New Capital Ex parade float for City of Edmonton

[GreenSPACE]

"This is a new and exciting project for the City of Edmonton. One that offers a unique opportunity to engage citizens, build civic pride and celebrate our arts community,” said Councillor Kim Krushell. “This is more than just a balloon — it’s a piece of public art.”

Artsmith Communications, a graphic design/advertisting firm based in Edmonton for more than 25 years, was chosen through a jury selection process. In consultation with the Edmonton Arts Council, 3 finalists were selected to submit a concept for the balloon. Finalists were given criteria for the design which included that it highlight the city’s cultural diversity, recognize the contribution of Edmonton’s original residents, make an artistic statement and be representative of the city."

http://edmonton.ca/city_government/n...-the-city.aspx

[edmonton daily photo]

OOOO I like it.

[moahunter]

Oh my, how much did this cost? I mean seriously, there is nothing better to do in the City?

[GreenSPACE]

Originally Posted by moahunter

Oh my, how much did this cost? I mean seriously, there is nothing better to do in the City?

We need a float. Balloons are the cheapest.

[moahunter]

^how bout some F150's with people on the back, rather than this whale/fish thing?

[IanO]

Gotta say, I think it looks terrible.

Reminds me of Donatello


(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs11/i/20...y_bee_chan.jpg)

[GreenSPACE]

Oh Edmontonians...

[edmonton daily photo]

I clearly see the Iconic Edmonton Pryamids, Hills and River that make up our valley, A referance to snow, the colour of the balls remind me of the various seasons and the Northern Lights.

It's Whimsical... perfect for parades.

This isn't going to be on display at corporate/political meetings.

[GreenSPACE]

Old grumpy men vote don't count. Let's hope the kids like it!

[IanO]

Way better


(http://www.bbc.co.uk/jersey/content/...01_470x350.jpg)

[Alex.L]

I like it and think it will look pretty spectacular on July 19th.

[edmonton daily photo]

Originally Posted by IanO

Way better


(http://www.bbc.co.uk/jersey/content/...01_470x350.jpg)

Lol... Eye roll.

[sundance]

Interesting design, not sure if I like or hate it.

BUT... Seeing the name Capital Ex is going bye bye, shouldn't the city wait until a new name or theme is picked?

[Alex.L]

The idea is that they'll take this to other parades too, and use it for a few years, so tailoring it to a specific theme wouldn't work.

Does anybody else see the chinese parade dragon in this design? I think it's fantastic.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

It's the Legendary Black Beast of....AAAHHHH!!!

[JJMorrocco]

Wouldn't it make sense to put it inthe Calgary Stampede parade first instead of waiting until July 19? That parade gets a lot more exposure, and to me it all about getting our name out there rather than showing it off here first.

[knowitall]

Ah, Edmonton Arts Council creates debate and controversy yet again!!

[Komrade]

I like it!

[GreenSPACE]

Originally Posted by knowitall

Ah, Edmonton Arts Council creates debate and controversy yet again!!

It's only a debate for old people. Kids I think will like it, and so will most of us when we see it in person. Nothing wrong with abstract.

[howyadoin']

Me too! It says whom we are rather succinctly. I think it will go rather nicely with the name I submitted for the new fair name.

Originally Posted by Komrade

I like it!

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by JJMorrocco

Wouldn't it make sense to put it inthe Calgary Stampede parade first instead of waiting until July 19? That parade gets a lot more exposure, and to me it all about getting our name out there rather than showing it off here first.

EXACTLY!!! and the fact that isn't happening is symptomatic of a larger problem.

[kcantor]

i am also curious if this "playful interpretation" of what edmonton is actually says "Edmonton" anywhere on it for the cameras or for anyone looking at it? i'm as big a fan of art as anyone else but surely this was supposed to be a parade float - an advertisement - first and a "public art piece" - to be deflated and rolled up so it doesn't cost too much to store it instead if putting it in other parades??? - second.

[steve semchuk]

its sad.....how are they going to get this "thing" under or over the pedways on the parade route.

[Alex.L]

It's only 14ft high, so I assume they'll pull it down to street level to go under the pedway.

Not exactly a dealbreaker.

[JJMorrocco]

Hey they should put it in the Macy's US Thanksgiving day parade with all the other inflatables - then we will really see how we compare to a 'big' city.

[MikeK]

Looks like some kind of alien horned sky-whale!

Still, it's kind of hard for me to decide whether I like it or not.

[ThomasH]

To whom it may concern,

The word 'fun' doesn't fit those images.
The graphic designers that dreamed this up can do better than this.
If this is the best they can do then they should use the K.I.S.S. method because children are the target audience.

Sincerely,
a graphic designer.

[Gemini]

WTF is that. It looks like an interpretation of a bad craft project. Whats with the BALLS. What does it say that represents Edmonton. Good lord, it looks like a Xmas reject. $80.000.00 for that. What do they smoke down at Sh*tty Hall. Boy, where is a high powered crossbow when you need one.

[Hilman]

The balls represent our seasons and festivals.



http://www.investcomoxvalley.com/new..._city_logo.jpg

[Rebar]

It'll be fine once they hand out the 20 page booklet explaining to parade goers the deep profundity of the symbolism embodied in the balloon and thereby decrease the number of "What in Hell was that?" responses.

[GreenSPACE]

Originally Posted by JJMorrocco

Wouldn't it make sense to put it inthe Calgary Stampede parade first instead of waiting until July 19? That parade gets a lot more exposure, and to me it all about getting our name out there rather than showing it off here first.

That's a very good point, given it's the Stampede's 100th. We better have a presence.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by Hilman

The balls represent our seasons and festivals.



http://www.investcomoxvalley.com/new..._city_logo.jpg

That logo is about as memorable as this float will be. The float apparently being an amalgamation of this logo and a mutant ninja chinese dragon except without any of the fun look that such a design might entail. Not sure if i'm being serious with that but anybody saying this is a kid design is being assumptive on that level as well.

What this smacks of is corporate design elements where everybody had to have their say and get elements included to where it ends up being something like this. I think I discern City Hall pyramid, New arena, in this. Not the art gallery though which may have punctured the design. So we have an alien life form with a pyramid on its head. Looks like the aliens in "Life of Bryan".

[Alex.L]

City does something boring
Residents cry foul about it not being original

City does something original
Residents cry foul about it being too weird

Life goes on.

[Replacement]

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/trave...282/story.html

"I have been embarrassed, quite frankly, that we haven't had one. We have citizens mention it many times. It's a symbol of pride in your city," Krushell said.

This is a symbol of pride in our city?

This from the same counselor who uttered:

"Its more than a balloon, its public art"

She sounds like she's inhaled some of that helium.


Plus I don't quite understand this:

The project is the culmination of five years of work to find a replacement for the last city float, a domed greenhouse, rotating oil rig and miniature Fort Edmonton over a truck cab that marked the city's 2004 centennial.
It was later dismantled because there wasn't anywhere to keep it,

Um, there wasn't anywhere to keep it...how about next to the shiny giant rabbit poop dome.
I also note with interest it took 5yrs to come up with this replacement.

Finally this:

One big advantage of an inflatable float is that it can be rolled up and kept in a bag when not in use, avoiding the expense of storage, although it will cost $2,000 to $3,000 for the helium to blow it up.

Advantage? Isn't this the city that stores public art installations and locks them up somewhere and forgot where they put it because nobody recorded the location? I seem to recall that. Although in this case folding it up somewhere and losing it may be an advantage. How about the City Counselors just let go of it in the parade and we can all wave goodbye. Hopefully with Krushell riding the purple dragon across the country promoting it.

At least Kerry Diotte has an independent take on it.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by Ander

City does something boring
Residents cry foul about it not being original

City does something original
Residents cry foul about it being too weird

Life goes on.

Not withstanding this is the same city that gave us shiny rabbit poop, this monstrosity, and has no money to fix a Highl Level waterfall that Edmontonians do actually identify with.

To quote Krushell" " I'm embarrassed, quite frankly" That edmontons name is stuck on this thing.. Maybe some lipstick

[edmonton daily photo]

I still like it.. It's whimsical

[Alex.L]

Originally Posted by Replacement

Not withstanding this is the same city that gave us shiny rabbit poop, this monstrosity, and has no money to fix a Highl Level waterfall that Edmontonians do actually identify with.

To quote Krushell" " I'm embarrassed, quite frankly" That edmontons name is stuck on this thing.. Maybe some lipstick

Yeah, I mean had they not done this they would have only been $620,000 short of funds to fix the waterfall instead of the $700,000 that we're at now! WHY DIDN'T ANYBODY TELL COUNCIL!?!

I don't care what you guys say, the Talus Dome is cool and this is playful/whimsical. It beats the hell out of the boring tradition of having city council ride around in classic cars.

I'm embarrassed more by complaining Edmontonians who do nothing than I am with a City Council that is at least trying.

[JJMorrocco]

Apparently someone forgot to te tell counsel that helium is in short supply throughout the world right now, and likely for quite some time. At 2-3K per inflation they might as well let this thing go after the first parade, maybe that way it will garner some national headlines!!

A rising He cost will put this thing in Caterinas storage garage for a long time!!

Pretty sure I could go to any city maintenace yard and find a spot for a 15x40 float to park it for the winter and through a $100 canadian tire tarp over it and call it good!.
Oh how about some room on the muni airport lands, there is probably and old hangar not being used even.
Wasn't there talk last year to have a fake xmas tree in churchill instead of the real one each year, where are they planning to store that???

Common sense is no longer common.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by JJMorrocco

Apparently someone forgot to te tell counsel that helium is in short supply throughout the world right now, and likely for quite some time. At 2-3K per inflation they might as well let this thing go after the first parade, maybe that way it will garner some national headlines!!

A rising He cost will put this thing in Caterinas storage garage for a long time!!

Pretty sure I could go to any city maintenace yard and find a spot for a 15x40 float to park it for the winter and through a $100 canadian tire tarp over it and call it good!.
Oh how about some room on the muni airport lands, there is probably and old hangar not being used even.
Wasn't there talk last year to have a fake xmas tree in churchill instead of the real one each year, where are they planning to store that???

Common sense is no longer common.

Yep. Imagine it took 5 yrs to figure out theres no place to store a float and come up with this replacement.
I'm sure if I looked it up the previous float was great and wonderful, can represent Edmonton for many years, is worth any cost incurred, etc.

I've heard as high as 5K per inflation being "floated around" and that was a figure more widely quoted when the City was questioning this thing. Now that its a done deal its being deflated to half price inflation. The rest being made up of hot air apparently.

[edmonton daily photo]

The previous float was done up for the centennial in 2003.

It had a spinning oil Derrick on it and after that I tuned out.. It sounded very tacky.

The fact that I cannot find on single picture should tell us something.

I did find this while looking though....which is too funny. Harper in a dress HE HE

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by JJMorrocco

...

Common sense is no longer common.

common sense is just as common as it has always been.

it's just that common sense is not - and never has been - equivalent to good sense (which is just as rare as it's always been).

[JJMorrocco]

dimensions are "When complete it will be more than 33 feet long, 14 feet high and 22 feet wide "

for a approx total volume of 10164 cubic feet.

A relative price from my experience for bottled Helium is about 75 cent per cubic foot.

Puts the price per fill around $7600 by my calcs.

I would think at minimum this float gets into 4 parades per year? 30k per year?? You couuld probably get prime commerical indoor heated storefront lease to house the old float in for that price.
No need to do the math for the number of parades this should be enterd. I would say 10 at least.

[Hilman]

Originally Posted by JJMorrocco

Apparently someone forgot to te tell counsel that helium is in short supply throughout the world right now, and likely for quite some time. At 2-3K per inflation they might as well let this thing go after the first parade, maybe that way it will garner some national headlines!!

A rising He cost will put this thing in Caterinas storage garage for a long time!!

Pretty sure I could go to any city maintenace yard and find a spot for a 15x40 float to park it for the winter and through a $100 canadian tire tarp over it and call it good!.
Oh how about some room on the muni airport lands, there is probably and old hangar not being used even.
Wasn't there talk last year to have a fake xmas tree in churchill instead of the real one each year, where are they planning to store that???

Common sense is no longer common.

The City is a multi billion dollar entity and you are crying about the price of helium for a parade float, unbelievable. Sometimes the people of Edmonton just whine for the sake of it, you must be a regular in the Sun comments section.

[edmonton daily photo]

Cost of Helium is 3000-4000 from what I remember reading...

Guys how much do you think it would cost to store and transport a 1950's style float. Like really.. how do you take something like that to the stampede parade?! Truck it down? How much does a semi and a low boy cost? How much damage will have to be repaired after skooting down the hiway at 120 km / hour. Then you have to get it back.

A balloon is a smart choice.. now you can dicker about the design all ya want but the choice is a good one.

[Alex.L]

Once you factor in gas, maintenance, refreshing the float year after year (paint, decorations, etc), transport, storage, and actually paying people to build/fix/drive/etc I'm sure the cost difference between the inflatable and the traditional float isn't nearly as sensational.

People will remember this float, too, which is kind of the point. It will stand out in a crowd full of traditional floats, marching bands, etc.

I can't wait to see this thing in action.

[JJMorrocco]

^ eactly the point. Was council not told that this concept would save them money? It's seems they got duped again. Time to bring in the Monorail salesman!!

At least with a float you could change the look slightlyfrom year to year.

Yes Hillman I agree that this is pocket change but every dollar adds up. Even frivolous small psending will bite you eventually.

[Alex.L]

wait...how would it possibly save them money? There was no float in recent years, hence there was no cost. Any float would cost more. Maybe they were told that it would save money as opposed to storing a traditional float. That sounds more realistic.

[Gemini]

Instead of being convinced this represents Edmonton I think we have all been conned that this represents Edmonton. Where are our team colors, Edmonton Eskimos, Oilers. What is there that represents your Edmonton working stiff that keeps the city and it's commerce running and who's tax dollars pay for glorified plastic ballons like that. It looks like something you would find at the bottom of Zellers 75% off last ticketed price Xmas decorations sale. It's an absolute contrived piece of cr*p.
Hopefully it meets a fate like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgWHb...feature=fvwrel

[Gemini]

The balloon following the Edmonton balloon will look something like this:

[edmonton daily photo]

I still like it

[steve semchuk]

I sure hope there is no intention of bringing this hidious looking piece of garbage anywhere . it s going to be embarassing enough to have it showcased here let alone anywhere else......Especially Cowtown they laugh at our expense enough.

[piglet]

I have not seen this in real life. Has anyone here? Probably not. I've got an idea.. go to the parade and see it in person. If you feel the same about it be sure to keep your mouth shut so as not to spoil everyone's good time

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by Hilman

The City is a multi billion dollar entity and you are crying about the price of helium for a parade float, unbelievable. Sometimes the people of Edmonton just whine for the sake of it, you must be a regular in the Sun comments section.

Where was this logic when it came to saving the High level bridge waterfall? Plus that I remember the same city council making a big stink at how prohibitive it was going to be to run it each time. AFAIRC around 5K worth of tap water.

Lets be clear here this is not at all giving Edmontonians what they want. AS per usual its the brain clusterfuck of EEDC and the like that comes up with these strange ideas of art and promotion.

Plus that city Hall KNOWS they're flat out lying about the cost of filling this thing. They were actually questioning the cost involved before. Why now that its done is the helium and operational cost being understated?

They should've made a giant floating turnip or a flying pig. Any idea will float with this council.

[Admin]

REMINDER!!!

ALL photos need a link back to the source.

If you cannot edit your post and place that link, PM me and I will do it for you.

Thank you Hilman for linking to your source.

[edmonton daily photo]

^ i don't understand.. this sigh doesn't host the photo file so EVERY photo itself is a direct link back to the source

[Admin]

We've been asked to include the physical readable link so someone can readily read the source, not have to click out. It's not that hard to do.

[Barry N]

There seems to be a world shortage.....
Will there be a black market for helium?

Could floating party balloons become illegal?

Could arrest warrants be issued for folks who take a hit of helium and talk funny?


http://lagrange.suntimes.com/news/13...most-gone.html

[Alex.L]

Due to a worldwide helium shortage, the parade will be using cold-air balloons, Tamara Fahlman, public relations representative for Northlands, said in an email.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/...025/story.html

[ThomasH]

Good grief...
There is a video in this Edmonton Sun article about the float, the video shows the float inflated. It looks like a turd.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2012/07/1...-balloon-float

[howie]

^ An $80,000 one at that.

[Komrade]

Wasnt as impressive in person thats for sure. Underwhelming to say the best. I had high hopes.

And it got stuck on the lights during the parade route.

[moahunter]

^per the video the toddlers / babies liked it (does sort of look like one of those bouncy castle things, wonder if they cost 80k?).

[edmonton daily photo]

I like it... its very whimsical.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by ThomasH

Good grief...
There is a video in this Edmonton Sun article about the float, the video shows the float inflated. It looks like a turd.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2012/07/1...-balloon-float

Article says "A crowd gathered" lol

even the toddlers looked bored... "Mommy wheres the petting zoo" "lets go swim in the pool"

[Alex.L]

I'd like to see this at lots of events in the city. Imagine council on a basic raft in the 'Float Fest' holding the ropes for this, rolling down the river.

Or at the Silly Summer Parade
Or anchored near the Walterdale Bridge on Canada Day
Or at the Calgary Stampede Parade
Or anchored somewhere in the Fringe area
Or anywhere, really.

[hello lady]

Originally Posted by ThomasH

Good grief...
There is a video in this Edmonton Sun article about the float, the video shows the float inflated. It looks like a turd.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2012/07/1...-balloon-float

I saw it ouside of city hall yesterday Its horrible. Kim got all excited and said its whimsy. Kim, its eighty thousand dollars!

Who did this? Dub again?

[Alex.L]

Originally Posted by Komrade

And it got stuck on the lights during the parade route.

- Found on 91.7 The Bounce's facebook

I think it looks pretty sweet, aside from the obvious issue with the light...

[Hilman]

I like it, a few other floats had issues with that light too, Kermit had to do the limbo to get by lol.

[Chmilz]

Maybe the City can roll it around 109st once the Mayfair is up to draw attention away from a multi-million dollar turd with an eighty-thousand dollar turd.

[hello lady]

It deflated, it had paint peeling .Its eighty thousand worth of cr@p. It takes 2-3 thousand everytime time to fill it.Put that toward the arena, I am so glad I am not in Kims Ward anymore!

[Gemini]

Yes, now the paint is peeling off it on it's maiden run. I'm still trying to figure out how those warts dangling from it represent the people of Edmonton. Ms. Krushell said one of them balls represents the volunteer spirit of Edmontonians. Which one? Boy she sure must dream in techno colour. Apparently it's going to be tethered (the balloon not Krushnell) outside the grounds on Heritage days. Let's wish for high winds after the function has finished and before they deflate that eyesore. As for a more permanent display for Edmonton. Surely the powers at city hall could have found a place at one of the bus barns throughout the city to park a vehicle float when not in use. Oh, that would be too easy.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by hello lady

It deflated, it had paint peeling .Its eighty thousand worth of cr@p. It takes 2-3 thousand everytime time to fill it.Put that toward the arena, I am so glad I am not in Kims Ward anymore!

I've never been in Kims ward but I can sympathesize. She'd support anything.
Its fine to be positive, but leadership is not staging embarassments like this float in the first place. Its coming up with better ideas and not having this be the end result.

Did anybody ever think the dimensions weren't going to work out? I know they mentioned that but maybe plan accordingly and don't make a particular shaped design that isn't going to pass through the parade route.

At least it provided laughs.

paint peeling, lol.

If this hideous thing ever ended up representing this City at other out of city parades, say the Calgary Stampede Parade it would only serve as a punchline.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by Gemini

Yes, now the paint is peeling off it on it's maiden run. I'm still trying to figure out how those warts dangling from it represent the people of Edmonton. Ms. Krushell said one of them balls represents the volunteer spirit of Edmontonians. Which one? Boy she sure must dream in techno colour. Apparently it's going to be tethered (the balloon not Krushnell) outside the grounds on Heritage days. Let's wish for high winds after the function has finished and before they deflate that eyesore. As for a more permanent display for Edmonton. Surely the powers at city hall could have found a place at one of the bus barns throughout the city to park a vehicle float when not in use. Oh, that would be too easy.

I'd like to see Krushell tethered to this thing the whole Heritage Festival weekend 100 ft in the air where I can't hear her. I'm not sure what she thought she'd gain by being the spokesperson for this joke.

I'm sympathetic to the idea of cutting tether at the end of the weekend and watching this balloon, and Krushell floating off to Saskatchewan. I'd wave nicely.

[Gemini]

Yeah. Krushell has talked up a storm about this baffoon of a balloon. I guess you would have to if you were one of it's main backers. Represents Edmontonians, work of art, great thing for Edmonton, it's fabulous, community spirit etc: Stick a pin in it already it's crapanakki.

[Hilman]

Originally Posted by hello lady

It deflated, it had paint peeling .Its eighty thousand worth of cr@p. It takes 2-3 thousand everytime time to fill it.Put that toward the arena, I am so glad I am not in Kims Ward anymore!

I'm sure that $2000 will be just what the arena project needs to put it over the top

[RRH]

Giant green turd delights thousands. Paint chip souvenirs given away for free.

[hello lady]

Originally Posted by Hilman

I'm sure that $2000 will be just what the arena project needs to put it over the top

I mean the 2-3 thousand to *cough* fill it each time , and the 80 thousand it could have all gone This balloon floaty thing will sit in some storage room for a better part of the year
It does look like turd.

[hello lady]

Originally Posted by Replacement

I've never been in Kim's ward but I can sympathize. She'd support anything.
Its fine to be positive, but leadership is not staging embarrassments like this float in the first place. Its coming up with better ideas and not having this be the end result.

Did anybody ever think the dimensions weren't going to work out? I know they mentioned that but maybe plan accordingly and don't make a particular shaped design that isn't going to pass through the parade route.

At least it provided laughs.

paint peeling, lol.

If this hideous thing ever ended up representing this City at other out of city parades, say the Calgary Stampede Parade it would only serve as a punchline.

Well said .