There is something about big, bouncy balloons that turns me into a kid again. Not sure what it is about the inflatable bag full of helium that mesmerizes me and brings out my inner child, but thank you, Bartolomeu de Gusmão. He would be the person responsible for the invention of the balloon in the early 1700s, and he was a priest. Random. I'm sure back then in the olden days Bartolomeu would never have guessed that balloons would be such a big part of today's society, with balloons featured in parades, birthday parties, water-balloon fights, carnivals and now their own festival. This Sunday, the Sheraton Hotel Dallas, 400 North Olive St., will hold the Festival of Balloons from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For $5 (Children under the age of 12 get in free. Score!), you will get to see larger-than-life balloon sculptures, balloon artists work on their creations and more. For more information, call 972-934-2850.
Sun., April 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 2010