Anaheim : City Rising to Task of Setting Balloon Record

With less than one month to go before Anaheim attempts to break a world record with the release of one million colorful balloons, officials have organized into committees, set up a schedule and now are on the lookout for volunteers.

To prepare for the Dec. 5 “Skyfest,” geared to commemorate Disneyland’s 30th year, officials are looking for charities and service organizations interested in selling commemorative items such as T-shirts and buttons.

The city also is looking for businesses willing to donate $450 to the event. For each $450 donation made, the organization’s name will be placed on 1,000 balloons, which representatives from the business can release themselves. The money will be used to offset expenses, with leftover funds going to local charities and civic organizations.

The release of the balloons will fall on the 84th anniversary of the late Walt Disney’s birth. The Skyfest is intended to honor both Disney and the amusement park’s 30th year.

Anaheim Public Information Officer Sheri Erlewinesaid that city officials hope to ensure a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records with at least one million balloons flying high over Anaheim. The current world record was set in Japan on Nov. 3, 1984, with the release of 384,800.