Guinness certifies Grand Rapids sunglass wearing event as new record

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A laughter festival in western Michigan is claiming the record for the most people wearing sunglasses in the dark.

Gilda’s LaughFest says Tuesday that Guinness World Records has certified the March 16 event in Grand Rapids that saw 1,675 people take part for five minutes.

The previous record was 1,642 in 2012 in Chicago.

The event honours the memory of comedian Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989.

Last year, 1,532 people at LaughFest put on false moustaches to set that Guinness.

Gilda’s LaughFest says it also broke Guinness records in 2012 when 607 people wore chicken beaks and in 2011 when 925 rubber chickens were tossed in downtown Grand Rapids.

Organizers say Gilda’s LaughFest has averaged 55,000 people per year since it started in 2011.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles