WATCH ABOVE: The engines are revving at the 2015 World Snowmobile Invasion in Whitecourt. Not only has it meant a boom for the local economy, but this year the five-day event includes a world record attempt. Reporter Shallima Maharaj strapped on her helmet and went along for the ride.
EDMONTON — A group of snowmobilers has attempted to put Whitecourt in the record books with what is hoped will be the world’s largest parade of snowmobiles.
Hundreds of snowmobilers joined the effort in Whitecourt Thursday night to smash the Guinness World Record.
“This says so much about our community because we’re a community that goes all out and we do things big,” said Jim Rennie, the mayor of Woodlands County.
The current record for the world’s largest parade of snowmobiles, which sits at 847 sleds, is held by a group in Ontario. Before that, a group of people from Minnesota held the title.
“What’s so exciting to me is that not only do we get to beat the Americans that had the record, we get to beat the people from Ontario, and nothing is more satisfying to a true Albertan than getting a chance to do that,” Rennie said with a laugh.
The World Record attempt coincides with the World Snowmobile Invasion, a five-day event that kicked off Wednesday.
“The World Snowmobile Invasion brings an outstanding level of action and excitement to Northern Alberta,” said event organizer Dan Guenette.
“From a world record attempt to the jaw-dropping freestyle show, to the ice sculptures and rally, there will be amazing accomplishments and activities at this family-friendly event.”
The Whitecourt group was required to parade along a 3.2-kilometre route, as per Guinness regulations, but riders ended up travelling more than four kilometres. The unofficial tally of snowmobiles stands at 1,044, but the number will have to be verified by Guinness officials.
With files from Shallima Maharaj, Global News.
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