Newport Makes History – Sets Guinness World Record!
It’s Official!!! My hometown of Newport, NH is the World Record title holder for the most people making flower bouquets simultaneously and what a sight it was! The Newport Sunshine Initiative was proud to host the Guinness World Records attempt this past Saturday, Sept. 7th. Our picturesque Town Common was lined with tables and adorned with thousands of flowers – especially sunflowers - as participants came together to set the Record. The crowd of over 600 included residents of Newport, neighbors from surrounding towns, and families from across the state and country who wanted to take part in history. We even had a family from China visiting that took part in the Record!
After everyone was registered and entered our ‘Official Attempt Area, they received 11 stems of various flowers, 1 sunflower and 2 stems of greenery. They then found a spot in the larger attempt area and at 11:30 the Record officially started. From the Newport football team to the New London Garden Club, we had people of all ages, from all backgrounds making bouquets. The best part, everyone got to bring their flowers home with them to enjoy. Social media buzzed afterwards with photos of everyone’s masterpieces.
At about 1 pm, Mike Marcotte, official Guinness World Records judge, made the big announcement. In order to qualify as a record, we had to have 250 participants. The Sunshine Town didn’t disappoint. Newport had a wonderful showing of 339 participants! There was such a huge turnout, we even had to make an emergency run to the local grocery store and florist for additional supplies.
Upon handing Karen and me the certificate for the World Record, Mike exclaimed to the crowd: ‘Newport is ‘Officially Amazing’! We always knew it, now the world does too!
How Tall Can Sunflowers Grow?
Thought you might really enjoy this fun short video. We visited Richard Davis of Newport this past week immediately after the Sunflower Festival. We had been tipped off that Richard had grown some ‘monster sunflowers’ at his home on Union Street. So, we took a drive over – and wow – we were not disappointed. Take a quick look. Richard’s sunflowers are truly amazing.
Announcing New Way To Honor Our Veterans
The thrill of setting records or smashing goals is breathtaking and overwhelming. But once the momentum has begun it’s time to keep the fire burning for opportunity and making a difference. On Thursday, October 10th, we can make history again and support our veteran families at the 3rd Annual NH Supports Children of Fallen Patriots event at LaBelle winery in Amherst.
Our annual event showcases this amazing organization and recognizes leaders on veteran related issues for their outstanding work. Every year the team strives to make this event even a little bit better and this year will be no exception.
We are pleased to announce this year we will give any veteran or active military service member a complimentary ticket to our event. This small gesture will be greatly appreciated and I know it will leave an everlasting impression on the hearts of our guest of honor - the military families. Meanwhile, if you would like to show your support, please join us by buying a ticket, taking out a ‘thank you’ ad in our program book, or consider purchasing an extra ticket so a military spouse can attend.
RSVP today by visiting https://www.facebook.com/events/247968326092657/ and let’s show our support and love for our true veteran heroes and their families.
Profile of the Week – Guinness Judge, Mike Marcotte
Our profile this week is that of a new friend of mine as well as a new friend of Newport. Mike Marcotte, adjudicator with Guinness World Records, joined us in the Sunshine Town this past weekend as we attempted to set a Guinness World Record. Mike quickly connected with residents across town, boosting up the crowd, taking photos in his official Guinness garb, and sharing in the festivities. For his ‘day job’ Mike works as a TV producer and reporter in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but lucky for us, Mike spends a portion of his time traveling the United States and the world as a Guinness judge. After interviewing with Guinness a couple of years back, he underwent a week of intensive training at the Guinness headquarters in London. With only about 100 Guinness adjudicators worldwide and only a dozen in the US, Mike is truly part of something special. A few of the record attempts he’s been part of: largest parade of Harley Davidsons in northeast Texas, world’s largest sugar cube structure in Canada, and most waste paper shredded in eight hours in San Diego. And now, he’s been a key part of the day that Newport set a new World Record. Thank you Mike for helping to make our day amazing!
Quotes Of The Week: Amazing
“When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.”- Joe Namath
“People always tell you, 'Be humble. Be humble.' When was the last time someone told you to be amazing? Be great! Be great! Be awesome! Be awesome!” - Kanye West
“Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen.” - Conan O'Brien
“If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.” - Les Brown
“Your life is your canvas, and you are the masterpiece. There are a million ways to be kind, amazing, fabulous, creative, bold, and interesting.” - Kerli