Good weather has allowed the first two flights and the first glow of Centralia Balloon Fest ’22 to go off as scheduled.
A crowd estimated at more than 10,000 filled Foundation Park on Friday night to watch the first lift-off and the glow that followed.
Centralia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marcus Holland said the crowd was great, there were long lines at the vendor so they were happy, and the pilots were happy because they were able to fly and show off their balloons at the glow. He notes more than 10,000 of the wristbands have been sold and that doesn’t count anyone under six who get in free.
The morning flight was designed to give the community a chance to see the balloons. They took off from multiple locations mainly on the east and southeast side of the city and then flew to the northeast. The Drifting Dolphin balloon is believed to made the longest flight, landing on the south side of Alma after flying over the north and western sides of Salem. Others traveled into Odin and Junction City.
In a change this year, Foundation Park is not open for the early morning flights on either Saturday or Sunday. The park is opening at ten on both days with more than 100 craftsmen and more than a dozen food vendors in operation. Two stages of entertainment are also being provided.
Sunday is Family Fun Day where everything is free. There will not be a Sunday night optional balloon flight this year.
We hope you will share your photos of Balloon Fest in our photo contest. We’ll award a basket full of Balloon Fest goodies from the Centralia Chamber of Commerce as the prize to the top vote-getter.
https://wjbdradio.secondstreetapp.com/Balloon-Fest-Photo-Contest-2022/rounds/1/gallery/
A large crowd gathers around the balloons for the first glow on Friday night. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Balloon preparing for the Friday night glow reflect into Catfish Pond. Photo by Pat Hodges.
One of the Balloons leaving Foundation Park during the Friday night flight. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Another balloon lifts off Friday night in Foundation Park. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Airing up in front of the Announcer’s stand Friday night. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Looking down on the Bell Tower and downtown Centralia during the balloon flight. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Heading north out of Centralia during Saturday morning for several balloons. Photo by Jeannell Charman.
Tiger balloon gets acquainted with Raccoon Lake. Photo by Jeannel Charman.
A different kind of boat? A balloon touches down in Raccoon Lake. Photo by Jeannell Charman.
A successful touchdown following the Friday morning flight on a road near Junction City. Photo by Jeannell Charman.
Centralia High School band performs during opening ceremonies on Friday afternoon. Photo by Pat Hodges.
The Centralia High School Choir performs during opening ceremony. Photo by Pat Hodges.
