A Blue Octopus and Humpty Dumpty at Centralia (IL) Balloonfest Aug 19-21, 2011

The Centralia Balloonfest is fast approaching and among the fleet of 40 hot air balloons featured this year will be the colorful Sea Fantasy balloon. Sea Fantasy is a cheerful blue octopus with striped legs who has several smaller hitchhiking sea creatures. They include Sonny the seahorse, Sparkle the starfish, Hootie the blowfish, and the dolphins Splish and Splash. A local contest was held for Centralia kids to name the critters.

Held in Foundation Park and arguably the biggest aviation event in Southern Illinois with the cancellation of this year's annual Scott AFB Air Show, the three-day Balloonfest event runs Friday through Sunday, August 19th-21st, 2011.

The Sea Fantasy balloon, sponsored by St Mary's Good Samaritan, Inc., is owned by Judy Woller and her son, Glenn Woller, of Wausau, Wisconsin. Another specialty baloon making an appearance is a frequent past guest, Humpty Dumpty.

Balloons

The Balloonfest opening is at 3:30pm Friday with the Centralia High School Marching Showcase. The event begins with a Friday balloon race at 6pm although other activities will get underway prior to that. Saturday and Sunday morning balloon races launch at 6:30am. The final balloon race is Sunday at 6pm.

There's a Balloon Glow at 7:30pm Friday and another Saturday. That's where the tethered balloon's fire up their torches as the sun goes down, with the balloons themselves lighting up.

Music

Free entertainment includes the Bob Kuban Orchestra Saturday night at the main stage. Kuban is a long-time St louis area favorite. With his group, the In Men, charted in the 1960's with "The Cheater."

Performing Friday night are the 1960's Motown sound of Perfect Image. Dale Arning plays guitar music Saturday afternoon at 3pm. "Shakey Dave," Dave Shake, performs Sunday at 11am with polka, waltz, and country music.

Performing at the picnic tent are Echo Friday at 4:30pm with music of the 70's and 80's, The Epics at 4pm Saturday with 50's and 60's music, gospel music from The Haneys Sunday morning at 9:30am, following the church service being held under the tent. and at 3pm the Elvis Tribute by Leoanrd Pennypacker wraps up the weekend's entertainment prior to the final balloon race.

And More

There is a fireworks display opening night, at 10pm Friday to welcome the balloonists and the visitors.

From 10am-to-2pm Sunday, a cardboard boat building frenzy is underway at Catfish Pond with the carboard boat race at 2:30pm.

Saturday is the Balloonfest Idol Rock Star competition from 10am to 3pm.

There's a weekend craft fair, a washer tournament (Sun), a Car Show and Display (12:30-4pm Sat), and a children's activity area.