A Walnutport balloon artist has been selected to join a team of the world’s best balloon artists to create a balloon wonderland to raise money for the United Way.

Robin Zamadics, owner of Balloons by Robin, will utilize her talents to create a balloon Christmas wonderland in Indiana County.

The Big Balloon Build is an international balloon event created out of 150,000-plus biodegradable balloons. The event works with a local charity in each city it visits to promote the charity’s cause and raise needed funds.

In the past three years, the Big Balloon Build has raised more than $750,000 for charities around the world and it hopes to cross $1 million raised with the event this month, which benefits the United Way of Indiana County.

Zamadics will work with other balloon artists to transform the S&T Bank Arena into a larger-than-life, fully immersive Christmas experience.

The exhibit will come to life in just four days before it is handed over to the United Way of Indiana County for public tours throughout the weekend.

“Indiana County, Pennsylvania, is known as the Christmas Tree Capital of the World and it’s hometown of film legend Jimmy Stewart, star of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ Zamadics will help create a magical journey, leading guests through the Christmas tree countryside to a small town Main Street decorated for the holidays, all made out of balloons,” said Stuart Davies, director of the Big Balloon Build. “We are thrilled to have Zamadics part of the team, helping us create this massive event and raising important funds for the United Way of Indiana County.”

Zamadics is donating her time and talents as a balloon artist.

Balloons by Robin, the local business owned and operated by Zamadics, has been in business for more than 12 years. The company creates unique balloon decorations for all occasions, from birthdays to corporate events.

Balloons by Robin specializes in twisting balloon creations at community events, stuffed gift balloons, and customized arrangements, centerpieces, columns and arches. Zamadics attends international conferences each year, and has traveled to many states to take classes.

In January, Zamadics, a certified balloon decor designer, will be an instructor at a balloon convention in Florida. That will be her first time attending a big balloon build and her first large-scale project after she was selected from hundreds of applicants from all around the world to be part of the Tracks and Tinsel Troupe team helping to create “It’s a Wonderful Life Christmas Wonderland.”

“It’s a wonderful opportunity not only to showcase the art of balloon design but also to support the United Way of Indiana County and its vital work in the community,” Zamadics said. “Together, we can create something truly special that brings joy and makes a positive impact to those in need.”

Zamadics will be leaving today. On Sunday all the builders will get acclimated and begin the big build on Monday morning.

From that point, she said they’ll build for four days straight, and on Thursday they’ll put the final touches on everything.

“It’s very overwhelming; jut an amazing opportunity for me because not everyone got selected to do this,” Zamadics said. “It’s just a once in a lifetime chance, and great to see all the builders come together and unify and build together.

“I’m really excited. I can’t want to get out and start and see it all come together.”

Follow the Big Balloon Build and Zamadics on Facebook and Instagram (@thebigballoonbuild + @BalloonsbyRobin) for a behind-the-scenes look during the build week.

The Big Balloon Build is a nonprofit organization that partners with charities to raise awareness and funds to help children in need. Dedicated to creating magical and immersive balloon experiences, every Big Balloon Build is unique offering an amazing opportunity to make a difference through the joy of balloons.

Learn more at www.bigballoonbuild.com.