Bluey Balloon Recovers ‘Like a Champion’ After ‘Devastating’ Mishap Hours Ahead of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Bluey fans were relieved to learn that the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inspired by the title character of the beloved animated children's series recovered in time to participate in the annual holiday event.

Just hours before the holiday parade kicked off on Thursday, Nov. 28, preparation teams were in the process of inflating the balloons slated to make an appearance when the Bluey balloon suffered an unexpected injury. Video footage shared on social media by the New York City-based WNBC on Wednesday, Nov. 27, showed the balloon slowly filling with air before a popping sound led to a crescendo of wails from the crowd of people who had gathered nearby to watch.

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"NOT BLUEYYYYYY 😭," one fan commented when the TV news station shared the footage on TikTok. Several other social media users weighed in to share that they or their loved ones had been looking forward to Bluey's return for the balloon's third annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance.

Related: Watch 'Parade' Go Behind the Scenes at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

"This is literally so sad. I'm heartbroken. 😢," one TikToker wrote as another wondered, "What about the kids someone check up on them this is devastating."

But late Wednesday night, New York City Police Department Chief of Patrol John Chell shared a welcome update on the Bluey balloon's status. "Hey all, the balloons are ready and I'm glad to report that Bluey is recovering! Bluey is going to play like a champion tomorrow," Chell reassured Bluey fans in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

A few hours later, one parade attendee shared photos on X showing the Bluey balloon floating through the New York City streets as originally planned. "To a loud contingent of cheers from the crowd, Bluey and her keepy uppy balloon!" the X user tweeted, adding, "Her paw looks pretty good after that inflation scare yesterday…."

"She has risen baby girl," another X user shared alongside a different photo of the "fixed and ready to fly" balloon.

Next: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Boss Takes Us Behind the Scenes of This Year's Spectacle (Exclusive)