Tampa – In 2007, Mark Byrne was settling in for a plane ride to China. As usual, Byrne, a professional balloon artist, had brought along a handful of balloons to help keep the flight crew in good spirits. After he whipped up a few balloon animals and other creations, the flight attendants were so delighted that they displayed his work in the plane’s galley. One by one, the passengers filed through to take in the makeshift art show. • “They’re looking at it like it’s fine art. It was hysterical,” says Byrne, 47, of Clearwater, who was then upgraded to first class — a big deal on a 20-hour plane ride — and given a bottle of wine. “I get first-class treatment just for doing balloons.” • Entertainment matters. And the holidays are your opportunity to take things to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a sing-along, cookie exchange, toy drive or some other get-together, these party entertainers can make your celebration extra-merry.
Read Full Article