November 11, 2019
World Record for Gatlinburg Scarecrows
As readers of this blog may remember, the city of Gatlinburg attempted this fall to break the Guinness World Record for most scarecrows within a location. The previous record holder was Burton-on-Trent, England, which also is the hometown of Innkeeper John Mellor.
Buckhorn Inn’s own scarecrow welcomed visitors this fall.
According to WVLT-TV http://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg needed to have more than 3,812 scarecrows. According to the final count, Gatlinburg laid claim to 4,325 scarecrows! Guinness representatives must confirm the count before the new record becomes official.
Gatlinburg businesses and community members created scarecrow scenes throughout the community. Scarecrows also appeared in the Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community where hundreds of handcrafted scarecrows could be found as part of the “Scarecrow Trail”.
Gatlinburg Fall Festival Continues Through November 21, 2019
According to Gatlinburg PR Manager, Marci Claude, “With so much scenic beauty and festivities to take part in every year, Gatlinburg’s harvest season is always an exciting time to visit, and this year’s Guinness World Record will only add to that tradition.” Claud pointed out that fall festivities are a true community event, involving everyone.
Other upcoming community events include the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show. This show will be held at the Convention Center Tuesday November 26 through Sunday December 1. The annual Festival of Trees will be held Wednesday November 27 through Sunday December 1. The Festival of Trees will be held at the W.L. Mills Conference Center on the Historic Nature Trail. And don’t forget the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade! The Parade will begin at 7:30 pm from Baskins Creek Bypass. The route runs right through downtown Gatlinburg. Viewers will enjoy lighted floats, 11 marching bands, giant balloons, and equestrian units. And we understand that Santa Claus will be making a special appearance!
The Parade celebrates the holiday season and marks the beginning of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. We hope to see you during this festive season!
January 14, 2019
Gatlinburg Goes for World Record in Number of Scarecrows
Did you know that Gatlinburg is set to attempt a world record for having the most scarecrows in one display? The record has been held since 2014 by an English city, Burton-upon-Trent, which is innkeeper John’s birthplace! Cincinnati held the most recent U.S. record. John also lived there. If Gatlinburg succeeds, we think John could hold a world record for living in the most cities that held the record for scarecrows! Sounds like we will have an exciting fall 2019!
Will Gatlinburg be able to bring the record back to U.S. soil?
The Battle for the World Record
Burton-upon-Trent’s record is 3,812 scarecrows in one display. Photos of their scarecrows can be seen at http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-28956395. The population of Burton is approximately 76,000. The display was erected on the National Forest Adventure Farm. According to the director, visitors brought many of the scarecrows. Some even made them on-site. In fact, guests added more than 100 scarecrows every day. Seeing thousands of scarecrows in one place is a stunning visual. Some of the mannequins had plain white cloth heads. Meanwhile others bore the faces of celebrities.
Jim Downs, director of events at the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, says that local businesses are encouraged to purchase scarecrows. Other ideas include having a scarecrow drive. Individuals could make a scarecrow in exchange for a donation to a local charity. Or residents could donate scarecrows. The population of Gatlinburg is about 4,100. Will being so much smaller than Burton impact our chances? According to an article in the Knoxville News Sentinel, Gatlinburg began the effort in the fall of 2018. Many local businesses displayed scarecrows and visitors were charmed. For example, Anakeesta had about 35 scarecrows, and The Holler had nearly 60. The two tallest scarecrows so far are 9-foot ones in downtown. In 2019 the efforts will intensify. The organizers feel that whether they ultimately succeed or not, they are doing something positive for the community. For more information, contact Jim Downs at [email protected].
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