear up the phlegm with coffee and then talk,” he shares, attributing his readiness to his years in broadcasting.
Smith’s journey with the balloon race began in 1983 when the event was a modest gathering of just 20 attendees. Today, it attracts an impressive 150,000 spectators on average. This tremendous growth, according to Smith, is due to the dedication of countless individuals. “The number of people who give themselves to this event to make it happen,” he notes. “It is hundreds of people giving of their talents and their time, and some of them have been with us for 30, 40 years. Some of them are brand new and are excited to be part of it.”
According to race director Pete Copeland, Ron Smith is an indispensable part of the organization. “We talk about Ron as the voice of the organization, but Ron plays a critical role, like all the board members do. They were volunteers to begin with,” Copeland states.
Over the years, Smith has experienced unforgettable moments, such as flying with the Dawn Patrol, the balloons that illuminate the pre-dawn sky. “And that was exciting! To lift off and look down on all of these smiling faces staring up at you adoringly, really, and you see it just by pulling up out of the ground with the light of the Dawn Patrol’s burners… Now I see why these guys are excited to come here,” he recalls.
Smith is not alone in his duties. Announcers Sheila Morris and Kay Young also energize the crowd with their infectious enthusiasm. “These two personalities exude so much enthusiasm and get the crowd really involved in enjoying the morning,” Smith says. “I think our future is really bright along those lines, particularly with Shi and Kay.”
Despite being 90 years old, Smith has no immediate plans to retire. “We said that, you know, let’s have a backup here in case I fall off the stage, I can pass the microphone off. So, as far as my health holds up, I’d like to keep doing this for as long as I possibly can. And I’m honestly very proud to be part of it,” he states.
Listeners can tune in to Ron Smith’s voice when the Great Reno Balloon Race kicks off on September 10.
