Local pilots will hold a balloon glow at Murray Center on Sunday.
Jamie Allen of the Centralia Chamber of Commerce says the drive through event from 7:30 to 8:30 Sunday evening is open to the public.
“There will be ten balloons setting up and scheduled to glow from 7:30 until 8:30, weather depending of course. That’s going to be our kick-off event. From there, we’ll have pilots in town all week. Most of them will be trying to fly in the mornings, usually around 6:00 a.m. and then again in the evening, all weather depending. We’ll try and keep our Facebook page updated, whether it’s the Chamber page or the Balloon Fest page. We’ll let people know if they’re flying and when they’re flying as much as we can.”
Those attending are asked to enter Murray Center from West 4th Street and exit on Route 161. That’s backwards from last year to try and keep traffic from backing up on Route 161. If weather conditions are not good on Sunday, the rain out date is Monday, August 17th from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
Allen says they are also looking for those who would like to learn how to crew a balloon.
“The volunteer training starts at 5:30 and is at Foundation Park on Wednesday, August 19. Anybody is welcome. It doesn’t cost anything, it’s a great way to get a different experience at Balloon Fest by helping set the balloon up, crewing, and being part of the chase group. If they can’t make that date, we will still take them. They can still reach out to the Chamber of Commerce, they can call us, they can message us on Facebook if they are interested in crewing.”
Balloon Fest officially begins Friday afternoon, August 21st with a glow and fly out of Fairview Park. There is no admission charge to attend this year’s event which continues through Sunday.
