The Most Infamous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Mishaps

The Popeye the Sailor Man Downpour (1957)

Due to chilly, rainy weather, the hat on the Popeye balloon had begun to collect ice-cold water during the parade. Eventually, the water got so heavy that it caused the top of Popeye’s head to tip, spilling the freezing water all over parade-watchers nearby.

The Kermit the Frog Fiasco (1991)

After a rough encounter with a tree, Kermit’s head was completely deflated mid-parade. He did finish out the parade — because he’s not a quitter — but it was certainly a memorable moment for anyone who saw it live.

The Barney Massacre (1997)

Due to high winds, the Cat in the Hat balloon struck a lamppost. Part of the lamppost broke off, fell, and landed on the head of a spectator nearby. Because of this, both the Barney and Pink Panther balloons were literally stabbed and deflated by local authorities.

Read about the other Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon disasters on Odometer.com