The 2024 Centralia Balloon Fest Steering Committee met last Wednesday, April 9, in the Centralia Chamber of Commerce conference room.

Led by Balloon Fest President Rob Jackson, along with Balloon Fest Executive Committee members Galen Mahle and Kala Lambert, over-20 subcommittees issued reports of their current progress.

One of the big takeaways of the evening was the limited remaining capacity for Balloon Fest vendors, as well as the rising number of confirmed pilots and sponsors.

The Craft and Food committees reported a combined total of over 120 vendors already registered between them, with the Food committee saying additional room will be made to accommodate an additional number of food vendors.

The Pilot Liaison committee reported 34 pilots had already enlisted for 2023 and the number of current Balloon Fest sponsors is just over 30 at this time, too.

As numbers continue to rise and vacancies dwindle, a waiting list expected to be presented soon for all-new applicants. Vendors, pilots, and sponsors from previous years still planning on participating in this year’s event are asked to finalize their enrollment within the next few weeks.