The 1987 Vermont Balloon Incident was a peculiar series of events resulting from a promotional stunt by a local radio station in Vermont. During the event, hundreds of balloons were released into the sky to capture public attention. The falling balloons startled a nearby herd of cows, causing them to break through a fence. The cows wandered onto a highway, leading to a traffic disruption and requiring local authorities to conduct an impromptu herding operation. This incident became a notable example of unexpected consequences.