Pilot's bad aim means 3,000 pingpong balls rain on Idaho highway

BLACKFOOT, Idaho -- A pilot who dropped 3,000 pingpong balls that were redeemable for prizes missed a crowd assembled for the stunt and instead hit a nearby interstate.

Organizers immediately called off the contest. Aaron Moon and helpers on Saturday told revelers at Blackfoot Pride Days not to risk retrieving the pingpong balls amid high-speed traffic because organizes still planned to pass out the prizes.

"It was ridiculous," Blackfoot resident Sarah Taylor told the Idaho State Journal. "Kids and adults were actually running out on the freeway to get the balls."

Most of the pingpong balls could have been exchanged for candy, but some were worth gift certificates up to $100.

Moon says a new pilot attempted the drop this year, but apparently didn't understand that pingpong balls lose speed quickly and drop straight down.

Blackfoot Police Chief Kurt Asmus tells the Idaho State Journal that no charges are planned, but police plan to work with organizers next year.