Dundas Square ‘snow globe’ comes unhinged, crashes into stage
Yonge-Dundas Square became the site of a PR stunt gone wrong Wednesday when a large inflatable balloon appeared to become unhinged and lift off the ground. Quintin Bignell reports on the shock and surprise from passersby
By Quintin Bignell
Posted February 15, 2023 6:38 pm.
Last Updated February 16, 2023 2:57 pm.
Yonge-Dundas Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, and on Wednesday it became the site of a public relations stunt gone wrong. CityNews cameras were rolling around 1 p.m. when an oversized balloon that had been set up for an event appeared to become unhinged.
Video shows a strong gust of wind appear to lift the structure, before it comes crashing down and rolls into a nearby stage. The bubble can then be seen slowly deflating. Police say they didn’t receive any 911 calls, and there are no reports of any injuries.
The balloon had been installed for an event being hosted by beer brand Michelob Ultra. It was promoted online as a “chance for Canadians to play basketball indoors, protected from the winter elements.”
Haley Watson reacts to a video in Yonge Dundas Square
While the incident came as a shock to some tourists, those who frequent the area didn’t seem very surprised.
“Honestly, it’s Dundas Square. Weirder things have happened,” says Haley Watson while unlocking her bike from a stand near Yonge Street. Watson tells CityNews she commutes through the area almost every day and there’s no shortage of interesting events happening.
Ben, a tourist visiting town from France, had a different take.
“These kind of things might be very strange for us. We are not used to seeing these kind of things.”
The event, which was scheduled to run until Feb. 20, has since been cancelled.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not be activating the ‘No Snow Globe,’” a spokesperson with Labatt Breweries of Canada told CityNews.
Hazlett: Military bonds shared after Naval Academy visit
On this Veterans Day, conflict around the world has captured our attention and concern. Yet amid troubling times, it is important for us to pause and recognize the honor, commitment and sacrifice of our military members.
I’m reminded of a story that happened many years ago. It’s not a tale of courage in the face of battle, but it is an expression of loyalty I’ll never forget.
It began at a memorial service at the U.S. Naval Academy in honor of the Class of 1952. My deceased father-in-law was a graduate of that class, and so my mother-in-law and I traveled to Annapolis, Maryland, for the service at the campus chapel.
She recognized many of her husband’s friends and roommates, including astronaut James Lovell, commander of Apollo 13. He and others stopped to chat with her.
“We are family,” said one retired captain. “We happy few, we band of brothers.” The Shakespeare quote continues, “For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”
The Class of 1952 faced an uncertain future. Communism was a global threat and some graduates would die in the Korean Conflict. The chaplain highlighted their sacrifice.
“You stood the watch, you stemmed the tide and you made it possible for us to move forward in peace.”
She also spoke of Vietnam.
“As deaths mounted, as Washington waffled, you stood the watch. You had learned about honor, you had learned about duty, you had learned about loyalty to the man next to you and you stood the watch. Thank you for never giving up, thank you for not growing cynical, thank you for setting the example once again.”
The veterans and families bowed their heads to remember fallen friends and loved ones, and reflect on glorious days of vigor and strength, conviction and hard work.
It was a beautiful service, and to commemorate the day, I picked up a small gift for my daughter, a snow globe for her collection. Inside the glass sphere was a tiny replica of the Academy chapel, a perfect tribute to her late grandfather.
But, things took a nasty turn the next day at Dulles Airport. I forgot the “no liquid over 3 ounces” restriction for carry-on luggage. To my great disappointment, the baggage checker confiscated the snow globe. I was still upset when I wrote about the airport experience in this column a few weeks later.
