Balloon Garden is popped and packed. This was the largest single project I have ever produced. Five days of construction, almost 7000 balloons, six inflators, pages of drawings, sleepless nights, countless re-designs, one garden gnome and thousands of thrilled visitors. While SAMMY J Balloon Creations received the recognition for this presentation, I am hardly alone in deserving credit for this project coming to life.
Gary Zide of the Home Builders Association of St Louis approached me many months ago with the idea of doing something special with balloons at the St Louis Home & Garden Show. While I have performed at one of the other home shows, Gary wanted a unique feature at their large show. We initially discussed placing large balloon flower bouquets around the show floor. I challenged Gary to imagine something bigger and more impressive than had ever been seen at any home show. I met with Gary, Tammy and Ellen at the HBA office and Balloon Garden was born. Without the imagination of the HBA staff, the event would not have been possible. They understood the idea of building a 600-square foot, interactive, walk-through space that would contain all the elements of an English-style garden feature; made completely out of balloons. Their vision launched the project.
After that initial meeting, I called several trusted contacts for feedback and advice, including Johnna Perry, Larry Moss, Jan Iiams and Troy Apprill. Having a large contact list is one thing. Having the ability to discuss a project like this with a wide range of very talented people is invaluable. I cannot express my heartfelt appreciation for these people.
Johnna Perry has a mind like none other. Her unique perspective helped me work through scheduling, proposal writing, scheduling, idea conceiving, logistics, dealing with clients and handling the public. She can balance the business side and creative side of projects. Johnna always has been and always will be on my speed dial.
Larry Moss is the king of large projects and everyone knows it. If you don’t, you need a lesson. He has conceived of and produced the greatest, largest, most impressive balloon projects in history. His resume of large-scale work cannot be rivaled. Larry took the time to listen to me rant about Balloon Garden. While he doesn’t believe he provided direct advice, he confirmed many of my actions. By working with Larry on Balloon Manors and watching him produce his projects gave me the confidence to produce my own project. Larry’s spirit was with me throughout this endeavor.Calling Jan Iiams for advice was easy. I’ve done it several times in the past and will continue to do it in the future. Jan’s fountain of creativity never stops. And while she conceives great ideas, she is open to changes to her concepts if it helps the finished project. She appreciates my twisted mind. I am always proud to work with Jan because I always leave the job with more knowledge and a greater appreciation for the work.
Jan helped me work with Betallic to secure sponsorship of Balloon Garden. Betallic realized the unique possibility of this project and provided the product for this venture. A very special “Thank You!” to Mary Ann Amick and Jordan Von Wumb for their hard work and patience. I was able to work with the full palette of Betallatex products to produce an extremely colorful space. I incorporated most of the Betallatex sizes: 160, 260, 360, 660, Link-O-Loon®, specialty shapes, four shades of green for flower stems, five shades of blue for water, dozens of colors for flowers.
Balloon Garden owes its life to many people but none more so than Troy Apprill of Balloonville Productions. Troy was my creative collaborator, co-designer and project partner. He kept me sane, kept me on task, kept me positive and kept me laughing. We were cold, tired, hungry, sore, bored, irritated and confused. We shared and cared and built an amazing balloon spectacle. We may never speak to each other again. “Just grab it and go!”
I have many indelible balloon memories in my mind; my first balloon book, my first balloon convention, meeting my balloon heroes, Balloon Manor 1. Planning and creating Balloon Garden will join those monumental memories. To anyone who encouraged me, provided advice and supported, visited the project, sent me a picture of their favorite flower, saw me with Tim on TV; I owe you a Thank You and a debt of gratitude. Now on to the next job!
Thad James
SAMMY J Balloon Creations
www.sammyjballoons.com
“Balloon entertainment with a twist”
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