Centralia Balloon Fest next weekend will feature two special shaped balloons as well as several other unique balloons to entertain the crowd.
The official special shapes are Airball the Soccer Ball and American Rocket. VIP Sponsor Kaskaskia College soccer team will be the crew for the large soccer ball. VIP Sponsor SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital is the sponsor for the rocket.
Another meaningful balloon is the POW / MIA Veterans Freedom Flight balloon sponsored by American Legion Post 446 with Veterans Foreign Wars Post 2055. On Saturday evening, this balloon will be accompanied by a few select balloons to fly veterans as a tribute to all of those who have served our country.
Alongside the other beautiful and colorful balloons, there will be Wagz the Dog and Cazooee the Zebra, piloted by father and son, Dean Carlton and Ryan Carlton. These balloons are a surprise for lots of kids who watch the balloons inflate and then the fun images appear.
Centralia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marcus Holland says each balloon is unique and everyone has their favorite, which is one of the many reasons that Centralia Balloon Fest is a great memory for those who attend. He hopes to continue to make special memories for new audiences as well.
There are also many local pilots who will fly or crew at Centralia Balloon Fest this year, Kevin Heinzmann, Brad Haege, Justin Hoffmann, Andrew Robinson, Joe Ritchie, Eric Smith, and Patty Williams.
Holland says the local balloons are familiar year-round in Centralia and they are happy to be able to share them with all of our visitors.
Photos: Centralia Chamber of Commerce
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