With his Penny Farthing bike and balloons galore, the Fresno Fair’s very own balloon guy, Dennis Forel, has much in store.
Throughout the two weeks that the fair goes on for, there are a number of entertainers and performers that walk around the grounds handing out smiles wherever they go. Forel is one of those entertainers.
“My job is to go to places where people go to have a good time, and this is one of those places…so it’s the perfect place for me to come and help them have that good time,” Forel said.
Familiar to many as the “balloon guy,” Forel has made a sizable career out of what he does. Known for his ability to make over 100 different balloon animals, being a member and performer for Hollywood’s Magic Castle for over 30 years and performing across the world from Alaska, to Mexico to Japan.
“I love it. I have a natural knack. I am considered, not necessarily with the magic, but with balloons, I’m actually considered one of the best,” Forel said.
Forel has been an entertainer for the fair over the past four years it’s been running since the pandemic. Before 2020, he was the dedicated tour guide for The Big Fresno Fair Museum for five years. He’s been performing off and on at the fair “for a good 20 to 25 years,” according to him.
Forel’s favorite thing to do when not on the clock is to visit the exhibits put out during the fair, particularly the photography section. Additionally, he mentioned to be sticking around for a rock concert held by George Thorogood and The Destroyers this Friday as well.
Forel would not be going on an empty stomach though, as he knows just the food for him.
“The Sleet Greek, the Greek food. They’re literally my favorite around here,” Forel said.
But over his favored Greek food, the County Fair Cinnamon Rolls are the best cinnamon rolls on any fairgrounds according to Forel.
“It’s just, oh my god, this is a taste treat that your tongue just loves,” Forel said.
Starting his career in college, Forel had found the profession by chance.
“For some reason people kept paying me and I keep accepting their money and somehow the bills are paid,” Forel said.
From being hired on the spot at a shopping center in Torrance California, he would grow his career from there. Forel would turn his practice into a book and later a video that could teach any beginner how to do what he does titled, “Balloonacy.”
Since the book and video’s release in the 1980’s and 90’s respectively, together they sold over 30,000 copies according to Forel.
In 2010 the first electronic distribution of Balloonacy was done in Fresno by Paul Gross of Hocus Pocus Magic.
“Great people,” Forel said.
Forel has done what he does for decades. Traveling across the world and entertaining thousands. He offered words of his own wisdom for anyone wanting to do the same.
“I love what I do. If you’re insane and crazy and you need to be an entertainer, you should do it. You have to throw yourself into it though, it’s like no halfway deal,” Forel said. “Otherwise, you’re not going to make it, to pay your own bills and things like that, and that’s all important.”
