The Big Balloon Build – Making an Impact Around the World


 In July 2023, The Big Balloon Build came to Greeley, Colorado, marking only the fourth time this prestigious event had been held in the United States. Seventy-five balloon artists from around the world traveled to Greeley, donating their time and covering their own travel expenses. Over the course of just 3 ½ days, they transformed 125,000 balloons into a breathtaking, immersive installation inside the ballroom of the Aims Welcome Center. The theme? Space! 🚀✨


The purpose of the Big Balloon Build is to harness the power of large-scale balloon décor to raise awareness and funds for local charities. For the Greeley event, Allison Dunning, with Balloon Art by Merry Markers, was selected as the host artist, and she chose Life Stories—a nonprofit advocating for children who have been abused or neglected in Weld County—as the event’s beneficiary. Together with Stuart Davies, the Producer of The Big Balloon Build, they organized five days of events, bringing the community together and raising critical funds for Life Stories' programs.


Allison Dunning’s Big Balloon Build Journey

Beyond hosting the Greeley event, Allison has been an active part of The Big Balloon Build movement, donating her time and talent to multiple builds across the United States and even internationally. Her participation has helped support local charities and create unforgettable experiences in communities around the world.


Here are the Big Balloon Builds Allison has contributed to:


🌟 Vincennes, Indiana- April 2022

🌟 Kansas City, Kansas- December 2022

🌟 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin- March 2023

🌟 Greeley, Colorado -July 2023

🌟 London, England-December 2023

🌟 Indiana, Pennsylvania- November 2024




Each of these events has been a labor of love, bringing together balloon artists from around the globe to build massive, immersive balloon experiences—all in the name of giving back.


Want to see more? Stay connected with Balloon Art by Merry Markers for updates on future events and opportunities to support these incredible builds!

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Small Steps, Giant Leaps

Hosted by Balloon Art by Merry Makers, the Big Balloon Build was brought to Greeley, Colorado to raise funds and awareness for Life Stories, Child and Family Advocacy. Child abuse and neglect is not an exciting topic, but we are excited for this opportunity to raise both money and awareness for a local charity that does so much for children throughout Northern Colorado.


Aims Community College has generously donated the use of their new Welcome Center to build this immersive Balloon Wonderland Experience. 

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