Every week, Christine and Salt interview the Badass Woman of the Week, celebrating women who've conquered challenges and emerged stronger. The honoree receives an empowering B Badass bracelet from The Power to B and is showcased on-air Fridays at 7:15 AM with Christine and Salt.
This week’s Badass Woman of the Week is Leslie Ciarleglio from North Branford. She’s not your average hero—she's a balloon handler for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
In the parade, Leslie is no stranger to handling some of the most iconic balloons. Two years ago, she was among the team handling Baby Yoda (aka Grogu), and she’s also wrangled a Minion. But this year, Leslie is taking on a colossal challenge: she's handling the 50 feet tall, 43 feet long, and 39 feet wide Japanese anime character Monkey D. Luffy—the widest balloon in the 2023 parade!
Leslie's crew handling a giant Grogu at the 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.Leslie Ciarleglio
Being part of a 100-person team per balloon might sound like a breeze, but Leslie knows better. Each balloon is anchored to a Jeep to prevent incidents like the one that almost took out Today Show weatherman Al Roker in 2008. There's also a well-coordinated system in place, with a balloon captain leading the team using whistles and hand signals to navigate amidst the chaos of the parade day.
The parade's two and a half mile route demands stamina and endurance. Leslie recalls instances where handlers had to step out midway due to the challenge it presents. But she remains undeterred, dedicated to bringing joy to millions of faces every Thanksgiving.
Here’s to Leslie, our tough and dedicated badass woman, for her unwavering commitment in making the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade an unforgettable experience. Check out Leslie's interview with Christine and Salt below and make sure to keep an eye out for her on TV this Thanksgiving!
Leslie front and center ready to roll as a Minion balloon handler at last year's parade.Leslie Ciarleglio
