The Favorite Hot Air Balloons
For 37 years, Balloon Fest has hosted special-shaped hot air balloons, from the early years featuring Mickey Mouse to regular visitors Humpty-Dumpty and Lindy (with sunglasses).
This year, there will be a bright pink llama called "Como Se Llama," piloted by Stephanie Maughan and sponsored by Kaskaskia College and a cute ghost named "Boo!" piloted by Jack Semler and sponsored by Midland States Bank.
"These shapes are perfect for the family photo opps and will be great to see in the sky in the mornings and the balloon glows in the evenings," says Marcus Holland, executive director of the Centralia Chamber of Commerce host of Balloon Fest.
Returning is "Freedom Flight IV" recognizing POW / MIA soldiers, piloted by Joe Nepute and sponsored by American Legion Post 446 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2055. Also in attendance will be the U.S. Army, Illinois Army National Guard, and Illinois Air National Guard to honor enlisted service members and veterans during a ceremony on Saturday, August 22, at 5:30pm, along with several patriotic balloons.
Other fan-favorites returning this year are "Wagz" and Barx" piloted by Dean Carlton and Todd Spicer, respectively. These balloons feature fun dogs that kids love to see in the park.
"Each balloon has a personality. I can't pick a favorite," says Holland. "The goal is to see if I can get a photo of each one over the weekend."
All 34 hot air balloons are scheduled to fly from and around Fairview Park in the evenings at 5:30pm and around the community in the mornings at 6:00am. During the hot air balloon glows scheduled for Friday and Saturday from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, approximately 20 balloons will stay in Fairview Park for the glow each night.
All balloon events are weather permitting. A pilot briefing will confirm weather and wind conditions for safety and launch sites immediately before the scheduled event. Please follow Centralia Balloon Fest on Facebook for up-to-date posts.