*Air-tistry*

by Jack Porcello

Recently the balloon twister e-mail list enjoyed an interesting thread regarding balloon games. I wasn't able to share anything at the time because of my schedule, but one game that came immediately to mind was one that I use often as a show opener. It's a great party bit, but works best with more participants than you would have at most birthday gigs. I like to go with 24 or so.

As I crash into the room, I'm launching balloons off my finger. If you don't know how to launch a balloon, you can simply throw them into the audience. My wife often assists me with stage presentations, in which case we each throw 12 balloons. When I have a room with a central aisle, we divide the balloons up and each take one side of the room. Otherwise, I use two different colors (or groups of colors), 12 of each.

Once the balloons are distributed, call those with balloons to the front. Keep the groups divided, one on your left and the other on your right. Now, have each group make a chain out of the balloons. The catch is, the links have to be wrapped around their waists! The first team to finish, wins.

This is an excellent game to demonstrate things like connectivity, teamwork, or as a routine for Red Ribbon Week. I've used it for Gospel routines, and for community celebration events. However you may choose to use it, it is a great vehicle for bringing people together.

In case you are wondering, the largest group I presented this with was 120. The smallest was 10. It was effective in each case, but the former was a good 40 minute routine.

For more information on storytelling with balloons, see the "Air To The Kingdom" website at www.airtothekingdom.org or email me at info@airtothekingdom.org.

Best regards,
Jack Porcello
Air To The Kingdom