Many local and area residents attend the Centralia Balloon Fest each year, and this year’s event will bring a major change. The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce has announced that Balloon Fest will move to Fairview Park on August 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. With the new location, admission will be free for all those attending.
In response to community concerns, the Chamber emphasized that Fairview Park’s size is comparable to the area used at Foundation Park, the event’s previous home. For safety and logistics, no vehicles of any kind will be permitted inside Fairview Park. Free parking will be provided at Fairview Park Plaza. Additionally, West Broadway from Buena Vista to Brooks Street will be closed to traffic during event hours.
Organizers plan to maintain the same number of craft vendors, food vendors, and hot air balloons as in previous years. The event will still feature the popular Friday and Saturday night balloon glows. For the evening flights, some balloons will launch from Fairview Park while others will take off from surrounding locations, allowing them to fly over the park. Even though Fairview Park could potentially accommodate all 35 hot air balloons, not all will launch from the park at once due to traffic and safety considerations. All activities remain weather dependent.
The Chamber indicated that Balloon Fest could return to Foundation Park in future years. Current electrical issues at Foundation Park are being evaluated, and while some may be addressed soon, other concerns will require careful planning, budgeting, and implementation. The Chamber will continue to collaborate with the Centralia Foundation Board, which owns Foundation Park.
Organizers expressed gratitude to the City of Centralia for its support and efforts to keep Balloon Fest in Centralia, especially given the short notice. The Chamber is working closely with Centralia Police, Fire, ESDA, and Public Works to ensure a safe and successful event.
For more information and updates, visit the Centralia Balloon Fest Facebook page.