The weather proved ideal for balloons to take off from Foundation Park at 5:30 on Friday as part of the 35th annual Centralia Balloon Fest. Under clear skies, a gentle wind carried most of this year’s participating balloons in flight to the east of Centralia. Spectators got to see the balloons take flight and return for the Friday night balloon glow, the first of two glows planned for the weekend.
Centralia Chamber Director Marcus Holland said that the opening night of Balloon Fest was a complete success.
“Friday of Balloon Fest was great,” Holland said. “We had a full park, balloons flew and came back and did a glow. We have a lot of people in the park. We’re happy with everything, the weather’s come out, we can’t ask for more.”
He said Saturday night would be worth attending for more entertainment, including the full balloon glow.
“It’s an all glow that night, so that is the thing that people really come for on Saturday night. The glow can happen between 7:30 and 8:30, but we all want people to get to the park early because of parking, the food lines, and everything else. We want to make sure they’re in the park so they can take advantage of this event.”
After the balloons came down, all attention turned to Taylor Made, the Taylor Swift tribute band based out of St. Louis, performing on the main stage. The band performed highlights from several of Taylor Swift’s “eras,” playing some of the biggest hits throughout her career. They were greeted by a large and enthusiastic crowd, some of whom made sure to secure seats close to the stage hours in advance.
In a break between songs, guitarist Bailey Drone expressed appreciation for the crowd and the atmosphere of the Balloon Fest venue.
“I’ve got to say, there’s like a big balloon back there, hot air going into it every couple of seconds; this is like the coolest backdrop I think we’ve ever had on the back side of the stage. Thank you so much Centralia Balloon Festival for having us tonight. Can you all give it up for the people who have put on this wonderful event this week?”
On Saturday night at 8:30, country artist and American Idol alum Josh Gracin will take the stage as the evening’s headlining entertainment.
Balloon Fest opens again on Saturday from 3:00 to 10:00 PM, and for free Family Fun Day on Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00 PM.
Taylor Made, the Taylor Swift tribute band plays to a big crowd Friday night at Balloon Fest. Photo by Austin Williams.
Up, Up, and Away during the first flight of Balloon Fest Friday evening. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Balloons take flight from near the WJBD-WSIQ Tent in Foundation Park Friday night. Photo by Austin Williams.
A balloon visits the castle at Castle Ridge in Raccoon Lake during the Friday night flight. Photo by Jeannell Charmann.
Balloons inflate for the Friday night glow. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Balloons inflate for Friday night glow. Photo by Austin Williams.
Sky Eyes flown by James Stanton takes flight on Friday night. Photo by Austin Williams.
Peg Leg Pete, one of the five special-shaped balloons, fires up Friday night. Photo by Austin Williams.
