A local radio station’s plan to release over 100 balloons to promote an Atlantic City concert was canceled due to concerns over animal safety.
Wednesday morning WPUR-FM (Cat Country 107.3) announced on their website they planned on launching 107 balloons with pictures of cats attached at the Michael Debbi Park in Buena Vista Township, New Jersey around 11 a.m. The stunt was promotion for the Rascal Flatts concert at the Atlantic City Beach Thursday. The station urged listeners to find the balloons and tweet photos with them for a chance to win tickets to the concert as well as Meet and Greet passes.
The announcement drew immediate criticism however from residents concerned the balloons would harm animals in the ocean and mainland.
“The animals can mistake it for food,” said Kate Warden of the Atlantic County SPCA. “They can ingest it. They can get tangled up if there are any cords on it.”
The station’s Facebook page was flooded with messages condemning the promotion and urging the station to scrap the balloon release. Minutes before the scheduled launch, state police the SPCA and local leaders showed up at the park to do just that.
“We called the radio station and told them under no circumstances were they allowed at the park or where they release balloons,’ said Buena Vista Township Committee Member John Armato.
Staff members at the station then moved to a mall parking lot and kept most of the balloons inside an SUV though a few were held by a WPUR mascot.
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“We actually thought we were far enough inland,” said Joe Kelly, a personality and brand manager at the station. “We did some tests and they would last an hour, maybe two hours before losing their helium so we didn’t actually think it would make it all the way to the water. We certainly respect everybody’s thoughts and concerns.”
The balloons were eventually popped back at the station and thrown out in the trash.
