Date | September 27, 1986 |
---|---|
Time | Around 1:50 PM EDT |
Location | Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
Coordinates | 41°29′59″N 81°41′38″W / 41.49972°N 81.69389°W |
Organized by | United Way of Cleveland |
Outcome |
|
Non-fatal injuries | Multiple horses |
Property damage | Multiple traffic collisions |
Litigation | 2 lawsuits |
Balloonfest '86 was an event in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, held on September 27, 1986, in which the local chapter of United Way set a world record by releasing almost 1.5 million balloons.[2]
The event was intended to be a harmless fundraising publicity stunt. However, the released balloons drifted back over the city and Lake Erie and landed in the surrounding area, causing problems for traffic and a nearby airport. The event also interfered with a United States Coast Guard search for two boaters who were later found drowned.[1] In consequence, the organizers faced lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in damages,[1] and cost overruns put the event at a net loss.[3]
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