The Goodyear Blimp flies over the Rose Bowl in 1978.

KENT, Ohio – A new documentary will unveil the history of an airship with monumental size and worldwide renown.

“Icon in the Sky: 100 Years of the Goodyear Blimp” will premiere at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, on PBS Western Reserve.

It tells the story of the flying machine as it hits its 100th anniversary. The film includes interviews with the airship’s crew and fans, capturing the nostalgia and wonder the airship inspires around the globe. 

Following its broadcast premiere, the film will be available on-demand through the PBS Western Reserve website, PBS App and YouTube.

The documentary’s airing will take place during a live pledge drive for the public media organization.

PBS Western Reserve staffers will be live on air at 7:45 p.m. that day, following “PBS News Hour,” to kick off the documentary. The segment will include an interview with a Goodyear pilot and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a ride on the Goodyear Blimp.

While only one winner and a friend will win a cruise on the blimp, PBS Western Reserve will feature other limited-time thank-you gifts, including trading cards, crew keychains, magnet sets, baseball hats and more.

“The Goodyear Blimp is like a regional monument,” said Ryan Donchess, PBS Western Reserve’s chief content officer. “We all have memories of seeing the blimp fly over northeast Ohio, and we see sharing this story as part of upholding our commitment to local storytelling.”

Donations made to PBS Western Reserve support the organization’s ability to serve up to 1.8 million households across northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania with free, accessible programming and educational services.

To donate, call 800 672 4549 or go to PBSWesternReserve.org.