November 21st - 24th
"Step into a world where Christmas dreams come to life! We invite you to the extraordinary Big Balloon Build in Indiana County, the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, and the beloved hometown of film legend Jimmy Stewart. Immerse yourself in this enchanting town, where the festive spirit resonates in every corner."
Coming to Indiana County in November at the S&T Bank Arena!
BBB brings together charities and balloon artists from around the world to create larger-than-life experiences through an immersive balloon world. Around 85-100 balloon artists come together to build this balloon world from approximately 100,000 all-natural biodegradable materials that cost approximately half a half-million dollars to build. This international event, occurring in Indiana, PA will complement the First Commonwealth Bank "It's a Wonderful Life Festival". The Big Balloon Build will benefit the children and youth that the United Way of Indiana County serves. It will offer additional holiday opportunities for the area that include family-friendly events that include public tours, ice-skating, breakfast with Santa, school tours, and everything "It's a Wonderful Life."
Check out our full Schedule of Events and what local businesses are participating in our Week of Caring!
Get Into the Holiday Spirit with Our New Big Balloon Build T-Shirts!
A Charming Christmas Town
Indiana, Pennsylvania prides itself on its Christmas spirit and the Big Balloon Build wants to add to the festivity this November. The Big Balloon Build will be creating Christmas joy through balloon art and activities during the annual "It's a Wonderful Life" Festival held every year around the holidays.
With their participation in the "It's a Wonderful Life" Tree Lighting and Parade, our county will see and partake in one of the biggest parade builds that the Big Balloon Build has ever done! We are happy to announce that Sharon's School of Dance & Gymnastics will also take part in this holiday celebration, wearing festive balloon costumes made by balloon artists from all over the world. We can't wait to see the talents of these dancers mixed with the artistry of the balloon artists, which is sure to be a great start to the holiday season.
The Indiana County Tourist Bureau will be providing a shuttle bus to and from S&T Arena and to the It's a Wonderful Life Festival on Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Whether you park in Downtown Indiana, or at S&T Arena, this shuttle will transport you to all the fun!
What is the Big Balloon Build?
The Big Balloon Build makes a difference through the joy and magic of balloons. They work alongside charities, communities, businesses, and local leaders to create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that supports positive change. Raising awareness of their partnered charities is the main goal of the build, while at the same time bringing joy and wonder to those who immerse themselves in the wonderlands designed and created by hundreds of balloon artists. Promoting the health and well-being of those who need it most can happen while they experience an event they will never forget.
Local Host to Lead the Way
Indiana's own Denise Chresos, owner of the Flower and Balloon Gallery of Indiana, is excited to host this wonderful festival build and show off her floral design and balloon artist skills. Denise has been a part of five Big Balloon Builds, the most recent being in London last year.
"I'm so excited that the Big Balloon Build is coming to Indiana, PA. It's going to be amazing in so many ways. I can't wait to show my balloon family my town and our community spirit. The Build is going to make such a big impact on the United Way so that they can continue to help the children and people in need of our county. I'm looking forward to showing my town the creativity of the artists and what can be done with balloons."
-Denise Chresos
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