LAAC Does Not Secure World Record For Pumpkin Carving

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 5, 2020
- 5:57 pm

LAAC News:

Despite a valiant effort, the Guinness Book of Work Records notified the Los Alamos Arts Council (LAAC) Feb. 27 that it did not earn the world record for most pumpkins carved simultaneously.

The explanation was there was insufficient participation in some sections to qualify for the record. The number of people that would be counted as participants was 1,028. The record to beat was 1,060 people.

LAAC hoped to have 1,300 people participating.

“Although disappointing, this event was truly special for our community … this town was built on trial and error, and I fully expect us to put our minds to it and try again,” Councilor James Robinson said.

Although it didn’t cinch the world record title, LAAC continues to celebrate the event. Organizers note that it was the largest pumpkin carving party that the LAAC has ever held, and the community came out in huge numbers. LAAC staff, board and volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to work on such a significant event and said they were encouraged by the support received.

LAAC staff, board and volunteers enjoy hearing the stories and love seeing the photos on Facebook, Instagram, and from the public in general. During this time of physical distancing, they welcome comments on Facebook and Instagram that celebrate the day, and the stories of joining together as a community to attempt something huge.

“Disappointing result, but a lot of fun and something for folks to fondly remember now that such gatherings are prohibited,” Councilor Randall Ryti said.

The big event was held Oct. 26. Members from the Los Alamos High School football team set up huge pumpkins, weighing more than 24.5 pounds, as they coordinated with skilled local business forklift drivers to lift approximately 32,000 pounds of pumpkins on Central Avenue, from the front of the library down to 15th Street. Girl Scouts created hand cleaning stations; local churches set up carving tables; civic and other organizations helped giving out wristbands for every ticket sold. County Counselors and volunteers from many organizations documented the endeavor. Also, many individuals jumped in and asked how they could help.

A “grand display” of all the pumpkins along Central Avenue complemented the annual Pumpkin Glow on Fuller Lodge Lawn. At the end of a very long and memorable day, there were a handful of people who were gracious with their time and energy to go the extra mile. They helped toss 15,240 pounds or 7.62 tons of unclaimed pumpkins into a Los Alamos County composting bin.

After the attempt on Oct. 26, Los Alamos Arts Council staff and volunteers worked on the completion of the documentation required by Guinness. Documentation was verified to be accurate before submission. A County party verified the remaining ticket stubs and wrist bands. LAAC sold 1,156 tickets, more than enough to break the current World Record of 1,060.

Guinness World Record received the final documentation upload Jan. 4.

The Los Alamos Arts Council is very thankful to the community at large, and to the generous support of the following sponsors who helped make this unique attempt happen:

Aspen Copies and Office Supplies; Bennett’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts; CB Fox; Century Bank; Creative Los Alamos; Daniels Cafe; David’s Old Fashioned Barber Shop; DK and the Affordables; Do It Best Metzger’s Hardware; Don Taylor’s Photography; Exit Realty Advantage NM; Flowers by Gillian; Frank’s Supply Company, Inc.; KRSN; Los Alamos Children’s Dentistry; Los Alamos County Community Services; Los Alamos Daily Post; Los Alamos Eyecare; Los Alamos Home Improvement; Los Alamos Landscaping and More; Los Alamos MainStreet; Los Alamos Monitor; Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos Reporter; New Mexico Farmer’s Marketing Association; NM State Los Alamos County Extension; Pajarito Brewpub and Grill; Pac 8; Phiip J. Dabney, PC. Attorney at Law; Pueblo Fruits and Vegetables, Inc.; Pumpkin Masters; Ruby K’s Bagel Cafe; Smith’s Marketplace; The Karen Wray Gallery; VFW Post 8874. A special thank you to Steve Ness of Ness Farms, who was willing to make sure LAAC had the quality, size, and amount of pumpkins needed for the World Record Attempt.

More Information: Visit www.losalamosartscouncil.org