Barney Google is a comic strip created in 1919 by Billy DeBeck. Since its debut on June 17, 1919, the strip has gained a large international readership, appearing in 900 newspapers in 21 countries. The initial appeal of the strip led to its adaptation to film, animation, popular songs and television. It added several terms and phrases to the English language and inspired the 1923 hit "Barney Google (with the Goo-Goo-Googly Eyes)" with lyrics by Billy Rose, as well as the 1923 single "Come On, Spark Plug!".
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Turk with Spark Plug (1929)[]
The comic strip was first represented in the 1929 Parade as a balloon depicting a Turk riding aboard Google's trusty steed Spark Plug. The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company built the balloon at their Akron, Ohio headquarters. It was test flown in November 1929 alongside The Katzenjammer Kids balloons. Leading the 1929 lineup, this makes Spark Plug and the Turk the first ever licensed characters to get a giant balloon.
The balloon made only one appearance in that year's Parade and was disposed of shortly after.
Barney Google and Spark Plug balloons (1930)[]
The following year, the titular character from the comic strip was transformed into a giant balloon for the 1930 parade, alongside a new balloon of Spark Plug. Both balloons were designed by Tony Sarg still and manufactured by Goodyear, and only appeared once in the parade.
Trivia[]
- Spark Plug was the only character to receive a second giant balloon until he was joined by Donald Duck in 1962.