1980s Now
1980s Now
Will Padilla | 80s Now
Balloonfest '86: Tragedy or Triumph?
1 hour 1 minutes Posted Nov 26, 2025 at 9:00 am.
Introduction5:19 - WKRP's Turkeys Away9:56 - Cleveland's Ballonfest 8658:35 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!
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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 - Introduction5:19 - WKRP's Turkeys Away9:56 - Cleveland's Ballonfest 8658:35 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!