Guinness World Record attempt in Huntington Beach falls a bushel short
It was a healthy day at the Huntington Beach Pier on Sunday, June 9, as hundreds of bananas, carrots, strawberries and other produce mixed in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “largest group of people dressed as fruits/vegetables.”
They needed 889 but only had 817 participants, said Andrea Ramirez, “produce-er” of the event and founder of The Next Fun Thing
The unusual gathering benefited Miracles for Kids. Based in Tustin, the nonprofit provides financial and emotional support to low-income families with critically ill children. About 60 kids with illnesses and their families were among the participants.
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“Beyond beating a world record, we wanted to provide awareness for an incredible organization,” Ramirez said. “We wanted to provide a day where these families can enjoy an incredibly ridiculous experience and raise money for a noble cause.”
The last World Record for the corny category was set two years ago in Japan.
Dressed as two bunches of grapes, Susie Hofeditz and Tom Gierhart, of Fountain Valley could not resist the puns. Gierhart said they heard about the event through the grapevine. “The sun is out,” he said. “It’s a grape day. Not much to wine about.”
Participants needed to follow specific Guinness World Record rules to be counted. Costumes had to be cut in the shape of a fruit or vegetable, and be recognizable as such from front and back.
Activities included tug-of-war and other exercises, music, raffles, and a conga line of dancing fruits and vegetables.