Balloon Fest Gives Back
For the last five years, a total of over $85,000 has been donated from Balloon Fest funds to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in our community.
It is thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of Balloon Fest by sponsoring, volunteering, and attending the annual event.
"The goal of Balloon Fest and the Chamber of Commerce is to highlight the best of our community, and this includes giving back proceeds from fundraising each year to continually improve our community," says Marcus Holland, executive director. "When you support Balloon Fest, you support the progress in our community!"
In addition to the donations, Balloon Fest event expenses follow the Shop Local rules of the Chamber of Commerce.
"Almost all of our expenses, from the hotel, insurance, rentals, and supplies, are paid locally. That means that the money goes to local businesses, who employ our friends and families, and who pay local taxes," said Holland.
The biggest change this year is the free admission. That means all of the funds for the event are raised through donations by businesses, organizations, and families.
"This year, more than ever, we rely on our sponsors to make this event happen. From SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, our largest employer, to all of the locally owned, small businesses, we appreciate all of our sponsors at all levels," stated Holland.
If you would like to support Balloon Fest as a sponsor or volunteer, please email or call the chamber office: 618-532-6789.
Centralia Balloon Fest will be held at the City of Centralia's Fairview Park on August 21-23. This year's event will have free admission and free parking available at the Fairview Park Plaza parking lot.
Thank you to the leadership of the Centralia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for selecting the following community projects over the past few years to spend Balloon Fest proceeds through our Image Committee fund.
In 2021, through a partnership with the City of Centralia, 45 benches and 16 trash cans were freshly powder-coated to improve the overall aesthetic of our community, downtown, and parks.
In 2022 and 2023, downtown Christmas decorations were purchased through partnerships with the City of Centralia, private investors, and using grant funds. This includes over 30 lamppost decorations, a new large Christmas tree, and the decorations for the Locust and Broadway intersection to renew our holiday cheer and remember the history of Christmas in Centralia.
In 2025, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors approved the funding for the "Harlem Globetrotters of Centralia" mural in Laura Leake Park. To complete the project, donations were also received from the Monken Family, Monken Automotive, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, Centralia BPW, Centralia Juneteenth Committee, and City of Centralia.