ALLEN PARK, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — Steve Donohue has an audience a few days a week.
Donohue is well known in the Allen Park community for his balloon making skills and his reputation has only grown over the years.
“I think he’s a great person to do this for other people,” said Southgate resident Pat Pulido.
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“It’s a joyful and graceful experience every time we come by to see him,” said Allen Park resident Elizabeth Martinez.
Donohue has even been nicknamed the ‘Balloon Man’ and considering the crowds he attracts, it’s not without reason.
Alysia Burgio: “It seems like there’s always a line.”
Donohue: “Yeah, they can be quite busy.”
How do you learn this skill?
Donohue said, “We always say, practice makes perfect.”
He had been interested in making these balloons for decades, but it wasn’t until he became disabled and retired that he began to get involved in the twist.
“One morning I thought, you know, I need to do something with myself, so I came to this park about two and a half years ago and I twisted balloons for a while. Turned out to be fun and I’ve been doing it ever since,” Donohue said.
The line never stops. Donohue says he typically releases about 150 to 200 balloons for free at Harold Duda Park near downtown on each of his visits.
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“It’s fun to walk up and all the kids are screaming, ‘Balloon Man! Balloon Man!’ It’s a good feeling when everyone knows you,” Donohue said.
He has a fan club full of smiling faces.
“Just seeing them run up to me with their balloons and say the balloon man made this for me…it’s the best feeling. They get to play in the park, they get a balloon too, and it makes their day,” said Allen Park resident Tianna Gorecki.
A gesture of kindness that leaves a lasting impression.
“I like it when the kids are happy at the end. That’s the best part,” Donohue said.
In addition to Harold Duda Park at Thomas Avenue and Park Avenue in Allen Park, you can also find Donohue at the Allen Park Farmers Market and other community events.
Alysia Burgio
