Cardboard Boat Races are returning to Centralia Balloon Fest on Sunday as part of the free Family Fun day.
Traditional cardboard boat building starts at noon Sunday, when the park opens. It is free to enter and open for all ages. Kids under 18 must have parent’s signed permission at registration. Boat building takes place from noon to 3:00pm. All supplies are provided at the event.
New this year, is a pre-built Business Class category. Prizes will be awarded for first place in the race and best decorated. Ten entries only available and must register with the Chamber of Commerce before the event.
Also, after years of only having the traditional builds, hot air balloon pilots and crews will return with the Pilot Class category. Supplies will be provided and boats may be built anytime during Balloon Fest weekend. Up to ten local crews and pilots can participate.
Races will start at 2:00 pm with the Business Class and Pilot Class heats. Then the Traditional Class will have up to three heats starting at 3:00 pm.
In addition to the boat races, the Free Family Fun Day will feature inflatable jumps, family activities, kids crafts, and the Car and Motorcycle Cruise-In. The Eastsiders Review Band will perform at 4:00pm.
Local hot air balloon pilots will close the event with a flight scheduled at 5:30pm.
Balloon Fest officially opens at three Friday afternoon, with both a balloon flight at 5:30 and a balloon glow at 7:30. A smaller drive by glow will be held that is handicapped accessible in Fairview Park on Friday evening. A second balloon glow is set for 7:30 Saturday night. Balloons will fly over Centralia on Saturday and Sunday morning beginning around 6:30, weather permitting. Park hours on Saturday and Sunday are three to ten, with a $5 wristband allowing entrance to all events on Friday and Saturday. Only cash will be taken at the gates. Kids under two are free. Parking is available at $5 per car per day.
The City of Centralia has temporarily reopened Gragg Street through Sunday evening to allow for Balloon Fest traffic accessing Foundation Park. Gragg Street will close again on Monday.
