Discover1980s NowBalloonfest '86: Tragedy or Triumph?
Balloonfest '86: Tragedy or Triumph?

Balloonfest '86: Tragedy or Triumph?

Update: 2025-11-26
Share

Description

On Septempber 27, 1986, The United Way of Greater Cleveland held Balloonfest. The organizers' goal was to set a world record for the simultaneous release of small helium-filled balloons. They hoped the event would improve Cleveland’s image. On that afternoon, the skies above Public Square were filled with nearly 1.5 million balloons, which were inflated by a corps of volunteers. By some accounts, however, the event that was intended to raise the standing of the city, quickly turned into a disaster. This is the true tale of Balloonfest.

0:00 - Introduction

5:19 - WKRP's Turkeys Away

9:56 - Cleveland's Ballonfest 86

58:35 - Wrap Up and Thank You

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow

Read our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

Comments 
loading
00:00
00:00
1.0x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Balloonfest '86: Tragedy or Triumph?

Balloonfest '86: Tragedy or Triumph?