Ms. Balloon LV, Las Vegas

The balloon artists at Ms. Balloon LV must also dabble in science, or at least reckon with one scientific principle: High temperatures make gases expand. In Las Vegas’s arid climate, this means latex balloons are prone to popping in the middle of summer block parties.

Luckily, the savvy team has invented ways around this conundrum. Their balloon arches and canopies last until even stragglers leave the party. Their children’s balloon figures—complete with friendly smiles and occasional hair bows—are equally long-lasting. The secret is inflating latex balloons only most of the way, leaving room for expansion if the weather heats up or all the area toasters start toasting at once. In other cases, they incorporate Mylar, or foil, balloons, which react well to heat.