Oversized Balloons Handled by Golf Cars Instead of Balloon Handlers for Next Thanksgiving Parade

The most memorable part of most Thanksgiving parades is the hundreds of balloon handlers walking underneath massive balloons, but that could be a thing of the past if a recent law is passed. A recent law in major cities like New York City

Seattle, WA (prHWY.com) September 26, 2012 - The most memorable part of most Thanksgiving parades is the hundreds of balloon handlers walking underneath massive balloons, but that could be a thing of the past if a recent law is passed. A recent law in major cities like New York City and Los Angles would require that oversized balloons in parades be carried not by humans but by golf cars.

"We believe that it would be safer if the balloons were handled by something like a golf cart or golf car", explained Joe Turner, head of the Thanksgiving Day Parade Committee. "We know it was always done with people, but global warming is causing some pretty strong winds to occur and we think an automobile - even a small one - would be safer and better able to handle these balloons."

Golf cars resemble a golf cart. The only difference is that these vehicles have been cleared to drive on normal highways. While golf carts can usually only go 25 miles per hour, a golf car can sometimes reach speeds of 40 miles per hour if it is built right.

The Thanksgiving Day Parade Committee has presented a bill that would require all balloons in a parade to be handled by these golf cars. The balloons would have to be tied to the golf car and driven down the parade route. There would be one handler in the back of ever golf car to handle the balloon.

"I think this could really raise awareness for golf cars", said Tony Hill, representative for the Golf Car Alliance. "Many people assume golf cars are like golf carts but they aren't. I think if this bill passes we could see an increase in the number of golf cars that are on the road. It could really make things interesting."

The first parade to try this new balloon handling system was a Fourth of July parade in Kansas. The oversized balloons were handled by golf cars instead of actual people walking underneath the balloons.

"The reception was still the same whether the balloon was carried by people or by a golf car", said the PR director for the parade. "No one really seemed to care one way or another. So I think we'll stay with the golf car option."

The official vote for the golf car balloon handlers will be held next month when the Thanksgiving Day Parade Committee meets. The measure is expected to pass and all parades in 2013 will have golf cars handling the balloons.

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Tag Words: golf cars

Categories: Sports

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