Thanks for coming to my page. I’m currently in China and also have had some difficulty with my website hosting recently. Unfortunately, due to it being very expensive to wait on hold for hours on end waiting for tech support, I’m not able to get the services I currently need.

If you are looking for someone [...]]]> Hello Everyone!

Thanks for coming to my page. I’m currently in China and also have had some difficulty with my website hosting recently. Unfortunately, due to it being very expensive to wait on hold for hours on end waiting for tech support, I’m not able to get the services I currently need.

If you are looking for someone for your party or event, please feel free to call me at: 813-310-5900
Be sure to leave a message as The Amazing Kenny will be checking my messages and getting back to you as soon as possible.

If you would like to see some pictures of my work while the site is down, please visit:
http://yourballoonman.balloonhq.com

Thanks for your time and sorry for the inconvenience.

Having twisted balloons for a number of years, it was a great honor to have the Wall Street Journal call me up and request an interview in person. When I [...]]]> Mr. Fudge, balloon artist and entertainer out of Tampa, was covered in a front page story about balloon artists and their craft in the Wall Street Journal.

Having twisted balloons for a number of years, it was a great honor to have the Wall Street Journal call me up and request an interview in person. When I found out that the reporter wanted to fly in from Chicago to spend the weekend with me so, I was ecstatic. It was an awesome feeling. Soon after, however, I began to get nervous and then sick. I had never had someone so important want to follow me around for any length of time, let alone a weekend. I called every mentor I had. I called balloon artists, family, friends, and business owners. I tried to stick with people I knew had dealt with the press, but I could use an encouraging word from anyone I could get a hold of.

Below is one of the excerpts from the over 1,000 word entry.

“Finally he handed the birthday boy the finished product – a portrait of Luigi, a character from the Super Mario Bros. video game, complete with twisted brown mustache, green body, and white gloves. The boy smiled and asked him to autograph it.”

In addition to the written article which appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, there was also an article online, a photo gallery, and a video which I’ve posted below.

You can see the full Wall Street Journal Article Hyperinflation: Balloon Twisters Stretch Limits of Latex Art on the Wall Street Journal website.

In order to teach [...]]]>
That’s right! Your Balloon Man, Mr. Fudge has been asked to teach at the International Twist and Shout Balloon Artist Convention this year in Chicago. Esteemed as one of the best (if not the best) balloon artist conventions around, it is a great honor to be asked to teach in the first place.

In order to teach at Twist and Shout, one must first be asked to fill out an application. Furthermore, each application goes through a grueling and scrutinizing process of review from each member of the Twist and Shout staff. When they are finally done going through their application forms, they must settle on an exclusive number of teachers for the event. They can only choose 12.

Below is the email I recieved from Twist and Shout this morning:

     Well, its been a grueling task!  We had over 35 people with over 80 class ideas vying for only 12 spots.  There were heated arguments, hard choices and lots of compromise, but we have finally made our decisions on this year’s Twist & Shout Instructors!

      YOU MADE IT!!!   Whoo Hoo!!!

      In the coming days we will be sending you more info about which classes you we would like you to teach, as well as forms to fill out and details to get squared away.

     In the meantime, and as soon as possible, please send us a photo /headshot for the website so we can start updating that as soon as possible.

     Now that DJ is done, we can promote T&S to out heart’s content.  Feel free to let people know that you will be teaching, and start getting the excitement going for the best Balloon Convention around.

      Thanks for being a part of the Twist & Shout Team, and let me know if you have any questions.

      Patty & Royal Sorell
      J Hubbard
     Twist & Shout Balloon Convention

 
So, Needless to say… I’ll be leaving good onld Tampa, Florida that week and I will be joining some of the top professional party entertainers in the world.

Striving always to be better for you,

Your Balloon Man,
Mr. Fudge
813-310-5900

My NEW hours:

Los Vallartas, Land O’ Lakes, from 6-9 on Friday Nights!

If you would like to come and visit, I will be at [...]]]> My hours have changed!

I will no longer appear at Los Vallartas, Land O’ Lakes, from 5:30-8:30 on Saturdays. (Unless you want to call management and suggest I be there BOTH nights of the week…)

My NEW hours:

Los Vallartas, Land O’ Lakes, from 6-9 on Friday Nights!

If you would like to come and visit, I will be at Los Vallartas this week only for Friday AND Saturday. Please stop by and visit. If you would like to call ahead for large parties, you can do so at the Los Vallartas Phone.

Come see Your Balloon Man, Mr. Fudge, twist balloons at your favorite Mexican restaurant!

What’s your favorite dish at Los Vallartas?
I’m curious. Please leave a comment on my Los Vallartas Page with what you enjoy the most at Vallartas!
          “I enjoy the enchiladas, but I must recomend to EVERYONE that comes in the Mocoljete. It is AMAZING! It is 100x’s better than the fajita and it’s a fantastic dish to share with friends, family, and neighbors.”

Lower Prices!

I’ve lowered my prices for my parties and events! Be sure to check out my Birthday Packages for more details!

In this post, you’ll get to see a lot of new things: -Photo of the Day -Twitter -Appearances -What’s New -Jokes

Photo of the Day This is probably the most obvious. I [...]]]> I’m sorry it took so long to add another post up here, but I’ve been working really hard and wanted to finish a few things before I blew any more hot air.

In this post, you’ll get to see a lot of new things:
-Photo of the Day
-Twitter
-Appearances
-What’s New
-Jokes

Photo of the Day
This is probably the most obvious. I have a photo on my main site now. In fact, I’ll let you in on a little secret. It isn’t really a Photo of the Day. I have my balloon photos on rotation, showing all kinds of balloon sculpture. So, if you want to see more twisting, click on the refresh button or just visit another page. Every time it loads, you can see a new photo. (Right now, there are 45 photos on rotation and I’m planning on adding another 20 within the next couple of days.)

Twitter
The most exciting part for me is the new Twitter Stream on my site. I’ve linked my home page to my Twitter account so that you can actually see any live updates as soon as I type them into Twitter. So, if you’re not a follower on Twitter already, find YourBalloonMan or Jonathan Fudge and add me to your list. I’d love to share some of my interesting and unique stories with you. And, to be honest, writing in Twitter is a lot easier than updating a full post on here.

What’s New
Well, this morning, I woke up and jumped out of bed ready to get started on my day. Unfortunately, I completely forgot about stubbing my toe yesterday and I felt the immediate shock of pain running up my leg and into my gut. A stubbed toe can be a real issue when you’ve got to perform on your feet.
Last night I did all right, but tonight I’m going to do my best to avoid the crazy foot movements I do while sharing my “list” of all the crazy balloon shapes I make and offer for the children.

Apearances
As every week, this month I’m going to continue to be at:

Cody’s Roadhouse off Bearss and Bruce B. Downs from 6-8 pm every Monday and Tuesday night. Remember: Kids eat free on these nights! So, be sure to bring your entire family!

Los Vallartas off 54 and Collier Parkway in thy Kmart shopping plaza on Saturdays from 5:30-8:30. If you go, be sure to try the Mocajette if you haven’t already. (I can’t promise I spelled that correctly, but ask about it. It’s great!)

At this point, I may have someone covering for me at Los Vallartas at the end of the month. I may or may not be in Orlando competing in the 17th Annual Southern Chess Tournament. I’ve been studying chess for a while now and I have started teaching in schools. So, I will be going in order to win a prize and build credibility for our training system. I’ll try and leave an update either on this post or in my twitter feed so that you can see where I’m going to be.

I also will be working a number of private and local events. Please call for availability. If you have an event on one of the days I’m scheduled to work a restaurant, please feel free to call me anyway. I have other artists that can sometimes fill in for me at the restaurants.

Jokes
Okay, this isn’t a list of the best jokes in the world, but I thought they were great and wanted to share a few. I’m hoping I can continue to add jokes to my column every month as well. So, we’ll see how that goes.

What do you call a worm in an apple?
                                -A Teachers Pet.

What did the plant do in math class?
                                -It grew square roots!

Why did the Oreo go to the dentist?
                                -Because he lost his filling!

Riddle: Where can you find an ocean with no water?
                                -On a map!

In addition to the Jokes and my twitter feed, I’m also working on adding sections where I’m constantly sharing links to places to save money, print coupons, view birthday party ideas, and to find great recipes.

As always, I appreciate your comments. If you have any good jokes to share, or great links for ideas on what sites to link to, please let me know. I’d love to have your input.

Thanks everyone! And I look forward to sharing again with you next month!

Your Balloon Man,
Mr. Fudge

NEW:  Join the Mr. Fudge Fan Club and get a super-awesome fan club bracelet!  Email your name, email, and birthdate to join.

This month I’m going on the first cruise of my life. It’s a Disney Cruise too. So, [...]]]> Congratulations Robert Zebro! You are the lucky winner for this months Drawing! Please send an email to info@YourBalloonMan.com to redeem your prize.

NEW:  Join the Mr. Fudge Fan Club and get a super-awesome fan club bracelet! 
Email your name, email, and birthdate to join.

This month I’m going on the first cruise of my life. It’s a Disney Cruise too. So, I’m super excited! I’ll be twisting up balloons for Mickey and the gang. So, be looking out for photos once I get back. I’ll be sure to add some here as soon as they are uploaded to the computer.

Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter. I’ve just joined. So, there isn’t a lot there yet. However, it will be up and running full force as soon as I get back to Tampa. My screen name on Twitter is: YourBalloonMan
Add me today! I’ll try and keep everyone updated on fan club news, discounts, and public events in the Tampa Area.

There’s been a lot going on in my balloon life recently. The most important is probably the fact that I’ll be heading back to college in the fall. The number one class on my list is Spanish. So, if you see me in the restaurant, be sure to quiz me or teach me some vocabulary. I can use all the help I can get.

Well, I’ve got to finish packing… I leave in 2 hours to head towards the boat! Wish me luck and I look forward to seeing you all once I get back from my long awaited vacation…

Your Balloon Man,
Jonathan Fudge

Come see Mr. Fudge in May!

May 2 Saturday  Mr Fudge’s BIRTHDAY!!   He’ll be at Disney visiting the Donald, Goofy, Mickey, and Pluto! May 2 Saturday  Los Vallartas, Land O’ Lakes 5:30pm [...]]]> This month’s lucky winner: Ms. Kathy Hayes
You won a dinner and a movie on me!
To redeem your prize, please email me with your mailing address or contact information.

Come see Mr. Fudge in May!

May 2 Saturday  Mr Fudge’s BIRTHDAY!!   He’ll be at Disney visiting the Donald, Goofy, Mickey, and Pluto!
May 2 Saturday  Los Vallartas, Land O’ Lakes 5:30pm – 8:30 pm (The Amazing Kenny will be filling in for me. He’s awesome! Visit and check out his work.)
May 3 Sunday     Tampa Bay Rays, Gate 1  Your Balloon Man, Mr. Fudge will be twisting balloons before the game from 11:40-1:40
May 4 Monday Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss 6pm-8pm
May 5 Tuesday Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss 6pm-8pm
May 8 Friday Mr. Fudge may be spotted having dinner at Cinderella’s Castle
May 9 Saturday Los Vallartas, Wesley Chapel 6pm-9pm
May 11 Monday Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss 6pm-8pm
May 12 Tuesday Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss 6pm-8pm (Stop by and see The Amazing Kenny who will be filling in for me!)
May 16 Saturday Los Vallartas, Wesley Chapel 6pm-9pm (Stop by and see The Amazing Kenny who will be filling in for me!)
May 17 Sunday     Tampa Bay Rays, Gate 1  Your Balloon Man, Mr. Fudge will be twisting balloons before the game from 11:40-1:40
May 18 Monday Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss 6pm-8pm
May 19 Tuesday Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss 6pm-8pm (Stop by and see The Amazing Kenny who will be filling in for me!)
May 23 Saturday Los Vallartas, Wesley Chapel 6pm-9pm (Stop by and see The Amazing Kenny who will be filling in for me!)
May 25 Monday Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss 6pm-8pm
May 26 Tuesday Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss 6pm-8pm
May 30 Saturday Mr. Fudge is making a guest appearance for Nataly’s Quince! Happy 15th!
May 30 Saturday Los Vallartas, Wesley Chapel 6pm-9pm (Stop by and see The Amazing Kenny who will be filling in for me!)

Sorry it took so long for me to get this month’s events up. I have been very busy with work and family lately. As some of you may have noticed, my newsletter from last month went out about 30 days too late and some of the links weren’t working properly. So, I’m over here on my end trying to learn all the technical things I need to know so that my newsletter will run more smoothly and get out to you on time.

Special deals for the month of May:

Anyone who confirms a booking this month gets my special Birthday gift to you. Receive a free $50 upgrade on any party package for any event booked this month. Is your birthday later in the year? No worries! Book it this month and you still receive the upgrade!

Come see Mr. Fudge in April!

March 23         Monday           [...]]]> This month’s lucky winner: Cari Gongora
You won a $15 gift card to Tijuana Flats!
To redeem your prize, please email me with your mailing address or contact information.

Come see Mr. Fudge in April!

March 23         Monday           Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss                   6pm-8pm

March 24         Tuesday           Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss                   6pm-8pm
March 27         Friday              Los Vallartas, Wesley Chapel               6pm-9pm
March 28         Saturday           Autism Fundraiser at MOSI                  8am-12pm
March 28         Saturday           Los Vallartas, Land O’ Lakes               5pm – 9 pm
March 30         Monday           Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss                   6pm-8pm
March 31         Tuesday           Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss                   6pm-8pm
April 3              Friday              Los Vallartas, Wesley Chapel               6pm-9pm
April 4              Saturday          Autism Event, MacFarland Park           10am-12pm
April 5              Sunday             You Do the Dishes, Tampa Palms         1pm-10pm
April 6              Monday           Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss                   6pm-8pm

April 7              Tuesday           Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss                   6pm-8pm
April 10            Friday              Los Vallartas, Wesley Chapel               6pm-9pm
April 11            Saturday           Los Vallartas, Land O’ Lakes               5pm – 9 pm
April 13            Monday           Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss                   6pm-8pm
April 14            Tuesday           Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss                   6pm-8pm
April 17            Friday              Los Vallartas, Wesley Chapel               6pm-9pm
April 18            Saturday           Los Vallartas, Land O’ Lakes               5pm – 9 pm
April 20            Monday           Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss                   6pm-8pm

April 21            Tuesday           Cody’s Roadhouse, Bearss                   6pm-8pm
April 24            Friday              Los Vallartas, Wesley Chapel               6pm-9pm
April 25            Saturday           Los Vallartas, Land O’ Lakes               5pm – 9 pm

*I’m still looking for Restaurant to work on Wednesday and Thursday nights. If you know any restaurant owners that may be interested, please let me know.*

Public Events

Balloon of the Month!

Restaurant Specials
Cody’s Roadhouse: Free kids meals with purchase of adult entrée on Monday and Tuesday Nights