Balloonfest '86

However, the released balloons drifted back over the city and Lake Erie and landed in the surrounding area, causing problems for traffic and a nearby airport.

In consequence, the organizers faced lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in damages,[1] and cost overruns put the event at a net loss.

[6] Close to 1.5 million balloons rose up from Public Square, surrounding Terminal Tower and surpassing a world record set the previous year on the 30th anniversary of Disneyland.

[1][3] Traffic collisions were also reported "as drivers swerved to avoid slow motion blizzards of multicolored orbs or took their eyes off the road to gawk at the overhead spectacle.

The wife of one of the fishermen sued the United Way of Cleveland and the company that organized the balloon release for $3.2 million, and later settled on undisclosed terms.

[1] Roger Rice, Search and Rescue Program Manager for Coast Guard District 9, said in a 2024 interview that "Balloonfest did not have anything to do with the unfortunate deaths of both these men".

[9] Balloons landing on a pasture in Geauga County, Ohio, spooked a resident's Arabian horses, which allegedly suffered permanent injuries as a result.