REAL ESTATE FOR BREAKFAST

TRANSCRIPTION: In 1986, the United Way of Cleveland set out to establish a new world record by releasing almost 1.5 million helium-filled latex balloons.

The world record set for simultaneous release of balloons was set the previous year on the 30th anniversary of Disneyland. Organizers of the United Way Balloonfest ’86 eagerly anticipated the event’s widespread publicity and fundraising appeal, where participants would raise $1 for every 2 balloons purchased. To achieve the world record would be no small feat.

To hold the balloons, the organizers built a rectangular structure in downtown Cleveland’s Public Square. It was the size of a city block and rose almost three stories high. The balloons were held in place by a woven mesh. Over 2,500 volunteers would spend hours filling the balloons with helium.

Thousands of people attended the event. Everything was going smoothly when, on the day of the event, the weather turned cold, threatening rain with strong winds. Not wanting to waste the amount of time and work invested in the event or to disappoint the crowds in attendance, the event organizers chose to do an early release of the balloons. It was a bad decision, and one that would go down in infamy.

When the 1.5 million balloons were released, they ascended rapidly, but then the pelting rain pressed down on them, causing them to slowly hover over Cleveland’s lake shore, creating chaos. The multitude of balloons shut down the local airport’s runways.

They then drifted over to a local highway, causing numerous car accidents and injuries. Then the balloons hovered over the Lake Erie shoreline and interfered with the U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue operation for two missing boaters.

The balloons reportedly blanketed the water, making it impossible for the Coast Guard to carry out their rescue. The boaters were later found drowned.

The balloons would then come to land in a neighboring county, on an Arabian horse farm. They spooked a thoroughbred, which severely injured itself. Finally, the latex balloons blanketed local waterways and littered Lake Erie’s shorelines all the way into Ontario, Canada, for months.

Shortly after the event, the widow of one of the boaters, the owner of the Arabian horse, and several auto insurance companies all sued the United Way and the City of Cleveland for millions. The parties eventually settled their lawsuits, but the charity reportedly lost millions of dollars.

BalloonFest ’86 brings to mind an ancient Roman phrase, “Festina Lente,” which means “Hasten Slowly.” It’s just another phrase for “do your due diligence.” As planners for such an elaborate publicity stunt, BalloonFest’s organizers were responsible for at least knowing more about the nature of helium balloons: that cold air makes helium molecules inside a balloon shrink and lose energy. That, along with the rain and wind, caused the balloon mass to slowly sink to the ground and create the havoc that ensued.

Dedicated to your success,
David Soble

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About David Soble: David is a seasoned real estate and finance attorney with more than 35 years of experience, combining his background as a “big bank insider” with a commitment to demystifying complex legal issues for his clients.  As the founding attorney of Soble Law (also known as Soble PLC / Proven Resource), he leads a specialized team in Michigan and Ohio that handles real estate transactions, contract disputes, probate, and financial litigation.  Known for a practical, no-nonsense approach and peer-rated excellence (Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent), Soble and his team strive to protect clients’ property and financial interests with clarity, integrity, and experience.

Disclaimer: You should not rely or act upon the contents of this article without seeking advice from your own qualified attorney.