Funds from Balloon Fest were used to purchase new holiday lights in downtown Centralia as a portion of a larger project made possible through partnerships with the City of Centralia, Centralia Foundation, Centralia Chamber of Commerce, and private investors.
“The new lights are beautiful and impressive! It gives a sense of unity and holiday spirit when walking or driving downtown,” says Marcus Holland, director of the Centralia Chamber.
The inception of this project was through the passion of Wes Monken and discussed at Downtown Business Group meetings with the Chamber of Commerce. Shannon Cooney, a member of the chamber and DBG, championed Wes’s ideas as it was formed into a vision that started in 2022 through private donations and partnerships.
The additional lights in 2023 bring increased traffic to our downtown community and businesses! Every pole on Broadway and Locust is now decorated, and the new tree provided by the City of Centralia in the intersection embraces the history and nostalgia of past Christmases in Centralia!” adds Holland.
A total of $18,502 was used from Balloon Fest proceeds. In 2022, the Centralia Chamber of Commerce donated $7,000.00 toward the project and more lights were donated in 2023 with funds for an additional $11,502.00.
This project is planned to continue over the next few years with more holiday displays throughout the community.
Additional improvements to the aesthetics of downtown are also planned to be completed in upcoming months using funds from a DCEO Attractions Grant awarded to the City of Centralia.
