The 35th annual Centralia Balloon Fest gets underway this afternoon in Centralia Foundation Park, and this year’s festival boasts dozens of hot air balloons, a strong live entertainment lineup and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Rob Jackson, chairman for this year’s event, says there will be a larger-than-normal amount of special shape balloons in the park.
“We have 40 hot air balloons, including the five special shapes. Five special shapes is a little more than we normally have — normally, two to three — but the special shapes came through this year. We had some great sponsors for all of those, so we have extra balloons in the park this year.”
Balloon flights are scheduled for approximately 5:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, taking off from the park. Flights are also planned for 6 a.m. each day, from take-off spots around the community. Balloon glows will take place in the park at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Those events are subject to weather conditions, and people can stay up-to-date on the status of scheduled activities by visiting the Centralia Balloon Fest page on Facebook.
In addition to the balloon-related events, guests will find plenty of other entertainment throughout the park all weekend long. Jackson says organizers have put together an impressive lineup of live music this year.
“We have a great lineup of entertainment. On Friday we have Taylor Made; it’s a tribute to Taylor Swift. That’s Friday night. Then Saturday, we have Kaylee Rose and Josh Gracin. Josh Gracin you may recognize as an ‘American Idol’ alum.”
Visitors will also be able to peruse numerous food options, as well as the offerings of more than 100 craft vendors. Sunday will feature free parking and admission, with several activities planned including children’s entertainment, the cruise-in car show and the annual cardboard boat races at Catfish Pond.
Balloon Fest is a large undertaking, with organizers expecting tens of thousands of visitors to Foundation Park over the weekend. Matt Packman, assistant director of the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce, says the volunteer-driven event requires a significant team effort.
“We at the chamber, we really just want to thank our steering committee and all of our volunteers and all of the people that contribute. It really does take a village to make this event happen. It’s been happening that way for 35 years, and that’s really a testament to the love that this community has for Centralia Balloon Fest. There are so many people that come together to make this thing happen. It takes a lot of work and a lot of passion. … I think what we’re going to see this weekend is going to be a result of both.”
Wristbands to get into the park can be purchased for $5 at the gate. A full schedule of activities for the 35th annual Centralia Balloon Fest can be found online at centraliachamber.com.
