Deflategate! The Biggest Balloon Blunders from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of the highlights of the big event can also be one of the most dangerous
Each year spectators at home and along the streets of New York City await the big colorful balloons of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to float across their screens and down the winding city streets. While these larger-than-life inflatables often glide along without a hitch, every once in a while, something goes awry due to wind, rain, snow or even a pesky street sign.
From a deflated Kermit the Frog to a tangled-up Superman, here are some of the biggest balloon fiascos in the history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Felix the Cat Flies Away in the 1927 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Felix the Cat was the parade's first-ever balloon, debuting in 1927. But there wasn't a plan on how to deflate him after the event, according to TIME, so handlers released him — and he promptly popped.
Mighty Mouse Collapses in the 1956 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
According to TIME, Mighty Mouse "failed to save the day" in 1956, crashing into a street sign and promptly collapsing.
Popeye's Hat Dumps Water in the 1957 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
During the rainy 1957 parade, Popeye's iconic hat filled up with water — and on one tight turn, dumped the chilly liquid onto some unpleasantly surprised spectators.
Kermit the Frog Hits a Tree in the 1985 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
At the time, Thanksgiving 1985 was one of the rainiest on record, according to The Weather Channel. That was bad news for Kermit the Frog, who careened into a tree and ripped.
Superman Tangles with a Tree in the 1986 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Not so super? The year 1986, when Superman's arm ripped right off mid-parade after getting tangled in a tree.
Bugs Bunny Tears in the 1989 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 1989 parade stepped off in a snowstorm, wreaking havoc on several of the balloons, including Bugs Bunny, who took a tear to his side.
Two Balloons Hit Street Lamps in the 1993 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The year 1993 was a tough one for balloons: Rex the Dinosaur and Sonic the Hedgehog both hit street lamps, deflating almost immediately.
Barney Deflates in the 1997 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Winds reached 45 miles per hour the day of the 1997 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which made controlling the balloons extra hard for handlers. Poor Barney suffered a tear, deflated dramatically and, according to Esquire, actually had to be removed about 15 blocks before hitting the grandstand.
A Balloon Takes Out the Broadcast Booth in the 2008 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Al Roker, Meredith Vieira and Matt Lauer got quite the unpleasant surprise in 2008 when a Keith Haring balloon took a wide turn and crashed right into their broadcast booth, temporarily taking them off the air.
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