Parade Balloon Wranglers

Balloon Wranglers

Balloon Wranglers are the key to the success of the Parade of the Big Balloons, sponsored by Tower Square and MGM Springfield. They guide the balloons through and around lamp poles, traffic signals and trees. The first 200 to report on parade day receive a Parade of the Big Balloons souvenir.

Requirements:
• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must be at least 90 pounds
• Be unaccompanied by anyone not meeting these requirements

Balloon Wrangler Registration

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  • Rope Rules
    • Wrap rope loosely, like a lasso.
    • NEVER wrap rope around . . .Wrist, Chest, Waist, ANY OTHER PART OF YOUR BODY!!
    • NEVER let rope drag or trail on the ground behind you! YOU or someone near you could trip and fall and get hurt!!
    • Keep hands and ropes at WAIST level. Should there be an updraft of wind you will have no where to go but UP!
    • Remember, to pull the balloon down, walk into the balloon from the back or designated side of the balloon and pull the rope down “hand over hand,” looping your rope loose, like a lasso. Pay close attention to your Balloon Captain!!!
    • VERY IMPORTANT!! Never cross ropes with people near you!!
  • Where do I stand?

    Balloon handlers should stand directly underneath where the rope is connected to the balloon.

  • As a Group, how do we work together?

    The group will stand under the balloon (like you are standing underneath an umbrella).  If you spread a part as a group or spread-out, the balloon will come down to street level and not fly properly!  REMEMBER — You are a team that works together!   

  • What are some of the basic rules of Balloon Handling?
    • Do not cross your rope with anyone else!!  (This will cause the balloon to flyoff-balance.)
    • Do not ever let go of your rope guiding the balloon as the balloon would escape.  (They are filled with helium.)
    • Watch and listen for signals from your Balloon Captains as they will alert you when there are upcoming wires, trees, traffic signals and other obstructions.
    • Remember to walk PARADE PACE.  Avoid rushing the balloon along.  HOWEVER, do not move too slowly, and try to keep up with the unit in front of you.  If you move too quickly, the balloon will not fly properly.  Try to maintain an EVEN, STEADY PACE.
  • What to do when it's windy?

    Remember to stay still!  The balloon will come back to you.  Do not try to follow the direction of the wind.  REMAIN IN BALLOON FORMATION POSITION.

  • How to re-position the balloon

    Right before a wire/walkway comes up, you will be working as a team to re-position the balloon.  The Balloon Captain will give the signal that the street wire is ahead.  At that moment, all balloon handlers will work together to lay the balloon on its back.


    FIRST:  Everyone will begin by gradually lowering the balloon closer to street level.


    NEXT:   “Simultaneously” the people on the back of the balloon will  begin lowering their ropes while the people on the front will  WALK INTO THE BALLOON and let-up their ropes.  This will enable the people on the back to pull the balloon down on its back

  • How to control the Balloon on its back?

    Make sure that no one in your group drags the balloon on the street, as this could result in damage to the balloon and cause a possible puncture.  Next, remember to carry the balloon a few inches from the street level.  After the ENTIRE balloon safely clears the overhead obstruction, then the people on the back of the balloon should let-up (raise their ropes) slowly, as the people on the front walk towards the balloon and begin rolling-in their ropes so that the balloon will go back to the flying pose.

  • What to do when approaching TV area?

    Proceed slowly, and watch for a cue from the Street Director.  Do not rush the balloon.

  • How high should the balloon fly?

    No less than 40 feet from the ground (four stories up).  If it is an especially windy day, you will be given special instructions by your Balloon Captain or StarBound Entertainment Staff Members prior to the start of the parade.

  • Where to leave the Balloon after the parade?

    You may leave your position AFTER you have rolled up your rope, secured it with a rubberband that will be provided and the balloon is completely deflated.  You will then be excused by your Balloon Captain or a member of the StarBound Entertainment

  • What to wear?

    Generally, you want to be comfortable so dress according to the weather.  Be sure to wear comfortable footwear and gloves.  Avoid wearing any sharp jewelry as it can puncture the balloon.

  • Are there any Nevers?
    • NEVER walk on the balloon!
    • NEVER jump on the balloon
    • NEVER extend your rope too far in front or behind the balloon — STAY UNDER THE BALLOON!
    • DO NOT WALK AHEAD OF THE BALLOON!

    All ropes should be fairly taut with just a slight pull on them.  If your rope becomes loose, move out slightly.


    * We also ask that NO ONE SMOKE CIGARETTES near the balloons especially near the inflation/deflation area as these will damage the balloons.

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