Twist and Shout to Feature Worldwide Group of Balloon Benders and Twisters

An international balloon convention called Twist and Shout is set for Jan. 30 - Feb. 3 at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel

Twist and Shout www.balloonconvention.com will welcome more than 350 balloon artists from around the globe.

Local balloon twisters and artists include Brian Styles and Robin Martens,  of Premier Entertainment, St. Charles, Joe Tierney, of St. Charles, Brian Peck, of Creve Coeur, Dave Brannon (Taterbug the Clown), of Lake Saint Louis, Donna Wiles (Spunky Beans), of St. Charles, Pam Mullhall (Pokey the Clown), of St. Louis and Jill Schmidt (Silly Jilly), of Webster Groves.

The annual event has grown to include classes in marketing, customer relations and show performance. Attendees can participate in competitions including: small, medium and large figure construction, timed figure-making, balloon fashion designs and stage act performances.

Thad James, of Fenton, will be one of the featured instructors.

“I have attended all of the Twist and Shout conventions. It’s something to look forward to every year. Being selected as an instructor is a huge honor," James said. "I enjoy giving back and teaching others. I have been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the business and it will be wonderful to pass that on.” 

James is a well-known entertainer around the Fenton area. His company, Sammy J Balloon Creations began in 1998 and has been creating unique balloon designs in the greater St. Louis area ever since. Sammy J. Balloon Creations has produced some of the largest balloon installations in the country, including a Tropical Balloon Garden and the BEATLES Experience.

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