Would a big helium filled balloon on the playa work?

[transgirl]

I wanted to make a project this year that involves a huge helium balloon, ...like a weather balloon size...but would the wind whip it around out of control?

I wanted it to kind of be floaty looking, so I've been thinking of ways to secure it with ropes around the sides...not sure yet.

Then I had this horrific vision of the wind ripping the rebar out of the ground and there would be a giant balloon lashing about the playa with a piece of rebar impaling people at random..not good

This doesn't sound feasible does it?

[dragonfly Jafe]

people do it every year, often with a small light inside for night.

Just be careful the tether can't swing around in the wind and decapitate something or someone....

[motskyroonmatick]

last year I saw someone injured by a large helium filled baloon that ruptured in his face as it was being inflated. That was a real downer to the incredibly excited people who were going to do something with it.

I think if you know the proper inflation size and can secure it against the pull of the wind everyting will be ok. Maybe attach it to a vehicle for superior anchoring.

I hope i see it!

[trilobyte]

I don't know enough about inflatables to offer you the right advice, but can at least advise you to be careful. You don't want a big balloon rupturing in someone's face, and dragging around hunks of rebar isn't good either.

Expect the wind to want to do its worst on any given day/night. Last year's big storm had winds that topped 105mph as I understand it, and I doubt that's anywhere near as strong a storm as the playa is capable of.

~Trilo~

[sonoma9249]

I did it a few years back and it was way more hassle than it was worth, but it looked really cool at night, but as has been previously said it can be dangerous to someone including you. I don't want to sound like a buzzkill here but you should really think this thru before proceeding....All the best and have a great burn.........

[Teo del Fuego]

erect a well-lit pole or column and anchor the balloon to the top of the mast. Tether will be above head and can whip about safely..unless decapitation was part of your art project..

One of the coolest things I ever saw was early in the week of 2005 out in the deep playa, someone had a big spherical baloon lit with some sorta black light. It was kinda dim and very mysterious. You look at it and questioned whether you were really seeing it. It floated above a pyramid structure. Whoever did that, you have my undying admiration and thanks!

[EspressoDude]

Use weak string..... No dragging re-bar or cars..

And if illuminated inside with a flashlight in the ballon neck, you have UFO's departing the playa......soon drifting across SFO...


"Scramble fighters, Mac, we got incoming UFO's!"

[Mr. Polando]

These folks have had an awesome helium balloon project on the playa the last few years:

http://www.burningsquid.com/borg2prop.html

The entire thing, generator, cable reel and all we mounted to a small wagon that could be easily moved around.

[transgirl]

That'S AWESOME thank you.

[The CO]

Stop lying to her! Helium doesn't work on the playa! Everyone knows that! You have to use Freon out there.

[chickenfish]

if the balloon is big enough, you can talk funny all week long.

[transgirl]

Wait...helium doesn't work?



......shit.

[Sensei]

Budget

Item Unit Cost Units Total
SkyDoc Balloon $1,474 1 $1,474
Tether cord 102 1 102
Helium + delivery 80 6 480
Glowsticks 47 case 47
Caution tape 2 roll 2
Christmas lights 8.95 6 $53.70

Total $2,159*

(*tentative pending estimate of shipping costs, taxes, etc.)

[transgirl]

Yeah...I was just being a smartass. I read that link.