| Wobbly Head | |
|---|---|
 The Wobbly Head balloon grins at spectators in the 1928 Parade. | |
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Real Name |
Unknown |
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First Appearance |
The 5th Annual Macy's Christmas Parade (1928) |
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Original Publisher |
Macy's |
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Created by |
Tony Sarg |
Origin[]
The Wobbly Head is a giant helium character balloon that appeared in the 1928 Macy's Christmas Parade (now known as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade).
In 1928, Macy's Parade director Tony Sarg wanted the Macy's Christmas Parade to be bigger and better than ever, while also looking for elements that could replace the live animals from Central Park Zoo, which proved to be too frightening for young children. The decision was made to introduce massive helium balloons in the shape of animals and fantasy creatures, tethered to the ground by a team of handlers.
Among these first balloons was the Wobbly Head. Designed by Sarg and crafted by Goodyear Rubber and Tire Company, the ballooning behemoth traveled down the parade route aboard a horse-drawn carriage. The rubber head was so large that, according to newspapers, it "took up most of the street". Both sides of the balloon featured different facial expressions on the front and back, respectively; the front scowled, and the back gave a grin.
The Wobbly Head balloon was retired following the 1928 procession, being stored back in Goodyear's Akron Plant for a short time before being disposed of.
Public Domain Parade Appearances[]
- The 5th Annual Macy's Christmas Parade (1928)