Photos courtesy of Dan Lego.

You may have spotted Dan Lego at the Steamboat Springs Farmers Market on Yampa Street or entertaining crowds at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series throughout the summer. Most recognizable with his balloon cart and eye-popping balloon creations, Dan has spent the past four years bringing joy to kids and families across the Yampa Valley. 

 Originally hailing from Florida, Dan started his balloon artistry career as a side hustle during college. He first learned to make simple, single-balloon shapes through a training program, then launched himself into the highly competitive world of the Orlando theme park circuit. Because the market was saturated with other more experienced artists, Dan expanded his skills quickly by weaving together multiple balloons and incorporating intricate shapes into his elaborate designs.

 After college, Dan and a friend embarked on a cross-country road trip. He packed his balloons “just in case” and quickly discovered they could be more than a backup plan. On the road, he discovered a puppeteer who served as a mentor into the art of busking – or street performance – which engages people in public spaces. Inspired by the experience, Dan realized his balloon art could fund more adventures and leave him with memories to last a lifetime. 

His first busking attempt was in Telluride, followed by stops in Tucson, Arizona, Moab, Utah, and ultimately ending in Portland, Oregon. Along the way, he tapped into his psychology studies from Daytona State College learning how to gather crowds, how to drum up business, and distinguish himself with his mesmerizing multi-balloon creations.

Beyond balloon artistry, Dan continues to push his creative boundaries. He has added stilt walking, face painting, and juggling to his repertoire as a full time entertainer. His proudest achievement? A full-sized wearable Infinity Gauntlet that he created for the Kapital Kidvention Balloon Challenge.

At the core of everything Dan does is a desire to create meaningful, interactive experiences for children and their families. That philosophy has stayed with him as he begins transitioning into life on Colorado's Front Range. Recently, while working an event at Casa Bonita, he encountered guests who fondly remembered him from the Steamboat Rodeo. 

“It’s fun to see the impact I’ve had in Steamboat trickle into this next chapter in Denver,” Dan says.