In 1986, Cleveland was attacked by... balloons (11 photos)

In 1986, Cleveland, Ohio, proved that balloons, which we all consider a symbol of holidays and carnivals, can be a terrible example of the saying, "Too much of a good thing is too much."





It all started when an organization called United Way decided to set a new world record by simultaneously releasing the largest number of helium-filled balloons into the air.

Photographer Tom Sheridan was nearby and captured the event, which descended into chaos. The United Way is a charity, and the goal of this event was to raise money, but the release of 1.5 million colorful balloons over the city ultimately resulted in more money spent on cleanup than was raised.



The United Way charity wanted to set a record for the most balloons released simultaneously—a PR stunt, like many similar world records. Numerous volunteers filled 1.5 million balloons with helium as part of the Balloonfest '86 event.





All this colorful splendor cost the United Way a whopping $500,000.



A thunderstorm was forecast that day, so the organizers decided to release the balloons early in the morning. The launch went beautifully. On the morning of September 27, 1.5 million balloons rose majestically into the sky.



The colorful spectacle in the sky stunned locals and tourists alike. Colorful balloons filled the sky over Cleveland, and for a moment, it seemed as if a rainbow had burst into hundreds of thousands of balloons. It seemed like a huge success. And then disaster struck…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8oJaPeEP-8



When the rain finally came, the balloons became wet, but instead of popping, they began to sink to the ground. They eventually covered the entire surface of Lake Erie.



At the time, the Coast Guard was searching for two fishermen whose boat had capsized. They were later found dead in the lake. With the balloons covering almost the entire surface of the lake, it was virtually impossible to find the head of the man trying to stay afloat.



The balloons also spooked several prized racehorses, who injured each other, prompting their owners to sue the United Way. Incidentally, they won the case.



One of the widows of the fishermen who drowned in Lake Erie sued the United Way for $3.2 million and, as the horse owners, ultimately received the money.



Although latex balloons are biodegradable, they caused quite a stir throughout the region before they decomposed.



So the attempt to stage a grand spectacle and break a record turned into a disaster, resulting in two deaths, millions in lawsuits, and devastating environmental impacts.