Bouncin’ in style

Oak Harbor business offers ‘classy inflatables’

Whether you want to celebrate your child’s birthday, have fun with your bridesmaids or put a twist on your business party, Island Inflatables is pumped to make your event special — with class.

Oak Harbor resident Marri Metz has always had a creative mind and enjoys throwing parties for her two daughters. After seven years of managing her family’s physical therapy clinic on Whidbey, she felt the need to put her knack for parties into use, and finally, in March, she decided it was time to take a big leap into entrepreneurship and turn her bouncy house business vision into reality.

Opened in May with the help of Metz’s husband, Tyson, Island Inflatables doesn’t offer the usual bouncy house, but “classy inflatables,” as Metz defined them. The familiar primary colors are replaced with white for an elegant and clean appearance that can accentuate brightly colored balloon art, or look more grown-up-friendly by blending with neutral tones.

“You can tie it into any event,” Metz said.

Depending on the aesthetic you’re going for, Island Inflatables can offer balloon garlands, arches and a small assortment of ball pit domes: black and white, rainbow, seashell and mermaid.

People can choose between four different inflatables that can be used indoors and outdoors. The Classic White Inflatable — the favorite wedding inflatable — is a simple bounce house, the Great White and the Mini White Inflatables both have a slide and ball pit, and the Bubble Inflatable creates a vortex of balloons in what looks like a giant snow globe.

Island Inflatables delivers to Whidbey, Fidalgo, Orcas, Lopez, San Juan, Guemes and Shaw islands. Because Metz wanted to offer islanders the option of an affordable party rental, the business doesn’t charge for delivery, with a minimum 24-hour renting period for Orcas, Guemes, San Juan, Shaw and Lopez islands.

“I’ll travel anywhere for your party,” said Metz, who enjoys traveling between the islands and meeting new people.

For large parties with 100 guests or more, customers can request an operator certified in inflatable safety who will monitor the inflatables and their occupants.

Island Inflatables’ services also include a custom balloon arch, garland and column designs, floral arrangements, and photos. In the future, she would like to plan parties and expand her selection of rentals by adding bigger inflatables and waterslides.

“My biggest goal is just making people happy, smile and giggle, and bringing a little beauty into their celebration,” Metz said.

For more information, visit islandinflatableswa.com.

A previous version of this story mistakenly spelled Marri Metz’s first name as Merri. We regret the error.

Marri Metz poses with her husband Tyson and their daughter Teagan. (Photo by Luisa Loi/Whidbey News-Times)

Teagan has fun playing in the Bubble Inflatable.

Teagan demonstrates her athletic skills on her favorite inflatable, the Great White. (Photo by Luisa Loi/Whidbey News-Times)

The Mini White. (Photo by Luisa Loi/Whidbey News-Times)

(From right to left) The Classic Inflatable, the Great White Inflatable and the Mini Inflatable. (Photo by Luisa Loi/Whidbey News-Times)