The Balloon Man will be delighting children at E.L. Touch a Truck

The Balloon Man will be delighting children at E.L. Touch a Truck

in Just-spring

when the world is mud-luscious

the balloon man

whistles far and wee (e.e. Cummings)

by June Hoye

Gary Dossett, the Balloon Man, will again be delighting children at E.L. Touch A Truck, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at McCook Point Park from 9a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a Horn Free Hour from 9 to 10 a.m. especially for the younger set and for noise-sensitive children.

Mr. Dossett first became interested in learning this art over 30 years ago. One day in his local Mall, he spied a book on making Balloon Animals. Since he had just become a step-father, he thought this would be a fun way to engage with his step-children. To his delight, he found that he had a real aptitude for this art. In his first half hour of practice, he was able to master twelve different animals!

As his interest evolved, he began to explore all of the books on this subject, then to branch out to videos on line, and eventually to attend a convention of Balloon makers, called “Twist and Shout”.

Gary first publicly showcased his talent at parties for children at the Electric Boat Management Association. Now, after many decades, his popularity has spread by word of mouth to events like Touch A Truck and other venues for children. Over these decades, he has mastered 1200 different designs, 150 of which are his own creation.

Gary said that when parents tell their children not to ask for any animal too unusual, he always replies, “Ask for anything. We will see if I can make it.” He explained that he hopes to demonstrate to the children that they should always strive to stretch the boundaries of their abilities.

Now that he has retired after 43 years as a supervisor of Radiological Control at Electric Boat, he anticipates performing at many more venues because , “I get a kick out of seeing the kids’ faces and making them happy.” Gary’s creations are free to the children.

The suggested donation is $5 per person (ages 2 and up) to benefit Child and Family Agency of Southeastern CT, Inc., which has been at the forefront of social service development in southern and eastern Connecticut since 1972. The Agency’s services are changing the lives of 7,400 children, families, and adults annually through behavioral and physical health care services, childcare, and family resources. Visit the CFA website to learn more about the Agency-www.childandfamilyagency.org; or by calling Child and Family-860-437-4550, ext. 1406. Follow us on Facebook- Touch A Truck East Lyme, CT

Don’t miss the Balloon Man!