Businesses Prepare for Increased Traffic at Balloon Fest
During the chamber lunch on Wednesday, June 17, chamber members and area business leaders were in Fairview Park to visualize how Balloon Fest will set up on August 21-23, 2026.
By intentionally moving the event to a more centrally located setting, attendees will also be able to support the surrounding shopping district, retail and restaurants.
“As the chamber of commerce, it is our goal to have a highly visible event that attracts audiences from Southern Illinois and surrounding metropolitan areas in Missouri, Indiana, and Kentucky,” said Marcus Holland, executive director. “Balloon Fest is better positioned to directly benefit our business community and local economy!”
Fairview Park offers open spaces for hot air balloons, craft vendors, and food vendors. It is also more accessible with nearby parking, paved roads, sidewalks, and walkways for pedestrians, wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons.
“We are excited to have a new opportunity with a long-standing event!” Added Holland, “there are sports fields and courts, playground equipment, and other amenities for added activities, contests, and games on Sunday Family Fun Day.”
The biggest change for this year is free admission and free parking.
“When we are readjusting an existing event, we can address concerns that we would never be able to fix at the former location. We are saving money by not having to pay park fees, rent light standards, rent tents, rent utility carts, and pay for ongoing investments in the infrastructure. We want to pass those savings on to our community!” said Holland.
Businesses were given information on what to expect during Balloon Fest concerning peak hours and parking:
Peak hours are during the hot air balloon events, specifically the balloon glows on Friday and Saturday from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.
Be prepared for increased foot traffic and vehicle traffic leading up to that time.
We expect a high concentration of people in Fairview Park and another concentration of people watching from their vehicles at Fairview Park Plaza.
The official parking lot is Fairview Park Plaza, but people will park wherever they can.
Ipanema Management has given Centralia Chamber of Commerce permission to monitor and manage the parking at Fairview Park Plaza. This will remain a free parking lot and vendors are not allowed.
If you own property within walking distance of Fairview Park, it is up to your own discretion to post “Customers Only” or “No Parking” signs - or if you want to sell prime parking spaces.
Free offsite parking is available with SCT shuttle stops at (1) City Hope Church to (2) Downtown and drop-off at (3) Fairview Park Plaza. Rides are $1 per person.
“We hope businesses, sponsors, and volunteers see opportunity for growth, marketing, and community in this year’s Balloon Fest,” explains Holland.
Area residents should plan accordingly, too. Make sure to complete shopping or errands before the peak hours of the event. Also, plan for increased traffic during the evenings of August 21 and 22.
Businesses may reach out to the chamber office to learn more about supporting this community event and visibility for promoting their products or services to the attendees at the event.
Individuals or organizations can volunteer in the park or as hot air balloon crews.
All questions, comments, or inquiries can be directed to Marcus Holland at (618) 532-6789.