The electrical signs that caused bridges and highways to be shut down in Boston, seemed to only amuse Portlanders. Boston bomb squads Wednesday blew up electrical signs that turned out to be part of a promotional campaign for a Cartoon Network television show.

AP

In Boston, the Bomb Squad was called out to investigate "suspicious packages" that turned out to be a publicity stunt for a cartoon network.

A cartoon character appeared on the sign, placed along bridges and overpasses. They consisted of light bulbs, electrical circuits and wires.

Publicity stunt draws Bomb Squad, arrests in antsy Boston

They were placed in ten American cities, including Portland this month.

Portland Police believe 49 signs were placed anonymously around the city. Most appeared on light poles or businesses. Police do not think the signs scared anyone. The Portland bomb squad was never activated.

“We kind of thought he was kind of cute,” said Jo Baltz, bookkeeper at World Cup Coffee and Tea in northwest Portland.

Baltz has the sign in her office. She never thought it might be a bomb.

“In northwest Portland you get a lot of art and graffiti that’s what we thought it was,” Baltz said.

The City of Portland’s Graffiti Abatement team was patrolling for the signs around town Thursday.

“It’s still graffiti, they didn’t have permission to put it up on the property owner’s building,” said Bert Wilkins, Portland’s Graffiti Crew Coordinator.

“It’s still vandalism,” Wilkins said.