An Open Letter to the Community in Support of Balloon Fest
Dear community members,
The Centralia Chamber of Commerce is excited to provide an accessible, free, community event this year by moving Balloon Fest to Fairview Park (1010 West Broadway).
This year’s Balloon Fest will look a little different, but will feature the same number of balloons, the same number of vendors, and the same schedule as recent years. Our sponsors, our volunteers, our pilots, and our local partners are returning to make sure that Balloon Fest will be a success!
Our goals are to bring more attention to the growth of commerce and improving our community, matching the mission of our organization.
After many conversations with key stakeholders, the Centralia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors decided to move Balloon Fest to Fairview Park based on the following:
Liability. Partnering with the City of Centralia means the city provides licensed electricians and public works staff who assume responsibility for Fairview Park.
Budget. By reducing costs for rental equipment, we adjusted our budget to have a FREE, community event.
Accessibility. By partnering with Fairview Park Plaza, parking is very close and paved. Also, Fairview Park offers pathways and sidewalks to accommodate strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, or individuals with mobility needs.
Opportunity. The Chamber of Commerce's goal is to benefit the businesses and the community. Moving the event to a more visible and centrally located venue aligns with our mission.
This move presents an opportunity to ensure Balloon Fest's sustainability for future years. Not moving would have increased our liability and budget.
It has been a very busy Summer for our Balloon Fest Steering Committee, as we all adjust to the new location and working together to make sure Balloon Fest is successful! Thank you to the 48 people on our leadership committee: Alan Betters, Alex Hyer, Anthony Harting, Ashley Campbell, Becca Deomes, Brad Haege, Brenna Bierman, Cary Day, Dana Lambert, David Knipping, Dimi Resch, Doug Lambert, Elizabeth Boozer, Ellie McClelland, Greg Schwartz, Gretchen Douglas, Hannah Hotze, Israel Fontanez Jamie Arenz, Jason Cass, Jennifer Castellari, Jennifer Harnish, Jeremy Arenz, JJ DeMattei, JJ Resch, Jody Fear, Josh Day, Justin Evans, Kala Lambert, Karisa Neudecker, Laci Koester, Leslie Beard, Lucas Parke, Matthew Packman, Misty Meyer, Neil Miller, Nicole Lyons, Nikki Holland, Pam Logullo, Patty Williams, Rob Jackson, Sharon Schwartz, Stephanie Sachtleben, Steven Packman, Susan Robbins, Tammy Donoho, Terri Dobbs, and Tony Waters.
A huge thank you goes to the City of Centralia! We are working closely with Public Works, Fire Department, Police Department, ESDA, and city administration to make sure Balloon Fest continues to positively impact our community. To the city council: Barry Allen, Israel Fontanez, Bunny Garrett, Tommy Henegar, and Mayor Bryan Kuder, thank you for your leadership and due diligence as we look to the future and offering community-focused, accessible, affordable events.
On behalf of the Balloon Fest Steering Committee, we will see you on August 21-23, 2026, at Fairview Park for hot air balloons, live entertainment, and vendors!
Sincerely,
Marcus Holland
Executive Director
The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce