SPOKANE, Wash. — The ‘Trump Baby’ balloon flew over Spokane at East Martin Luther King Jr. Way and North Division to protest Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to Spokane.
Protesters gathered around the balloon with signs that said "Repeal and replace Cathy" and "Believe women." A group of President Donald Trump supporters were also there which sparked some strong, spirited debates.
The Backbone Campaign Company brought the balloon to Spokane. They've also brought balloons to other events, such the Bumbershoot music festival that in Seattle in September.
The company's executive director, Bill Moyer, said the balloon is a part of a concept called "Artful Activism." It's the company's way of responding to controversial political topics and figures.
Tuesday's Trump Baby balloon came from all the way from the United Kingdom. The company ordered it about a month ago after local community members raised the funds to request it.
'Trump Baby' balloon to fly over Spokane for Vice Pres. Pence's visit
It cost about $4,500 to make the balloon and another $900 to fill it with helium. It's about 40 feet tall and 14 feet wide. Moyer says this was the only Trump blimp on the west coast.
He said there have been previous attempts to sabotage their plans to fly the balloon, so they did not publicly release its location before flying it Tuesday.
The balloon must be displayed in an open area away from trees and power lines.
The weather will determine how high the balloon will fly, since a windier day means they have to keep it close to the ground.
Moyer said the Trump balloon will also be accompanied by an inflatable missile that will sit next to it.