Seeking Volunteer Hot Air Balloon Crew for Balloon Fest
Experience Balloon Fest from a new perspective!
Hot Air Balloon Crew are needed for inflating, chasing, and packing away the hot air balloons. All ages welcome.
The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to help crew the hot air balloons during this year's Centralia Balloon Fest.
Volunteer crew members play an important role in making Balloon Fest possible each year, assisting pilots with inflating, chasing, and packing away the hot air balloons before and after scheduled flights.
No previous hot air ballooning experience is needed. Local pilots will provide a crew training session on Wednesday, August 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Foundation Park for anyone interested in learning ahead of the festival. Those unable to attend the training can still volunteer and learn from their pilot and crew members on site.
Families, organizations, and individuals are all welcome to volunteer. Children may also participate as long as they are accompanied by a parent and are able to follow directions. Because crewing a balloon is a hands-on activity, volunteers should be physically capable of lifting objects and assisting their pilot as directed.
Balloons are scheduled to fly during the following times, weather permitting:
Friday, August 21: 6:00am and 5:30pm, 7:30pm Glow
Saturday, August 22: 6:00am and 5:30pm, 7:30pm Glow
Sunday, August 23: 6:00am and 5:30pm
In addition to getting a behind-the-scenes look at hot air ballooning, crewing can also come with a unique perk. Balloon flights during Centralia Balloon Fest are reserved first for sponsors and then for crew members when space is available. Flights are not guaranteed and are entirely dependent on weather and other flight conditions.
Anyone interested in volunteering should email the chamber or send a message to Centralia Balloon Fest's Facebook page. We need a full name and phone number for a pilot to contact them with additional information.
Centralia Balloon Fest's Crew training will take place at Foundation Park at the shelter by Catfish pond. Enter the park off of 161 at the SCT entrance, located at 1616 E. McCord Street in Centralia.
Centralia Balloon Fest will be held in Fairview Park, 1010 West Broadway, on August 21-22-23, 2026.