‘Bluey’ balloon that popped during inflation day before Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade fixed

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-28 13:26:29 | Updated at 2024-11-28 15:36:20 2 hours ago

“Bluey” fans, no need to be deflated!

A 51-foot-long balloon of the beloved hit kids’ TV character popped during inflation Wednesday — but has made a quick recovery ready to fly during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Crowds watching the balloons get inflated heard a “loud noise” and a “gust of air” coming from Bluey just after 2 p.m. as the cartoon dog got a large hole in one of her paws, onlookers told NBC New York.

But organizers worked overtime to make sure the beloved character was ready for the 22 big balloons, 34 floats and seven wheeled “balloonicles” for Thursday’s annual parade.

Deflated fans of hit Australian children’s show ‘Bluey’ can rejoice after the 51-feet long balloon that popped during inflation was fixed just in time for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell assured fans that she’ll be a “champion” in the parade on Thursday — which is expected to feature 22 big balloons, 34 floats, 7 wheeled “balloonicles” and more.

“Hey all, the balloons are ready and I’m glad to report that Bluey is recovering!,” NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said on X late Wednesday.

“Bluey is going to play like a champion tomorrow.”

Bluey is a fan favorite among young spectators who avidly watch the Australian series, created by Joe Brumm and based on his family’s own experiences.

The show premiered in 2018 and centers on Bluey — a female Blue Heeler pup — her younger sibling Bingo and her parents, Chilli and Bandit.

Crowds of people who came out to watch the balloons get inflated along Central Park West told NBC New York that they heard a “loud noise” and a “gust of air” coming from ‘Bluey’ just after 2pm. Derek French/Shutterstock

The series has attracted A-list vocal talent including Natalie Portman, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rose Byrne, Joel Edgerton and Eva Mendes, and the show has spawned a cottage merchandising industry including books, bedding and plush toys.

While Bluey is safe, for the time being, Chell also warned of heavy rainfall.

A Thanksgiving Day storm is expected to bring rain throughout the length of the parade with some heavy downpours, the FOX Forecast Center said – though winds won’t start to pick up until later Thursday afternoon.

It was found that part of the giant balloon had popped and was deflated with a large hole in one of her paws. Organizers at the time said they’d work hard to fix her in time for the event. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

The iconic balloons won’t be able to fly if sustained winds reach a sustained 23 mph, although the forecast center expects winds of about 10 to 20 mph.

Chell promised that despite the conditions the NYPD is determined to get Santa to 34th Street.

Parade organizers are working “very closely” with city agencies and the NYPD in securing the route this year.

Last year there were anti-Israel protests along the route, though there was no indication they would be repeated this year.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will step off Thursday at 8:30 a.m. EST and viewers at home can tune in on NBC and Peacock.

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