On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1986, the United Way of Cleveland attempted to set a world record by releasing nearly 1.5 million balloons into the sky. What was meant to be a harmless publicity stunt quickly turned into a public safety and environmental disaster. It grounded planes, hindered rescue operations, and led to tragic consequences. Jesse Edwards shares the story.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1986, the United Way of Cleveland attempted to set a world record by releasing nearly 1.5 million balloons into the sky. What was meant to be a harmless publicity stunt quickly turned into a public safety and environmental disaster. It grounded planes, hindered rescue operations, and led to tragic consequences. Jesse Edwards shares the story.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>&nbsp;

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

The Balloonfest '86 Disaster of Inflated Proportions

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3f34c66f-1519-46f6-a75d-b30101599c31/transcript