HISTORY This Week Cleveland Balloonfest '86
Sep 23, 2024
Chris Quinn, editor of The Plain Dealer, shares insights on the infamous Cleveland Balloon Fest of '86, an ambitious attempt to raise the city’s spirits by releasing 1.5 million balloons. He discusses Cleveland's struggles with its tarnished reputation and how this colorful stunt was meant to unite and inspire the community. Listeners learn about the emotional ties to the event, the chaotic aftermath, and its lasting impact on perceptions of Cleveland. The podcast explores the excitement, environmental challenges, and media narratives surrounding this ambitious endeavor.
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Cleveland's Decline
- Cleveland was called the "Mistake by the Lake" due to its pollution and industrial decline.
- The Cuyahoga River, running through the city, caught fire multiple times.
SNL Skit
- Chris Quinn recalls a Saturday Night Live skit mocking Lake Erie's polluted water.
- The skit portrayed the lake as sludge, contributing to Cleveland's negative image.
Mayor's Mishap
- Cleveland Mayor Ralph Perk's hair caught fire during a ceremony with a blowtorch.
- Comedian Bob Hope joked about it, and Perk gifted him a locket of his burnt hair.