So how did two balloon twisters from Greenville, SC wind up doing balloon art at the White House? It does help that Joy Set has good balloon skills. But in this case, it is not just what you know, but who you know. Carl has been good friends with the man who has coordinated this event for the past several years, Todd Neufeld. Carl has worked with him at Balloon Town USA, been to many balloon conventions with him, and even learned SEO alongside of him.
We found out on June 15 that we would be able to go to the White House this year to twist balloons. The coordinator had asked us in 2010, but we were booked already when he was notified, so we kept it in the back of our minds all year. We had events start to be booked, and with each one, we made sure one of our entertainment friends would be able to cover them. So, Saturday afternoon, we were all packed & headed north. We only traveled halfway (to Roanoke) and spent the night. Sunday morning, we drove on into DC. I have a cousin who lives in MD, just north of DC, and she & her family was gracious to let us stay with her for a couple of nights. She gave us advice on travel & parking. I told her the coordinator needed my vehicle information to which she replied that it was rare to get to actually drive onto the grounds. Now I knew we were “special” folk. Meanwhile, we loaded our balloon bags & aprons & “showed off” a little for the family.
Monday morning, we got our things together & waited until it was close enough to leave. We drove into DC & arrived at the bus blocking E St. This is where the first security gate is located. Showing ID & having the van searched was interesting, but quick. (We had left all our stuff except balloons at my cousin’s.) We then drove through the next gate & found a parking space. We walked through a 3rd, and final, security gate & we were officially on the White House lawn! SO COOL! WE HAD ARRIVED!
Now, we arrived at 2PM at the first gate. We were inside by 2:30. Guests weren’t scheduled to arrive until 5PM. So, we found where we wanted to be & some made balloons for picture purposes. We walked around looking at everything, absorbing where we were. I was studying decor centerpieces (most of which were recyclable). We saw Bo, the first dog, being taken for a walk. We walked up to the rose garden, but weren’t allowed to enter, chatted with Secret Service agents. Just getting a feel for the location. Food was being prepared, drinks were being delivered, games were set up, and photo booths were energized for all to get their picture taken to prove they too had been on the lawn.
At 5PM, the crowds started trickling in … and we almost immediately had a line … 7 balloon twisters, 7 lines, all in a row … pretty much non-stop until 8PM. In that respect, this event was pretty much like any other event we do. Get in a zone & twist to get the balloons to the guests. Around 6PM, the Military Marching Band lined up & marched through playing “Semper Fi” (we saw the rehearsal as well). They marched up toward the White House & when they arrived there, the President stepped out on the balcony and gave a speech about our appreciation of our military. With him were representatives from each branch, as he gave specifics of some of their courageous acts. He then stepped down into the crowd & greeted some of the families. He never made it over to where we were, though.
Then leading up to 8PM, one Secret Service agent and several interns did the hardest thing anyone ever does .. they ended our balloon lines. We packed up our things at 8 & were offered the opportunity to stay & watch the show & fireworks. Carl & I left anyway. We didn’t know the bands, fireworks are fireworks, and we knew if we left then, there wouldn’t be as much traffic. It was actually more difficult to leave the grounds than it had been to get in. (directions were not given, so trying to get out was confusing)
So, now we are back in SC & we had a lifetime experience. If we were invited back, we’d go. Meanwhile, we have pictures to prove we were there.
Paula
