Balloonists Dave and Kathy Reineke were awarded the 2024 High Fly Cup for their 40 years of exceptional ballooning.

The Reinekes were presented with the award Sunday, Aug. 18 at the annual Balloon Fest Pilot Bunch, held at American Legion Post 446.

Previous winners of the Ed Yost Award for their decades of safe flying, the Reinekes have instructed student balloon pilots, educated children interntaionally on the art of ballooning and flown special shape balloons for 23 years.

The High Fly Cup is an annual award presented at Centralia Balloon Fest in honor of pilot Wes Rinker and his baseball balloon, “High Fly”. The award recipients are selected by past winners.

Others recognized during the brunch included Balloon Fest Chair, Rob Jackson; 35-year pilot, Mike England; 35-year Steering Committee member, David Sachtleben; 30-year sponsors SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Monken Auto; U.S. Bank. Midland States Bank and The Geary Family.