Shark Blimps are Prowling Both Coasts

Discovery Channel takes to the skies to promote upcoming ‘Shark Week.’

One of the two "Shark Week" blimps flying over San Gabriel Valley Airport (KEMT) [Photo: Leanne Powers]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Discovery Channel has launched shark-painted blimps on both U.S. coasts to promote its annual "Shark Week" event.
  • People are encouraged to post photos or videos of these blimps on social media using #EastShark or #WestShark to show regional appreciation for the programming.
  • The campaign aims to determine which coastline demonstrates greater enthusiasm for Shark Week, with #EastShark currently in the lead.
  • Shark Week, a popular annual tradition since 1988 focusing on sharks and conservation, is scheduled from July 24 to July 30 this year.
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There are some things that just beckon to be photographed and posted on social media. 

Vistas from vacations in national parks. 

Cats watching television. 

And blimps painted to look like giant sharks roaming the skies. 

If you are on the East or West coast you may have a chance to see the latter as the Discovery Channel has launched shark blimps on both sides of the country to see which coastline has the greatest appreciation of its Shark Week programming, and is willing to prove it with an image and a hashtag. If you see the shark blimp overhead, grab a video or a picture of it and post it to social media with location appropriate #WestShark or #EastShark.

[Photo: Leanne Powers]

Discovery Channel first debuted Shark Week in 1988 as a mid-summer marketing push to draw viewers by highlighting one of the ocean’s most feared predators. It also celebrated conservation efforts related to sharks. It’s evolved into an annual pop culture tradition. This year’s Shark Week runs from July 24 to July 30.

The Shark Week Blimp hashtag battle is continuing through the month of July as these fierce-looking airships prowl the coastline. As of today, #EastShark is winning. 

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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