It’s an opportunity for us all to give thanks for the harvest that has just passed (some time ago). Apparently tradition dictates that we all get up in the morning, turn TV on and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade! Viewing figures top 44 million every year so I am very excited about what it will be like! I did some research and that has just made me even more excited. All the different balloons sound exciting enough but then I read about the incidents and injuries and now I really cannot wait! Check this list out…
In 1957, a Popeye the Sailor balloon’s hat filled with rain water during heavy rain, which caused the balloon to go off-course and pour water on the crowd. Oh my!
In 1985, the Kermit the Frog balloon tore at the stomach. No one was injured. Phew!
In 1986, a Raggedy Ann balloon crashed into a lamp post and sent a lamp into the street. The same year, a Superman balloon had its hand torn off by a tree. Neither incident caused any injuries.
In 1993, the Sonic the Hedgehog balloon crashed into a lamp post at Columbus Circle and injured an off-duty police officer.
In 1994, the Barney balloon tore its side on a lamppost, but no one was injured. I’m starting to think it is the lamp posts that are at fault here!
In 1995, the Dudley the Dragon balloon that was leading the parade was speared and deflated on a lamp post and showered glass on the crowd below. Wowsers!
In 1997, high winds pushed the Cat in the Hat balloon into a lamp post. The falling debris struck a parade-goer, fracturing her skull and left her in a coma for a month. Ok, that one is not funny.
Size rules were implemented the next year, eliminating larger balloons like the Cat in the Hat. The same high winds also caused the New York Police to stab and stomp down the Barney balloon over crowd concerns. They also stabbed a Pink Panther balloon for the same reason. Neither balloon actually caused any injuries. Brutal!
In 2005, the M&M’s chocolate candies balloon caught on a streetlight in Times Square. Two sisters were struck by falling debris, suffering minor injuries. As a result, new safety rules were introduced. Those rules came in handy for the 2006 parade, as balloons were lowered because of rain and high winds. The M&M’s balloon was retired after 2006, and replaced by a float saluting Broadway theatre and musicals.
And if that wasn’t enough let’s not even talk about the worldwide helium shortage of 2006!
I think I’m more excited about this than Christmas at the moment!