This amazing Big Balloon Build will be the first run outside the UK, and what an event it is going to be! As part of the team you will be working over three days to create the most amazing Candy Wonderland using 130,000 balloons. Read on as we highlight what will be happening on this amazing Big Balloon Build, from introducing the Host Balloon Company, the what charity we are supporting, as well as a detailed itinerary for the week including the culinary delights we have arranged as part of the social experience, and the amazing tours arranged in the City of Vincennes
HOST - Liz Romani, Valley Party Supply
Liz Romani, needs little introduction. Manager of Valley Party Supply. Liz personifies that positive make it happen attitude, and a singular commitment to developing a vibrant and supportive community, the corner stone of the Big Balloon Build ethic.
A well known instructor in the balloon industry with excellent marketing skills her community based solutions have influenced many who have used her marketing expertise to replicate her success.
If you have never worked with Liz before, attending this entire venture would be worth it just to spend several days with her.
Big Balloon Build PARTNERS
Each Big Balloon Build supports a different charity close to the Host and the Community that they are based, for Vincennes this will be United Way. They will be running multiple events that will help raise awareness of the amazing work they undertake, making a difference in their community.
We would also like to thank our main partners in delivering this Big Balloon Build. Premium Balloon Accessories and Pioneer Balloons, respectively supplying the full range of their inflation devices as well as all the Qualatex balloons we need to create this Big Balloon Build.
The CITY - Vincennes, Indiana
The historical city of Vincennes, is known as Indiana's First City, with an amazing range of charming and unique shops, antique stores and restaurants running from its Main Street.
A beautiful Riverwalk runs through the historical district leading to many beautiful sites. Including George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. 'Grouseland' the museum mansion of the 9th US President William Henry Harrison and many other historic sites including the Indiana Territory Capitol.
As part of the Big Balloon Build the Vincennes Tourist Board have invited all the Big Balloon Builders on two tours to their major tourist attractions ... Free of Charge.
The VENUE - Highland Woods Center
The venue is at Highland Woods Community Centre, this fantastic venue gives us plenty of space with around 12,000 sq ft and ceilings of about 24ft. Even better the walls and ceiling are magnetic metal, a balloon artists dream!
The build starts at 8:15am each morning of the 3 day build, with the first day being Tuesday 5th April 2022.
We finish each day at 5:30pm, except that last day which finishes at 3pm, ready for the Mayoral opening, and the first visitors from the KCARC unit for children with special needs.
The HOTEL - Holiday Inn Express
Builders are staying between 4 and 7 nights, many choosing to arrive early, or stay on past the build. Allowing them time to explore the City of Vincennes, and spend time with like minded balloon artists.
Accommodation for the team is at the Holiday Inn Express in Vincennes which is just a short 5 min drive away, and transportation has been arranged for everyone every morning 8am sharp!
Liz has helped negotiate a special deal that makes the accommodation great value for the entire week, and includes breakfast at the hotel.
Sunday 3rd April - arrivals & preperation
For those arriving on the Sunday, and who are interested they can join us in preparing for the Big Balloon Build at the venue anytime between 1pm and 5pm. Alternatively if you would prefer to look around the City of Vincennes that is an option as well.
In the evening we will be arriving at Procopio's Restaurant at 6:30pm. An authentic family run Italian restaurant. A pre-order menu will be provided, which you can choose from, so we don't have to wait and can all eat together. This evening meal is not part of the food package ... which starts on the Monday Evening.
Monday 4th April - Red Skelton Tour
The Red Skelton Tour starts at 10:30 am. It celebrates the life and legacy of one of America's greatest comedians. This fully interactive museum looks at comedy through the lens of Red Skelton and his many characters.
There is a free buffet lunch at Highland Woods Community Centre, provided courtesy of Wabash Foodservice.
You can either continue looking around Vincennes, or join us in the preparations for the Big Balloon Build.
The evening will be an exclusive night at Vincennes Brewing Company, and delivery a wide selection of the world famous Byron Bobe's Pizzas.
Tuesday 5th - 1st day Build
Arriving for a prompt 8:30 start. Stuart will welcome the team and quickly outline the scope of the Big Balloon Build.
To help kick the morning off we will be receiving a surprise visit from Fossmeyers Donuts, with something for everyone. Alternatively there will be a free snacks & Drinks table available throughout the 3 days. Lunch time we will be joined by the Rotary Club and its members who are providing us with a buffet lunch.
In the evening we will head as a team to La Fiesta restaurant, where we will all be dining together in their banquet room, enjoying a unique taco bar, and a fried Ice Cream Dessert!
Wednesday 6th
After breakfast at the hotel, we will be starting at the same time, continuing on through the 2nd day of the build.
Lunch will be provided from the Dutch Pantry today, but we will also have a special delivery from 'Jennas Bakehouse', with her amazing cookies. These ones have been made specially for the Big Balloon Build team.
In the evening around 6pm we will be heading to Montana Mikes, where each of our tables will receive a giant tray of appetisers, followed with your choice from their menu, and then dessert being ice cream topped brownies drizzled with caramel or chocolate sauice.
Thursday 7th -last day Build
The last day of the build is here, and we will be finishing up all the pieces, and adding that final touches.
Lunch will need to be quick ... so we have chosen 'Quickies' to supply everyone's food today. With the aim that we will be finished in time for the Mayor to open the Big Balloon Build at 3pm with a ribbon cutting event. We will all get to see the children from KCARC join us and get a sneak peak of what we have created
The evening will see a local business owner treat the entire team to a grill out Barbeque (all with vegetarian and vegan options) to celebrate our achievements.
Friday 8th - Indiana Military Museum
This mornings tour will start at 10:30am at the Indiana Military Museum, and you will have free access as well as a special tour guide.
Stuart and Liz will join you all on the tour, where we can relax, have fun, and see one of the most comprehensive collections of military artefacts in the Mid-West. Indoors and Outdoors there are exhibits of military vehicles, artillery, uniforms, insignia, equipment, and related artefacts spanning the Civil War to current military engagements.
"put this on your Bucket List, but don’t just make it a dream, register to get on the next Big Balloon Build™!"
Jenn Nykios - Fun by the Yard - Indiana, USA
"Watching the build come together so fast over each day gives such a sense of achievement. I absolutely cannot wait to be involved in the next big balloon build™, and feel so privileged to be part of the team"
Louise Clarke - The Party Poppers - Aylesbury, England
"The Big Balloon Build™ has given me the positivity to focus on my business, but it has made me think outside the box and helped me push my business to where it now is."
Kirstin Tuddenham - Create & Cherish Events - Chorley, England