The third day of Balloon Fest started with a successful flight from Kaskaskia College. Balloon enthusiasts made it out to the college to photograph the launch. Centralia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marcus Holland was pleased.
“It’s very rare to have calm winds and exactly what we want, where all the balloons can go from one launch site, so we had a mass ascension of all 33 balloons from Kaskaskia College heading south and a little bit back towards Centralia.”
Meanwhile, Day two of this year’s Centralia Balloon Fest Saturday evening drew a larger crowd than Day one to Balloon Fest’s new home in Fairview Park. Holland says they handled the crowd.
“The parking lot [Fairview Shopping Center], so we know that is something we’ll look at for the future, but traffic still flowed, and we had lots of people in the park. All the balloons were glowing, and we really appreciate everyone coming out to support the event and community. It was an excellent event.”
Few balloons went up for the evening balloon flight, which was delayed until 6:30 due to wind conditions. However, the crowd enjoyed a larger balloon glow than on Friday, with balloons occupying open space throughout the park.
In entertainment on the main stage, Leight July performed throughout the afternoon. At 8:30, after the balloon Glow, local rock band Stir of Echoes took the stage.
Centralia Economic Development Director Rob Jackson, working as a volunteer for Balloon Fest, said the event has had a very successful first two days.
“The first two nights have been fantastic. Great crowds both nights. Tonight an exceptional crowd is here. The committee has done a great job orchestrating the event, making sure everybody is here and safe. I really appreciate the economic impact that it’s had on the area businesses here on the west side of Centralia.”
Sunday is All Day Family Fun Day for Balloon Fest, featuring kids’ activities, sports, and the car and motorcycle show. A live magician will be in the park and will perform on the main stage at 1:30. Balloon Fest is scheduled to conclude with the 5:30 evening balloon flight for local pilots.
Special shapes join other balloons in Saturday night glow. Photo by Pat Hodges.
One of the pilots lighting up the propane in his balloon for the Saturday night glow. Photo by Pat Hodges.
