Big Balloon Build coming to Elkhart

Apr. 10—ELKHART — Fun by the Yard out of South Bend has partnered with The Big Balloon Build to bring an immersive experience to the community.

In support of the Ronald McDonald House of Michiana, the experience will bring 80 international balloon artists to the RV Hall of Fame/Northern Indiana Event Center to create a wonderland of balloons. Visitors can check it out April 25-28.

The Big Balloon Build is an international nonprofit program that builds balloon-themed attractions in order to raise money for nonprofits.

Founder Stuart Davies began the Big Balloon Build in 2013 as a way to give back to his own community in Wales.

A school situated next to a children's hospital allowed ailing youth to attend school while still being able to meet their medical needs. Davies used thousands of balloons to create a winter wonderland experience for the children. The project outdid itself and he called upon his fellows in the balloon industry. South Bend-based business owner Jennifer Nyikos, of Fun by the Yard, was one of many who answered the call.

"When I realized the impact it has on these kids and these families and these communities, I was blown away," Nyikos said. "I knew I was going to be a part of it. Now that it's going to come to our community and help people right here, it's so heartwarming."

The application process to bring the Big Balloon Build to northern Indiana took almost two years, Nyikos said. With just four builds per year on an international scale, the opportunity to experience one is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Artists who participate take time out of their own lives to join the cause, coordinating flights and closing their businesses even to participate on their own dime.

Nyikos' theme for the Northern Indiana Big Balloon Build is a fully immersive carnival, featuring over 125,000 balloons.

Nyikos' said when she learned she'd get to choose the charity the project would benefit, it was a shock, and the decision was a difficult one.

"I knew I wanted it to be with kids, especially sick kids so that narrowed it down," she said. "And it just so happened that I was at a Rotary meeting and there was this woman."

The two women began chatting and she learned that the woman was Kiersten Eifler, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana.

"Right then and there we partnered up — it was fate," Nyikos said. "Ronald McDonald House makes it so you can stay right there with your kid. You don't have to worry about anything. They take care of you so you can take care of your child and it's amazing."

It's taken a team comprised of Nyikos' staff and other balloon artist collaborators almost nine months to design the project, which will include several of the themes of a carnival or fair including a life-sized Ferris wheel and a pirate ship.

It's the fifth time the Big Balloon Build has come to the United States, but the schedule indicated upcoming events in Ohio and Pennsylvania this year.

Artists will spend around four days constructing the build, ahead of the ribbon-cutting on the afternoon of April 25. The afternoon will also offer VIP first looks at the massive balloon-based project.

Thursday will be a VIP night for the general public.

On Friday morning, they'll welcome large groups including schools, nursing homes, and businesses. To sign up a large group at a discounted ticket rate for a semi-private tour email events@rmhmichiana.org.

A buffet-style dinner and gala with live entertainment inside the build will be from 5-7 p.m. April 26. The dinner and event are for people ages 21 and older at $100 per person.

Finally, the build opens to the public at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28. General admission tickets are $10 until this Sunday, $15 until April 26, and $20 at the door. Children 5 and younger will be offered free admission, but they must have a ticket.

To purchase a ticket, go online to funbytheyard.net/big-balloon-build or rmhcmichiana.org/events/big-balloon-build/

There will be a balloon tour, food trucks, carnival games, and a petting zoo. On Saturday, it will be open until 5:45 p.m., and noon Sunday.

Festivities don't end when the build closes down, though. At 1 p.m. Sunday, April 28 after the general admission closes, there will be a popping party. Adults and children ages 10 through 17 are invited but must be accompanied by an adult and sign a waiver. No children younger than 10 will be permitted. The cost is $40.

Dani Messick is the education and entertainment reporter for The Goshen News. She can be reached at dani.messick@goshennews.com or at 574-538-2065.