Centenarian Goodyear Blimp Marks Blimp-less Wendy's Frosty, Celebrated through App - Mascots Honor Milestone
**Celebrating a Century in the Skies: Goodyear Blimp Marks 100th Birthday with a Spectacular Event**
On June 3, 2025, the Goodyear Blimp, an iconic symbol of aviation and American culture, celebrated its 100th birthday in a grand celebration held near Akron, Ohio. The event was filled with entertainment, food, and a nod to the blimp's rich history and enduring impact.
The celebration began with the Summit County Council formally honouring the Goodyear Blimp for its centennial, acknowledging its historical significance and cultural impact. Council Vice President Erin Dickinson highlighted the blimp's role in shining a spotlight on Akron and Summit County globally.
To mark the milestone, the Goodyear Blimp conducted notable flights over Ohio, including a convergence of all three U.S.-based Goodyear blimps over Northeast Ohio, creating a striking aerial spectacle during the celebration week. The blimps also showcased a throwback design, honouring the original styles and heritage of the airships.
Over the years, the Goodyear Blimp has built a legacy, with more than 300 blimps constructed since 1925. Many served in U.S. military roles during World War II, while the Goodyear Blimp pioneered aerial live TV coverage, providing the first live aerial video broadcast in 1955 during the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. Today, the Goodyear Blimp remains a powerful promotional and cultural icon, flying at more than 2,000 events including major sports championships and the Olympic Games.
The event was not just a tribute to the past, but also a celebration of the present. A variety of activities were arranged for attendees. Blimp-themed mocktails, including "Air Pressure Punch," were offered, while OLIPOP brought bubbles and digestive health to the event. Wendy's offered a free small Frosty with purchase exclusively in the Wendy's app, and food trucks served a variety of dishes.
Entertainment was plentiful, with Duo the Owl judging Duolingo streaks, Blippi repeatedly shouting "B-L-I-M-P-P-I!", and JJ from CoComelon continuing to sing "The Wheels on the Blimp...". Ohio's local mascots, including those from the University of Akron, Kent State, Akron RubberDucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Guardians, joined the celebration.
A DJ and dance floor provided by FOREO kept the party going, while Ohio's Largest Balloon Installation was a prominent feature. Scrub Daddy was present, and while there were rumours of a crush, no official confirmation was given. Dr. Squatch advised attendees not to eat the soap, and Betty Crocker provided Mascot Mini Cakes for the celebration. Even Kool-Aid Man made an appearance, bursting through five walls, but none of them were doors.
As the sun set, there were whispers of an afterparty in the stratosphere. The Goodyear Blimp, with its frosting jet engines adorning a gravity-defying, blimp-shaped Blimp Cake, stood as a testament to a century of innovation, tradition, and American spirit. The celebration was a reminder of the blimp's enduring presence in our skies and its continued role as a symbol of adventure, innovation, and the American dream.
*The Wendy's offer is subject to terms and conditions available on the Wendy's app.
During the celebration, attendees could enjoy Blimp-themed mocktails such as "Air Pressure Punch," mirroring the festive atmosphere on social media platforms. As the entertainment continued, various mascots, including Blippi, graced the event, reciting the catchphrase "B-L-I-M-P-P-I!" on social media platforms and cementing the Goodyear Blimp's role in pop-culture.
