The Blowup Blowout

Tonight was the Thanksgiving Blowup Blowout party, and it was fantastic. Watching the balloons being blown up is a popular activity here, and it was mayhem exiting the subway. Security was extremely tight, and to even get on the block I had to show my invitation twice. Luckily, that invitation was my ticket to the behind-the-scenes area, and I was able to take these photos in relative peace (although their quality doesn't quite indicate that). To give you some idea of what I saw - a line of a dozen balloons or so, horizontal and covered in netting, anchored with sandbags, lining one city block. Other balloons are laid out on nearby blocks. Most of the balloons that I saw were commercial - Spongebob, Garfield, Ronald McDonald etc, but I suppose that is to be expected in a parade sponsored by a department store. To give you some perspective as to the size of the balloons - those are real vehicles next to Garfield and Ronald.

No one at that party seemed that into the balloons, understandably enough. I missed the actual inflation (that happens earlier in the day, I think) but I can't imagine that it would be that thrilling. But, it's definitely a good excuse for a party!