Once again, The Classic Center is proud to host Ballooniversity, an industry convention created by burton + BURTON for balloon and floral professionals. Each Ballooniversity features an exciting theme, and for 2022, that theme is “The Future Is Ours”–a celebration of space and exploration. Balloon designers from around the world will create space-themed balloon art, from planets to rocket ships to aliens.

On Sunday, August 14, burton + BURTON invites the local community to view an out-of-this-world display of over 100,000 balloons in the Grand Hall at The Classic Center. This Balloon Showcase will also include live entertainers that children of all ages will love.

Admission to the Balloon Showcase is FREE. Donations are appreciated and will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens and Extra Special People (ESP). burton + BURTON will make a charitable contribution to both organizations and deliver balloon art to their local headquarters. 100% of all donations will go directly to these charities.

Big Jump is one of ESP’s most anticipated Big 3 events that play a vital role in sending kids of all abilities to summer camp.

With no exaggeration, it’s easy to say that this year’s Big Hearts will be bigger and better than ever. The production value of the event has grown alongside ESP, with more volunteers, participants, sponsors and special surpr...