The threat of bad weather slowed but did not stop activities at Centralia Balloon Fest on Saturday. With light rain showers and nearby thunderstorms in the afternoon, pilots were uncertain for some time whether any balloons would be able to take flight in the evening. After an hour of delay, the scheduled Freedom Flight was able to take place at 6:30 PM, followed by the Balloon Glow at its regularly scheduled 7:30, featuring all 35 of this year’s balloons.
Balloon meister Matt McClinton said the cooperative weather was a stroke of good fortune.
“We got very lucky with the weather. It was a great night, we had some hesitation about what the weather was going to do… it turned out absolutely perfect. About ten degrees cooler than last night.”
McClinton said that pilot coordination has been flawless throughout Balloon Fest, and he credited the skill and experience of the balloon pilots with ensuring that everything went smoothly.
The featured acts on the main stage to open Saturday afternoon were the acoustic sets of Centralia natives Joel Young and Caleb Shipley. Headlining entertainment taking the stage after the balloon glow was As You Were, a rock band made up of active-duty soldiers based in Fort Knox, Kentucky, performing original songs and rock covers of contemporary music.
This year’s Balloon Fest concludes on Sunday afternoon, with free admission and the park open from noon to 6:00 PM. Sunday is family fun day, featuring kids’ activities including inflatable jumps, crafts, games, puzzles, and a scavenger hunt. Cardboard boat race registration and building begin at noon, and a car show begins at 1:00 PM. WJBD will have live coverage of the last day of Balloon Fest beginning at 4:00 PM.
Part of the Saturday night Balloon Glow. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Balloons light up Foundation Park Saturday night. Photo by Austin Williams.
Balloons glow for the crowd Saturday night. Photo by Austin Williams.
Veterans were honored during a special balloon launch on Saturday evening.
The POW/MIA Balloon launched during the Veterans tribute Saturday. Photo by Austin Williams.
US Army Rock band on the stage Saturday night. Photo by Pat Hodges.
