When 155 passengers and crew from US Airways Flight 1549 returned to New York for a January 15 reunion, they were treated to some dark-humored decor—piñatas shaped like the geese that compromised the plane's engines and caused an emergency landing in the Hudson River.
After a ferry boat trip to the site of the "Miracle on the Hudson" and a brief press conference, the crowd, including Captain Chelsey Sullenberger, headed to a private party at Providence. Planner Amy Vecchione of Aventina Events worked on the day's festivities and was responsible for the design concept. "In Mexican tradition, after something bad happens, one thing they do is take whatever it is and make it into a piñata," said Vecchione. "When the piñata opens up, it symbolizes a new beginning."
The piñatas were a tough sell during preparations—survivors didn't want to be seen as having any hostility towards the birds—and when everyone finally agreed on the interactive decor, Vecchione couldn't find anyone local to design them. She ended up enlisting Los Angeles artist Tony Dominguez.
Guests refrained from completely whacking his creations apart. After a few good swings, a trap door at the bottom opened to a shower of US Airways peanuts.
Now, to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti, organizers plan to put the papier maché birds on eBay Tuesday morning. All proceeds will go to Red Cross relief funds, and the party's tongue-in-cheek liquor sponsor, Grey Goose, has promised to match the winning bids.
