At the United Center, a spectacular display of 100,000 red, white, and blue balloons cascaded from the ceiling in honor of Vice President Kamala Harris' nomination. This grand celebration was the result of meticulous planning and coordination by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
The inflation of these balloons was a crucial aspect of the Democratic National Convention. The intricate process of preparing and releasing the balloons involved 75 volunteers, 30 staff members, and a group of Local 2 Stagehands. A specialized system, developed in 1988, was utilized to ensure the smooth execution of this task.
According to a convention official, a diverse range of expertise was required for this endeavor. From making creative decisions regarding the shape and size of the balloons to managing volunteers and coordinating with union stagehands and riggers, every detail was meticulously planned to ensure the maximum impact of the balloon display.
The official revealed that the inflation of the balloons commenced last Wednesday, marking the beginning of the culmination of months of planning. Over the past four days, the balloons, ranging in size from 9 to 24 inches, were suspended in anticipation of the grand moment when they would descend from the rafters.