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| Jeff Brown celebrates the day at the Tlingit Haida Head Start Program in Junea, Alaska. |
The next couple of months will be very exciting for members of the balloon world. Three events are planned for October and November that are designed by leaders of our industry to push the boundaries of balloon art, foster learning, and also give a little something back to their respective home town communities. Thousands to tens of thousands of visitors; tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of balloons. It's really going to be amazing.
Balloon
Manor is an every other year event that was first held in
October, 2004. The goal is to design a silly, creepy, funny, weird, and
slightly haunted castle made entirely out of balloons. In 2004 about
60,000 balloons were used by 60 balloon artists and 300 volunteers. Over
5,000 visitors toured the manor. In 2006, the project is estimated to
need about 100,000 balloons; organizers are expecting up to 15,000
visitors. Design plans by Larry Moss and the team of
16 other professional balloon designers show that the 2006 manor will be
divided into two major sections, a "Museum" and a "Dead and
Breakfast." Balloon Manor construction will take place October 15
through 21 and will be open to the public October 20 through 29.
Proceeds will go to the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial
Hospital and Teens Living with Cancer.
Balloon Town
USA is an annual event that was first held in 2004 with a
"Balloonsylvania" theme. In 2005, over 31,000 balloons were used
to create a "Balloon Lagoon."
This year, the team aims to use about 50,000 balloons to create "Farmer
Floyd's a-Floatin' Farm." Designers Steven Jones and Amanda McClain
will head up a team of 25 balloon professionals. Construction and
inflation will begin two weeks prior to the event, but scheduling
restrictions mean that on-site construction will not begin until
two days before the opening. BalloonTown USA construction will take place October 16 through
November 3, and be open to the public November 4-5, 2006. Non-profit
partners include the Aubrey Rose Hollenkamp Children's Trust
Foundation, the Cincinnati Children's Hospital, the Down Syndrome
Association of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati Area Senior Services, and
St. Rita's School for the Deaf.
Balloon-a-Palooza is an annual event that
was first held in 2005; the theme was "Santa's Balloon
Wonderland." Over
9,000 people attended, and over 34,000 balloons were used. For 2006, the
theme will be "It's a Fun World." Project organizer Carmen Ballering, and
her co-designers Graham and Mary Queen Rouse, will lead a team of more
than 10 balloon professionals to
create a circus, a water park, and a walk-through secret garden.
Balloon-a-palooza construction will take place November 11-18 and be open
to the public November 18-25, 2006. A scavenger hunt will be held to
give away two bicycles, one to a boy and one to a girl.
Thanks to all for having fun and changing the world at the same time! I've had great reports from several people who have taken part. It's a good feeling to know that so many caring and generous people live in this world. There may be lots of bad news out there, but it never hurts to make lots of good news too!
In all, over 450 people took part in Balloons Around the World, 2006. Over 130 locations in 41 states/territories, and 12 countries.
Hubba hubba!
- Jeff Brown
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| A unique outdoor arch by Park, Changill |
Park, Changill is the owner of Party52 in Seoul, South Korea. His portifolio is filled with beautifully detailed decor sculptures. A highlight is his tasteful and unique approach to balloon arches.
See Park, Changill's BHQ Portfolio.
