Big Pink Pitchman Comes to Tulsa

The Gatesway Balloon Festival has Green Country looking to the skies once again for a raft of lighter than air beauties. Creativity abounds, and the themes range from classic to commercial. Here's a press release from the owners of the world's largest hot-air balloon, the Energizer Bunny.

The Energizer Bunny, recently named one of the Top 5 Advertising Icons of the Century, keeps going ...and going ...and going ...more than ten years after his introduction as a symbol of long-lasting Energizer brand batteries. He has become a cultural icon as the ultimate symbol of longevity, perseverance and determination. Every month, news items appear across the country comparing everyone and everything to the powerhouse hare. Some recent comparisons include: the economy, Elizabeth Taylor, Cher, Brett Favre, Tom Jones, Cal Ripken, Jr., Evander Holyfield, Dick Clark, Patrick Ewing and the musical, "Grease."

The Energizer Bunny parody campaign started in October, 1989. Since then, he has starred in more than 115 advertising spots. On September 18, 1994, the Energizer Bunny Hot "Hare" Balloon I made its maiden voyage by leading a hare-and-hounds race at the 215` annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race in St. Louis. The Energizer Bunny Hot "Hare" Balloon II debuted in spring of 1999.