Ontario Snowmobile Club Aims to Break Guinness World Record for Largest Parade
The Wasaga Beach Snowmobile Club (WSC) in Ontario is embarking on an ambitious mission to secure a place in the Guinness World Records. The club is calling upon snowmobile enthusiasts across the province to participate in a monumental parade scheduled for February 15th, with the goal of breaking the existing record for the world's longest snowmobile parade.
Current Record Holders and Historical Context
According to the WSC, the current record is held by the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club from Whitecourt, Alberta. This club successfully organized a parade featuring an impressive 1,047 snowmobiles back in 2018. Prior to that achievement, another Ontario-based club, the St. Mary's Science Hill Drifters, set the original benchmark with 847 snowmobiles in 2012.
The WSC expressed their motivation in an email to the National Post, stating, "This is the first attempt to bring it back to Ontario while fundraising at the same time. The interest has been good so far, however, at this point it is difficult to speculate on our chances but we are certainly hoping for the best."
Event Details and Participation Requirements
The record-breaking attempt will take place during "Sledfest," which is part of Wasaga Beach's annual Snowman Mania festival. Participants are expected to form groups of 50 snowmobilers at a time, guided by WSC parade marshals along a designated 47-kilometre trail starting from the WSC Clubhouse. The parade will commence once at least 50 snowmobiles are ready to begin.
To participate, snowmobilers must meet several requirements:
- Bring their own snowmobile
- Possess an Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails permit
- Have valid snowmobile insurance
- Carry a valid driver's license
- Complete online registration prior to the event
Check-in for the event will occur at the Royal Canadian Legion building in the Wasaga Beach Sports Park from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 15th.
Community Impact and Fundraising Efforts
Beyond the pursuit of a world record, this event serves a greater community purpose. According to Sledfest's official Facebook page, funds collected from both participants and spectators will support several important causes:
- Local food banks across Simcoe County, including:
- Barrie Food Bank
- Georgian Bay Food Network in Midland
- St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Collingwood
- Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank
- Programs to send children to summer camps
The club has extended an invitation to the broader community to join in the festivities. Spectators can purchase $15 tickets to cheer on the snowmobilers from the sidelines. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Royal Canadian Legion in the morning and chili in the afternoon, with proceeds contributing to the fundraising efforts.
Contingency Plans and Additional Information
The WSC has considered potential weather-related challenges. If adverse conditions force cancellation, organizers may announce a backup date. In such cases, registered participants will receive refunds for their fees.
The club's Facebook page captures the spirit of the event with the rallying cry: "Ontario can beat this record, be part of History in the making!" This ambitious undertaking represents not only a quest for international recognition but also a significant community-building and fundraising initiative that brings together snowmobile enthusiasts and supporters across Ontario.
