Unique Cold-Air Inflatable Makes Debut at Charlotte Parade

Hybrid Cold-Air Inflatable Is Unveiled at Charlotte Thanksgiving Day Parade

What do you get when you cross a cold-air inflatable balloon with a Segway? A Segwaloon! The concept and the name were created by Robert Krumbine, Executive Producer of the Charlotte Center City Partners, for the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Traditionally, cold-air inflatables stand still and people have to come to them if they want an up-close look. Thanks to special, patent-pending construction, however, cold-air inflatables have become more mobile.

By outfitting a manned Segway with an inflatable balloon “sleeve,” the driver can maneuver the scooter anywhere including up and down parade routes, throughout festivals and everywhere else a Segway can go.

“The idea was to creative a unique and more interactive version of the large balloons that many parades include. We have a fantastic group of Segway tour guides in Charlotte, so we designed and worked with Landmark to produce balloons that could actually fit over the Segways. The Segwaloons were able to engage with parade attendees in ways that no audience had seen before,” explained Lelia King, Chief Creative Officer.

“We knew Landmark was the only company that would be able to understand our vision and work to make it come to life.”

You know, we just “get” stuff like this! If you have an ingenious idea you’d like help producing, give us a shout. We’re always up for a creative challenge.

Featured in Landmarketing Issue 49

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations

“[The inflatable arch] created a wonderful backdrop to brand our events, capture our sponsors in the photos used by the participants, and made it easy to travel down the coast of California without taking up too much space on our trucks.”

- Amy Daugherty, California Coast Classic

"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked. We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes

“This has created tremendous buzz around town and we have received a great deal of compliments on the Big Tire. Exposure is my goal, and the inflatable does that better than anyone, including me, can do at these events. The Big Tire never takes a break, gets tired or has to take a call. It just keeps shining bright and the kids love it.”

- Ed Chaney, Ed Chaney Tire Center Inc.

"Our tunnel was also a great addition to our pre-game tradition: the Wildcat walk. Our city shuts down three blocks of downtown, and we have hundreds of fans lining the streets with a police escort, while we walk to the stadium."

- Sam Baker, Head Football Coach at Waconia High School

"Give our races a 'big event' feel. They look cool in photos and videos, and they help us establish the look and feel of our brand."

- Sam Abbitt, Savage Race

"The Adventure Colon is so rewarding for our organization. Everyone that walks through it is just in awe and learn so much when we guide them through it."

- Oneyda Cuevas, Hope Through Grace, Inc.