On Sunday, August 14, burton + BURTON® welcomed over 4,000 people from the community to view over 400,000 balloons throughout The Classic Center at the first ever Balloon Showcase™. Award-winning balloon designers from 35 states and 15 countries, including the Netherlands, South Korea, and Brazil, gathered to create out-of-this-world balloon art. The Balloon Showcase™ served as the culmination of Ballooniversity®, a week-long industry convention hosted by burton + BURTON®.
The tour began in the grand hall with space-themed décor including planets, rocket ships, aliens, and more! Balloon décor displayed throughout the rest of The Classic Center was drawn from the rest of the week’s designs, celebrating everyday occasions such as birthdays, baby showers, and glow-in-the-dark parties. The exhibit also featured live entertainers, face painting, and balloon twisters that children of all ages enjoyed.
Balloon Showcase™ was free to the public, and all patrons were invited to donate to two local charities. 100% of the proceeds raised will go directly to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens and Extra Special People (ESP). The amount donated by guests in addition to the generous donation from The Classic Center totaled $6,000, with a match of $6,000 from burton + BURTON®, for a total of $12,000 to be donated. Each charity will each receive a $6,000 check.
Maxine Burton, founder and president of burton + BURTON®, said, “We are so pleased to have welcomed the community to the first Balloon Showcase™. Having hosted our convention for 40 years, it was gratifying to be able to share the hard work of our instructors and attendees. The ability to raise funds for two local charities and give back to our community made it even better. We look forward to hosting the Balloon Showcase™ again in 2027!”
