The Observer (also referred to as the Observation balloon) was a vintage giant helium character balloon that is a replica of a Civil War observation balloon in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
History With the Macy's Parade[]
The Observer balloon made its Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in 1956. It was originally planned to have a man ride in the basket of the Observer balloon, but this was ruled out as not safe by the New York Police Department. As such, this concept was replaced with a large stuffed monkey doll in the basket instead. During its Parade debut, strong high winds caused the balloon to get damaged in an accident, resulting in the balloon having to be removed from that year's Parade.
Despite this incident, the Observer balloon made its proper debut in 1957. Along the route, the balloon almost hit a lamppost and a TV camera truck. Additionally, the balloon was partially deflated, but it's unknown what caused it. The balloon was retired after that year's procession.
The balloon was scheduled to return for the 1958 Parade. However, due to a helium shortage in 1958, balloons had to be transported using mobile derrick cranes and inflated with air. Unfortunately, the Observer balloon and the Gorgeous Gobbler balloon could not be lifted by the cranes because of their rounded shapes. The Observer balloon was intended for the 1959 Parade, along with the Toy Soldier, but both balloons had to cancel their appearances at the last minute that year. After a two-year absence, the Observer balloon resumed its appearances the following year and ultimately retired after the 1961 Parade. In 1962, it was repurposed into the Flying Trapeze balloon.
Trivia[]
- Although the idea of a person riding in the balloon was abandoned, the idea was eventually revived in 2006 with the 80th Anniversary Hot Air balloon and then, with the Wizard of Oz balloon at the 2013 Parade.