Balloon Day

Balloon Day

Up, up and away! As part of an annual fundraiser for world hunger in the 80s, hundreds of helium balloons were released from Merrimack’s campus in a massive display. Sponsors would pay 50 cents for a ticket that would be attached to a balloon and the ticket found farthest away won a prize. One balloon made it to Deer Island in Maine—more than 160 miles away!

Begun in 1982 by Father Ray Jackson, Balloon Day started as just the balloon release, but in subsequent years grew into a campus carnival with games, booths and live entertainment. In 1987, TODAY show weatherman Willard Scott broadcast live from the event.

Download your free Merrimack wallpaper

Looking for a way to reminisce on the bucolic beauty of Merrimack’s campus? Click below to download gorgeous, free desktop wallpaper commemorating our 75th anniversary—so you can remember us every time you boot up your computer!

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Share a favorite memory and connect with your fellow Warriors on social media using #Merrimack75.