CENTRALIA, IL — Balloon Fest is Centralia’s largest Festival and it is quickly approaching.  This annual event is powered by community volunteers.

Festival volunteers are vital to our community’s growth as Balloon Fest provides funding for local community improvement projects.

Centralia Balloon Fest provides opportunities to work hands-on with hot air balloons and meet the festival’s pilots.

“Balloon Crewing” invites volunteers into a completely immersive hot air balloon experience as you assist our balloon pilot’s with set-up and break-down of their air crafts.

It’s an amazing opportunity and experience for everyone involved.

“We will have a total of 36 pilots and balloons this year. We still have room for 10-20 additional volunteers interested in crewing a balloon.” –Amanda Barbee, Office Assistant.

Balloon Crew training for new volunteers will be held on Wednesday, August 17th at 5:30 p.m. at Castle Ridge. Come join us and you will get to learn from some of our very best local pilots!

The rooftop bar will be open exclusively for spectators of our crew training. There will be amazing photo opportunities with the beautiful balloons and the castle so don’t miss out!

If you would like to be a Balloon Fest crew volunteer, please, contact The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce at 618-532-6789.

Balloon Fest will be held on August 19th, 20th, and 21st. This year’s festival will feature 36 hot air balloons, balloon glows, a craft fair with 60+ vendors, food vendors, two live entertainment stages, along with family games and activities.

Stay up-to-date with Balloon Fest! Visit www.centraliaballoonfest.com.