Entertainment
High-Flying Disasters: The Craziest Balloon Moments in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade History
Felix the Cat Goes Up in Flames
The very first giant-sized balloon in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade met a fiery end after the 1927 event. Released into the air after the parade, Felix the Cat got tangled in telephone wires and burst into flames. Thankfully, the fire was quickly extinguished, but the tradition of releasing balloons continued.
A Plane vs. Tom Cat Balloon
In 1932, a student pilot named Annette Gipson flew her plane into a helium-filled Tom Cat balloon from the parade. The balloon wrapped around the plane's wing, causing it to spiral towards the ground. Gipson managed to maneuver back onto the plane, and an instructor pilot landed the aircraft safely.
Sonic the Hedgehog's Kamikaze Attack
In 1993, the video game mascot Sonic the Hedgehog crashed into a lamppost during the parade, injuring a man and a little girl. The balloon dislodged the light and metal pieces, causing the injuries. It was a wild debut for Sonic at the parade.
Rex the Dinosaur's Headache
Rex the Dinosaur from "We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story" joined the parade in 1993. However, he collided with a light pole, slicing his massive head open. Despite efforts to fix him, Rex was deemed too large to be safe and never flew again.
Barney the Dinosaur Attacks
In 1997, Barney the dinosaur thrashed around in high winds and was torn in half during the parade. One witness even said, "Barney attacked us." It was a dramatic and unforgettable moment in parade history.
The Pink Panther's Chaotic Collapse
Also in 1997, the Pink Panther balloon began collapsing and blowing about chaotically. A police inspector had to stab the balloon with a knife to bring it down. The deflated balloon collapsed on top of its handlers, causing panic and fear.
The Cat in the Hat's Dangerous Crash
In 1997, the Cat in the Hat balloon crashed into a lamppost, causing injuries to four people. Two of them suffered grave head injuries and had to be rushed to the hospital. The incident prompted an investigation into parade safety protocols.
M&Ms Mishap in Times Square
In 2005, the M&M balloons snagged on a lamp post in Times Square, causing debris to rain down on two sisters. One sister suffered bumps and bruises, while the other required nine stitches for a head injury. Despite the accident, the M&Ms returned for the 2006 parade.
Will Disaster Strike This Year?
As the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade approaches, we can't help but wonder if disaster will strike again. From flaming felines to chaotic collapses, the parade has seen its fair share of balloon mishaps over the years. Let's hope for calm winds and a safe celebration this year.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock from 8:30 a.m. ET to noon.
Written by Danny Peterson
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