BALLOON FEST STEERING COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING OF 2026

The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest Steering Committee held its first meeting of the new year Tuesday in Centralia Chamber of Commerce Conference Room.

The meeting was led by this year’s Balloon Fest Chairperson, Kala Lambert, and saw several longtime committee members returning to the fold as well as a newcomers.

Despite the event being several months away, the food and craft committees reported an enormity of returning vendors from the previous years. The pilot liaisons also noted that nearly 20 pilots have already committed to flying at the Balloon Fest.

Addressing the committee, Lambert wished to thank each and every member for their commitment to the event and making 2026 another successful year.

“Everyone is actually doing things on their committee; working together and then bringing that to this full committee to make this event happen. We really appreciate you guys continuing on in that tradition,” said Lambert.

The 2027 Centralia Balloon Fest will be held Friday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 23 in Centralia’s Foundation Park.