LEOMINSTER — Over two dozen talented balloon artists joined forces to create an epic masterpiece to celebrate Pink Flamingo Day in the city.
Entrepreneur Jodie Tucker came up with the idea to erect the ginormous balloon design on the road facing exterior of the 435 Lancaster St. brick building that is now the home of her Posh by Pop Party Designs business. The result is a three-story, whimsical flamingo themed creation and photos of people visiting it have been flooding social media.
“As a small business owner in Leominster, it was incredibly meaningful to welcome artists from across New England while also showcasing my new event space,” Tucker stated. “My hope is that this installation inspires others to dream big, support local businesses and remember that amazing things happen when people come together with a shared vision.”
The crane needed to get the balloons high up was donated by New England Framing, which is headquartered on the second floor of the building, T-shirts were designed by first floor business New England Designs, and 15 balloon artists from across the state and Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island gathered on June 23 and 24 for “an unforgettable community build,” Tucker relayed.
“The idea wasn’t just to create a giant flamingo display, it was to create an opportunity,” she said. “I invited local balloon artists to work alongside experienced professionals on a large-scale installation, giving them hands-on experience, new skills and connections that will benefit them throughout their careers.
“The finished display transformed the front of my new event space into a vibrant work of art, standing several stories tall and featuring thousands of balloons in shades of pink, orange, yellow and orange, accented with playful flamingo details,” Tucker continued. “Throughout the day, artists shared techniques, encouraged one another and formed friendships that reached far beyond state lines.”
The project was led by Tucker and Dede Forgione from Balloonacy Boston with “generous support” from Betallic/Sempertex Balloon Co. and Rainbow Balloons in Woburn, whose sponsorship “helped make this vision possible” Tucker said.
“One of the things I love most about the balloon industry is its willingness to lift others up,” she said. “We truly believe in community over competition. Every artist brought their own creativity, and together we created something none of us could have accomplished alone. When people look at the installation, I hope they see more than balloons. I hope they see what can happen when artists choose collaboration over competition.”
Jenn Callahan of Lofty — her city-based balloon and event décor business — was thrilled to be invited to participate in the project and echoed Tucker’s sentiments about it bringing creatives together.
“Supporting each other often leads to referrals, collaborations and partnerships that benefit everyone involved,” Callahan said. “I’ve been friends with Jill from Little White Bounce in Sterling for a few years and someone once said, ‘but she’s your competition.’ No way was my response, she’s my people — a mom who did a huge thing and took a leap of faith and started her own business just like I did. I admire these women.
“Meeting Jodie was the same way. She welcomed me with a huge hug, and I have no doubt our relationship will last far beyond this project,” she expressed. “When one of us wins, we all win! This isn’t an easy job, it’s not ‘just balloons’ like a lot of people think. It’s so helpful to have a network to bounce ideas off of, ask questions, learn new skills, and just vent to others who understand the business. The theme of this project was community over competition, and everyone showed that off in an extraordinary way and I have a feeling this won’t be our last group project so stay tuned.”
And other balloon artists besides the ones mentioned above brought their expertise to the table through their businesses — Luxe Balloons, Anabel Balloons, The Party Sister, Revel Balloon Co., Balloons All Over, Christine’s Creative Co., Fairytale Moments Events, Romina’s Creations, Bailey’s Balloons, and Party with the Pauls.
When asked what she enjoyed most about being part of the project, Callahan disclosed that is “a hard question because I loved every part of this.”
“I was so excited to be included in this when Jodie first reached out. It was an immediate yes for me,” she said. “The chance to work beside women that I have followed on social media for years and admired their incredible talent was such an exciting opportunity. The energy was so high with this group, and it was so much fun being there to prep it all with them on Monday and install it on Tuesday.”
Callahan said she had no doubt that seeing the finished product “would be crazy beautiful.”
“Our lead balloon artist, Dede from Balloonacy Boston, does the most mind-blowing work and everything she touches is fabulous,” the fellow businesswoman said. “Just knowing I had a hand in it makes me so proud. From the first little garland that I made for a preschool graduation in my back yard during the COVID pandemic to a massive three story install with famed artists — it was very gratifying.”
And one of the best parts of all of it? The community’s overwhelmingly uplifting response, which Callahan said she hadn’t really taken into consideration as she was “so focused on the work and my involvement.”
“Seeing people react to it in person and on social media and the huge positive feedback is so great,” she said. “I love that our city embraced this, is impressed by it, and it’s created a buzz of happiness to kick off the summer.”
The project coincided with the annual Pink Flamingo Day festivities that took place downtown on June 24, one day later than usual due to forecasted rain. National Pink Flamingo Day was established in 2007 by Mayor Dean Mazzarella and is celebrated annually on June 23, an ode to one of the city’s claims to fame — the iconic plastic pink flamingo lawn ornament created by Don Featherstone in 1957 when he worked at Union Products in the city.
“A huge thank you to everyone who helped to make Pink Flamingo Day in Leominster a huge success,” Mazzarella posted on social media following the affair along with photos from it. “We scooped 25 gallons of Italian ice in honor of my mother, gave out 400 ice creams, 300 pink flamingo inflatables, 100 gift bags to the first 100 attendees, games, a bounce house, DJ, dancing, so many activities and local business vendors. Thank you to everyone who helped and attended.”
Tucker disclosed that while losing her Fitchburg shop due to significant water damage and subsequently having to relocate to the converted mill building in March “was challenging,” she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Relocating to Leominster is truly a dream come true,” she said. “As a resident of Leominster, I’ve always wanted to grow my business in the town I call home. The community has been amazing — people stopping by, taking photos — and I’m excited and looking forward to where my business will take me. This wasn’t just a balloon installation — it was a celebration of creativity, mentorship, friendship and the power of community.”
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