Balloon Art by Merry Makers is pleased to present The Big Balloon Build Colorado, at Aims Community College Welcome Center on July 20 – 23, 2023. Proceeds will benefit Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy, which gives a voice to children who have been abused or neglected in Weld County. Allison Dunning, owner of Balloon Art by Merry Makers in Greeley, CO, is bringing in 75 balloon artists from all over the world to Greeley, CO for an event that’s happening in the U.S. for just the fourth time ever! We’ll be transforming the Aims Welcome Center Ballroom into a magical immersive “Space” experience designed entirely with balloons – more than 125,000 of them. My first big balloon build was in Vincennes, Indiana in 2022, thousands of people came to see what we created. I was a part of a team of 65 individual balloon business owners, who donated their time and talent to create something for another community. “At the time, it was the largest installation I had ever been part of, which was incredible. However, when I saw the impact the event was having on the community, I knew I wanted to bring it home, Allison said.
This uplifting adventure will include several great ways to experience the wonder of the Build. After the artists complete the Build on July 20 we’ll hand it over to Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy to share with the community and raise important funds for programs.
On Thursday, July 20, the festivities kick off with a ribbon cutting before children and youth served by Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy get the “First Look” at the fully immersive, larger-than-life walkthrough experience. Thursday night will feature a multi-Chamber event which will include food, drinks, entertainment and an opportunity for attendees to tour the Big Balloon Build.
That is only the start of an exciting and stimulating weekend:
Friday, July 21
- Appreciation Breakfast – 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.: A breakfast and private viewing for CASA volunteers
and Multi-disciplinary team members - Youth Day – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Scheduled viewings for youth serving programs and agencies by
invitation only. - Gala-xy – 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.: Gala-xy Experience in the Ballroom with the Big Balloon Build. It includes cocktails, dinner, balloon costume/dress fashion show, and other magical entertainment.
Saturday, July 22
- Breakfast – Children & Youth – 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: The Ultimate Breakfast Experience for children, youth and their families (2 seatings). Includes admission into Big Balloon Build.
- STEAM Afternoon – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: STEAM activities for children & youth provided by youth serving agencies and businesses as well as craft and food trucks.
- General admission to the Build – 11:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- Food Truck/Band Night – 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: Enjoy a beautiful Colorado evening with live music
on the Aims Welcome Center Amphitheater stage. Food trucks will provide a variety of cuisines and
beer and drinks may be enjoyed in the beer garden. Includes admission to tour the Big Balloon Build.
Sunday, July 23 - Breakfast – Children & Youth – 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: The Ultimate Breakfast Experience for children, youth and their families (2 seatings) Includes admission into Big Balloon Build.
- General admission to the Build – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 24
- Big Balloon Pop: Time to have fun popping thousands of balloons as the balloon display is taken down. Tickets will go on sale in May 2023.
Balloon Art by Merry Makers is the premier mobile balloonery serving Northern Colorado, bringing the balloons to where they are needed. In her 22nd year as a professional balloon decorator, Allison Dunning is an award-winning balloon artist and instructor who frequently travels to participate in large builds and conventions. Learning and training with and for other balloon artists and decorators.
Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy has served child victims of abuse in Weld County for 25 years. They provide victim’s services to child victims of sexual assault, child abuse and/or neglect, domestic violence and children who have witnessed a violent crime through the Child Advocacy Center and the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program. Life Stories is an umbrella agency that houses both of these important programs. Life Stories also provides Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children presentations to educate adults in our community to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
Every child’s story is an integral part of the work we do. Our forensic interviewers, family advocates, CASA staff and volunteers hear stories of abuse and neglect and then provide advocacy, support, and resources to help children turn their stories into ones of strength and hope
