MOSES LAKE — The afternoon was filled with excitement. The house lights dimmed low as a string of white Christmas lights on the wall behind the stage set an ambiance for the performers and audience.

Fourteen-year-old Angel Stolsig had them right where he wanted them the minute he stepped to the mike and asked the audience at the Boys & Girls Club of Moses Lake for five volunteers.

Every hand in the house shot up and there were squeals of excitement as he made his selections. Stolsig remained deadpan as fished through the bag, audience and volunteers hanging on the moment of suspense with anticipation.

He carried a mysterious bag, handled himself like a seasoned performer. He leaned over and asked one volunteer what she wanted, then went to work blowing up an elongated balloon, twisting it deftly until it took the shape of a dog. As the recipient left the stage with a smile and a new decoration for their room. Stolsig went to work on the next project. He shaped swords, hats and an assortment of animals as the fascinated group of Boys & Girls Club members watched one of their own give shape to air and rubber.

“I enjoy making kids happy,” he said.

He learned his craft online and has been working on it ever since. He performed at the Grant County Fair last summer and wouldn’t mind taking it to a new level as his skill set develops. Even after his time on stage was finished, kids and parents alike approached him, holding out a balloon. He quickly shaped it into something that brought a smile their face.

Balloon shaping highlighted a day where creativity was on display. There was singing and dancing. Piano and cartwheels.

Jenna Martinez, 8, found her voice as the song went on with a nice performance. Kevin Ageyev had some hops with his break dance routine, spinning and twisting to a hip hop song.

Olivia Rodriguez and Sam O’Shae played piano numbers, while Deajae and Dezjahanna Gardner; Derek Zemke, Gavin Sayers danced. Madyson Ingram and Jenna Zemke did musical numbers. Izabel Purcell entertained with a series of cartwheels.

It was a day of politely supporting friends and stepping out with creative flair.