Abstract: A balloon inflation apparatus for inflating balloons is provided. A balloon plug having a resilient body with an outer perimeter designed to engage the inside of the neck of a balloon. The balloon plug is interconnected to a spool. A pierceable central portion is provided. The inflation apparatus includes an inflation station supported by a support frame. The inflation station includes an engagement opening for retaining a balloon plug with a balloon engaged therewith. The station also includes an inflation needle which has a retracted position and an inflation position that extends through the pierceable central portion of a balloon plug retained by the plug connector when the needle is in the inflation position. The inflation station also includes an actuator to move the needle between the retracted and inflation positions.