Plenty of visitors came to Foundation Park on Friday for the opening day of the 36th annual Centralia Balloon Fest. Attendees had to endure high temperatures with a heat index over 100 at times, but the weather was otherwise cooperative with clear skies and calm winds.
All planned activities took place on schedule. The Centralia High School Band and Choir opened Balloon Fest with a performance on the main stage. Balloons took off from Foundation Park at 5:30 for an evening flight, then returned for the Friday Balloon Glow. Following the glow, DJ Will Smith of Porta Party DJs in St. Louis took over entertainment on the main stage.
Chamber of Commerce director Marcus Holland said everything went smoothly for the first day of Balloon Fest.
“We have to thank our volunteers and our sponsors, because we can’t do an event without all of that support. Of course, the community as well, getting the word out through social media, and the media also helping us. It’s been very successful, and we’re all happy with today’s turnout.”
Holland says Saturdays usually have a higher turnout and recommends arriving early for the full Balloon Glow featuring all 35 balloons
“We want people to get here probably before 6:30 because of the crowds and the traffic. Get here early enough that you can get into the park before 7:00, find your spot to see the balloons. The temperatures will drop by then, and we’re looking forward to a good glow tomorrow.”
In addition to activities in Foundation Park, the hot air balloons take morning flights over Centralia at 6:00 AM each day of Balloon Fest weekend. Live coverage of Balloon Fest will continue Saturday afternoon on WJBD Radio.
LIFT OFF!!! Balloons leave Foundation Park during the Friday night flight. Photo by Pat Hodges.
DJ Will Smith with Porta Party DJ entertains the crowd after the Friday night Balloon Glow. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Centralia High School Band opens Balloon Fest Friday afternoon. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Members of the Centralia High Band perform during opening ceremonies. Photo by Pat Hodges.
The Centralia High School Choir performs at the opening ceremonies of Balloon Fest. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Centralia High School flag corps during opening ceremonies. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Inflating for lift off in Foundation Park Friday night. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Balloons reflect in Catfish Pond during the Friday night glow. Photo by Pat Hodges.
