As the last day of the Centralia Balloon Fest got underway Sunday, pilots, sponsors, and steering committee members took a moment to recognize people who have helped make the event a success for 35 years. The annual awards breakfast was held at the Centralia American Legion.
Longtime sponsors were the first to be recognized with Midland States Bank honored for 25 years, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, and the Geary Family for 30 years, and both U.S. Bank and Monken Auto thanked for their sponsorship of all 35 years of Balloon Fest.
Two other individuals were also recognized for being a part of each and every Balloon Fest. David Sachtleban has served on the Steering Committee since the beginning, helping to make Foundation Park ready to host the event each year; and pilot Mike England has been flying in all 35 Balloon Fests. England gave brief remarks when he was honored and said the people he’s met and friends he’s made are what keeps him coming back year after year.
The last award to be handed out was the annual High Fly Cup, which is presented each year to a pilot who is seen as an ambassador for the spirit of ballooning. The award is named after the late Wes Rinker who flew the baseball-shaped balloon in Centralia for many years. This year, pilots selected Dave and Kathy Reineke as the 2024 winners. The Reinekes fly the “Peg Leg Pete” special-shaped balloon. Dave Reineke says winning the award is a great honor.
“I was totally speechless, and that’s a rarity for me. I appreciate it so much. We were lucky enough to be able to fly with Wes years ago, and this means so much to us. It really does,” Reineke said.
Kathy Reineke says the pair have been coming to the Centralia Balloon Fest off and on over the years, and came to many of the first events in the ‘90s.
“It’s a very great festival, and it’s a fun place to be in the park. I remember years ago we were in the cardboard boat races when they used to have those. I think they still have them, but we did that one year and it was really fun. It’s a great festival,” Reineke said.
After breakfast, committee members returned to Foundation Park to get ready for one more afternoon of Balloon Fest.
Pilot Mike England was honored for being at all 35 Centralia Balloon Fests. Photo by Garrett Ford.
This year’s High Fly winners Dave and Kathy Reineke gather with all the past balloonists who have won the award who are at this weekend’s 35th annual Balloon Fest. Photo by Garrett Ford.
