Part IV of a four-part series on the centennial of the Goodyear Blimp.
Below are links to Parts I, II and III of the series.
By JOHN KEREZY, eyeoncleveland.com founder
Community, employee relations ties
AKRON, Nov. 21 — When the Pilgrim first took flight in 1925, Akron was one of America’s fastest growing cities due to the burgeoning rubber industry. Four major tire manufacturers — Firestone, General Tire, Goodrich and Goodyear – had their headquarters and major manufacturing operations there.
“Companies sent recruiters to West Virginia, Kentucky, and other states to bring men to Akron to work in the rubber factories,” says David Liebarth, president of the Akron History Center. “Other companies later fled the area, but Goodyear kept its headquarters here, and its racing tires are still made in Akron.”
Liebarth points out that Akron, innovation, and aviation, especially the lighter-than-air variety, became inexplicitly intertwined. “Goodyear made the wings for most airplanes in Akron in the 1910s and 1920s, and it created the infrastructure for blimps in the US,” he adds. “Goodyear built more than 4,000 F4U Corsairs in World War II and later developed the first guided missiles for U.S. Navy submarines.”
The Rubber City (as it was once called) and the Goodyear Blimp are one. Children’s athletic teams in Akron have the blimp adorning uniforms. Some signage into the city contains images of the blimp. “No other city in the US has an identity tied so closely to an American icon as Akron is to the Goodyear Blimp,” Liebarth adds.
So, it was most appropriate when Goodyear brought its airships from California and Florida to Akron for a three-day centennial celebration June 3-5. The Akron based blimp, named Wingfoot One, was wrapped early in 2025 with the color (gray) and company logo from 1925 to resemble Pilgrim. All three blimps flew over downtown Akron during Mayor Shammas Malik’s “state of the city” address.
The blimp crews also engaged in the first (at least in the 21st century) blimp race. Video footage of it, shot from a trailing helicopter, was used for an ESPN Ocho (showcasing seldom-seen sports) “Goodyear Blimp Sky Race of the Century.” Wingfoot One was the winner. Here’s a link to a video of the race:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHrh_Z66uww
On its way back to California in early August, Goodyear’s Wingfoot Three blimp engaged in employee relations activities. It made stops at Goodyear manufacturing plants in North Carolina, Kansas and Oklahoma. Employees saw the blimp up close, and some received flights as well. “There’s no Goodyear Blimp without the folks in our plants building the world’s best tires,” says LEAH EATON, manager, airships communications & influencer relations, through her post on the Goodyear Blimp’s “X” account.
What’s next: Toys for Tots and more
In December, Goodyear and its long-standing partner the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will collaborate on a “Toys for Tots” collection. Founded in 1947, Toys For Tots campaign aims to provide Christmas presents to the nearly 15 million children in the U.S. living at or under the federal poverty level.
BY THE WAY: Did you know that Walt Disney designed the original logo for Toys For Tots? Here is the story:
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/off-duty/2022/11/04/how-toys-for-tots-got-its-iconic-train-logo-from-walt-disney-himself/
People who partner with Goodyear to donate new toys and games for Toys for Tots can do so in person and see a blimp at their bases in California, Florida and Ohio. The Ohio event is a popular drive through: In California and Florida, those participating can obtain open house tours of the blimp hangars.
These events offer a unique opportunity for the public to both contribute to the US Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Foundation and enjoy an up-close view of the iconic Goodyear Blimp. From Dec. 5 to 7, Ohio residents can drive through the Wingfoot Lake Blimp hangar from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look before dropping off their donation to a U.S. Marine representing Toys for Tots.
In Florida, the event will be held on Dec. 7, with open house tours of the hangar from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals interested in taking a tour can register online here. The California event will take place on Dec. 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interested attendees can secure their tour spot here.
“All of us at Team Goodyear are excited to celebrate our 15th year of partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the Toys for Tots Program, especially during the Goodyear Blimp’s 100th anniversary year. Sharing the magic of these iconic blimps while giving back to the community during the holiday season is an opportunity we cherish as an organization,” said LAURA DUDA, Goodyear’s senior vice president and chief communications officer.
Over the past 15 years, toy drives at the Blimp bases have delivered over 275,000 toys and raised $765,000 to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Program.
Beginning in 2026, look for the Goodyear Blimp at the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl again, the Orange Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl and the CFP National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miama on January 19. Don’t be surprised if the Blimp also throws an even bigger party next summer which more mascots attending.
Goodyear also continues to give Blimp Certificates to non-profit and charitable causes. Featured as a charity auction ride for two, each Certificate usually brings in at least $3,500 and sometimes $30,000 or more, depending on the cause and event. The certificates themselves resulted in over $1.5 million donated to charitable causes over the past five years. Here’s the link to make a Blimp Certificate request: https://share.google/WqVU1xqVKUUeULFI8
JULIANNE ROBERTS, Goodyear’s senior director, global content & channels, points out that the heightened awareness about and social media interest over the Goodyear Blimp has now created a “new normal” for its PR/Comms team.
“This is the way we’re operating now, and how we will be promoting our blimps from now on.”
ABOUT THE PHOTOS: Northeast Ohio native Michael Murray is a professional photographer who provides a wide range of family and individual photography services. He’s also one of the top photographers capturing the beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Visit his website www.michaelmurrayphotography.com for details.
Follow the Goodyear Blimp on social media:
Facebook Goodyear Blimp
X @goodyearblimp
Snapchat @goodyearblimp
Instagram @goodyearblimp
TikTok @goodyearblimp
Part I of the Series (Blimpology): https://eyeoncleveland.com/2025/06/01/blimpology-from-akron-to-zeppelin/
Part II of the Series (Centennial Victory Lap): https://eyeoncleveland.com/2025/06/02/centennial-victory-lap/
Part III of the Series: (High Flying Centennial Celebration): https://eyeoncleveland.com/2025/08/28/high-flying-centennial-celebration/
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