November 26, 2005
Thanksgiving wrap-up: turkey and a rogue balloon
Two sisters from Albany injured when a wind-whipped, 515-pound M&M balloon knocked a Times Square light fixture onto their heads during the Thanksgiving Day Parade will return next year, this time with VIP seats.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said wind speeds were 15 mph at the time of the accident. Balloons must be grounded if winds reach 23 mph or gusts stronger than 34 mph. Bloomberg has created a task force to recommend changes to safety guidelines before next year's parade.
If you were watching the parade on TV, you would have not only missed the accident, but you would have been duped into thinking the M&M balloon made it all the way to Herald Square. Why? Because NBC dubbed in M&M footage from last year's parade, without telling viewers they were deceived, according to the New York Times. And who were the trustworthy talking heads who didn't mention the event? Katie Couric, Matt Lauer and Al Roker.
In 1997, the Cat in the Hat balloon knocked over a light pole that hit a woman who spent 24 days in a coma and was left with brain damage.
More New York Thanksgiving coverage from around the web:
100-pound woman wins Artie's Deli turkey eating contest
Holiday shopping season kicks into high gear
Pictures: the crowds at Inflation Eve
Pictures: pre-parade balloon inflation
Pictures: balloon inflation, up close
Pictures: the parade from Times Square, up high
JFK via the A train: diary of a delayed traveler
November 26, 2005 08:55 AM in Etceterology
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