Colorful Centralia, Illinois Balloon Fest: Aug 21-23, 2009

More than 40 colorful hot air balloons will again fill the sky this year over Foundation Park in Centralia, Illinois, in a much-anticipated reappearance this fall. Centralia Balloon Fest 2009 returns to Southern Illinois August 21-23, 2009.

There's more to look forward to than just the admittedly colorful and impressive tear-drop shaped hot air balloons. Last year, scattered among the near silent airborne fleet of conventional hot air ballons were the special-shaped balloons that provide an accent to the event. There was Arky, a Centralia native resembling an inflatable Noah's ark complete with animals peering over the side, Old McDonald's Barn with its farm animals, and the original egghead, Humpty Dumpty. Expect more special shaped balloons this year.

Balloons Galore!

Sponsored by the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce Tourism office, the event starts off with a 6pm balloon race Friday, with mother races at 6:30pm Saturday, as well as at 6:30am and 6:30pm Sunday.

There are also the crowd-pleasing balloon glows Friday and Saturday night when balloons tethered around Catfish Lake are inflated and illuminated by the flames from the whooshing propane tanks as the sunlight fades. Balloon glows start at 7:30pm both nights.

Weather permitting, rides will also be available to the public in tethered ballons.

Bands, Fireworks, More

There will also be other entertainment, including such bands as Lee Logan and the Legendary Drifters Friday night and 4 & 20 Saturday night, a Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young tribute band at the main stage. Other acts at the stage and in the picnic tent include an Elvis tribute artist, Cher-ish tribute, Jacks or Better, Idol Winners, and Perfect Image.

There are fireworks at 10pm Friday, a car show featuring "cars you grew up with", a Sunday afternoon public cardboard boat race (2:30pm) at the Catfish Pond, a craft fair throughout the weekend, and a Sunday morning 8am church service in the picnic tent. For the kids there are free evvents including inflatables and a washer tournament.

Bring lawn chairs, cameras, film, and sunscreen. Sponsor is the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Office. No pets, no alchol, no coolers, no bicycles, no skateboards, no in-line skates. A first aid tent will be available on the grounds.

Cost, Parking, Website

Gates open Friday, August 21 at 3pm. Admission $2.00, children six and under free. Three-day pass, $5.00, no refunds.

Parking is $3.00 a day. Times will be posted for handicap parking and internal handicap shuttle service which will be available.

For scheduling and other information about the August 21-23 event, check the Balloon Fest website at www.balloon-fest.com.