Quartzsite Organizers: World's Largest Human Letter "Q" attempt was huge success

Photo by Bernie Martin

Quartzsite, Arizona- Organizers of The GRAND Gathering reported 631 people participated in Sunday's Record Attempt of the World's Largest Human Letter "Q" held at Quartzsite Improvement Association (QIA). Guinness told the group they needed 501 participants to be considered for the record. The attempt was held on the final day of The GRAND Gathering, Sunday, March 9th, 2014. Grandmas and Grandpas braved the heat to form the letter "Q" in the QIA parking lot. The organizers originally hoped for 550 participants, but was surprised with the huge amount of pre-registrations over the weekend. They cut off the registration at just over 650 to make sure everyone could fit in the designated area, but allowed others to join in after the official photo. 

The Grand Gathering was a brand new exciting four-day event held this past weekend, March 6th – 9th, 2014, in Quartzsite, Arizona. The GRAND Gathering was a joint venture of Quartzsite's oldest and youngest non-profit organizations (the QIA and Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite "PNQ"), both dedicated to the betterment of the Community of Quartzsite and the region. 

In true community spirit, cooperation between Town of Quartzsite officials, administration and many local organizations produced an exceptional event for the community and visitors alike with four full days of GRAND fun, entertainment and town-wide events. Events were geared for GRAND Parents and Great GRANDS and their families to create memorable moments together.

Photo by Mark Goldberg

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) Vietnam Wall arrived in Quartzsite on Wednesday, March 5th escorted by La Paz County Sheriff and Quartzsite Police Dept. Over 70 VFW Riders accompanied the Wall down Main Street, looping around town to its destination at Desert Gardens Show Grounds on Kuehn. Opening ceremony was held Friday, March 7th and closing ceremony was on Sunday March 9th. 

At 360 feet in length, the AVTT Wall is the largest traveling replica of the original Vietnam Memorial Wall located in Washington, D.C. It is an 80 percent scale reproduction which stands eight feet tall at its apex and does not leave out a single name featured on the original memorial wall. 

Bob Braa, VFW Post 769 Commander welcomed the crowd 

during Friday's Opening Ceremony.

Rex Allen Jr. performed at the QIA on Thursday afternoon

Senior Fair and Craft Fair was held Thursday - Sunday at the QIA

Auctioneer Richard McBride (left) and PNQ's Mark Goldberg (right) scan the crowd during the 5th Annual Rockin' in Quartzsite Rock Art Auction by Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite. The auction drew hundreds of art lovers vying for one of 22 Rock Art pieces 

by local and regional artists, including our local elementary and high school students. 

The huge crowd Saturday enjoying the warm weather and wonderful music 

at the Outdoor Stage at the Quartzsite Improvement Association (QIA)

Paul Winer and Ralph Martin entertained the crowds Saturday afternoon with their fun Boogie Woogie Blues music and laughter. 

 Award Winning Beyond the Ashes Gospel Group gave a free concert 

Sunday morning during the Community Service 

Check in for the Guinness Attempt started early Sunday morning

Participants filling the Main Hall at QIA 

Volunteers cut the participants wrist-bands for documentation of the count. 

Videographers and photographers documented the whole event for Guinness.

Photo by Mark Goldberg

It's the big wave at the helicopter. 

Guinness required participants to hold their positions for a minimum of 5 minutes. 

This group of grandmas and grandpas stayed for over 7 minutes!

TriState CareFlight helicopter donated their time and pilot Jennifer Arink 

for the aerial photos to be taken by Bernie Martin

The mass exodus was orderly and everyone brought out their chairs to awaiting carts. Countless volunteers made The GRAND Gathering a huge success! Organizers wish to thank all the people who helped make this memorable event for Quartzsite. 

Organizers will submit the required documentation to Guinness for verification, which may take up to 6 weeks. Participants will be eligible for the official Certificate of Participation from Guinness. For more information visit www.TheGrandGathering.com

For more photos visit www.Facebook.com/TheGrandGathering

Quartzsite hosts The GRAND Gathering, March 6th-9th, 2014

Quartzsite, AZ

The Grand Gathering is a brand new exciting four-day event planned for March 6th – 9th, 2014 in Quartzsite, Arizona. The GRAND Gathering is a joint venture of Quartzsite's (QIA) and Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ), both dedicated to the betterment of the Community of Quartzsite and the region. In true community spirit, cooperation between the Town of Quartzsite administration and many local organizations are producing an exceptional event for the community and visitors alike with four full days of GRAND fun, entertainment and town-wide events. Events are geared for GRAND Parents and Great GRANDS and their families to create memorable moments together. Parking is free at all venues.

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) Vietnam Wall travels to Desert Gardens Show Grounds to coincide with the events during The GRAND Gathering. The AVTT Traveling Wall will arrive in Quartzsite on Wednesday, March 5th. Public viewing of the wall will be available 24 hours a day after the initial set-up on the morning of Thursday, March 6th through the afternoon on Sunday, March 9th. At 360 feet in length, the AVTT Wall is the largest traveling replica of the original Vietnam Memorial Wall located in Washington, D.C. It is an 80 percent scale reproduction which stands eight feet tall at its apex and does not leave out a single name featured on the original memorial wall. The Military Tribute is free.

Rex Allen Jr.

Paul Winer

Entertainment Highlights:

• On Thursday, March 6th, Rex Allen Jr. performs at the QIA. Tickets are $15. Rex was inducted into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of fame in 2013, shortly after receiving the Twentieth Annual Ernest Tubb Memorial Award, from the Western Film Preservation Society.
• A FREE Invitational GRAND JAMboree takes place Friday at the QIA Outdoor Stage
• FREE Live Entertainment all day Saturday at the QIA Outdoor Stage
• Paul Winer will present a FREE concert on Saturday afternoon at the QIA. “Yes,” It is the “Naked Bookstore Guy,” Paul Winer, fully-clothed, playing Boogie Woogie Blues!  Paul is a colorful character who is definitely one of the main tourist attractions in Quartzsite.
• On the Road Again will provide a Dance Party Saturday night at the QIA, $4/person.

Thursday events include a Library Book Sale, AVTT Traveling Wall, Exercise Class, Crafts Painting Social, Line Dancing with Vernine Adkins. Food be available at many local restaurants around town and at the QIA. At 7pm the famous Desert Music Jams happen at the QIA.

Friday events include Town-Wide Yard Sales, GRAND Breakfast at Quartzsite Senior Center, Opening Ceremony takes place at the AVTT Traveling Wall with presentation of  Colors, National Anthem, and Speakers at Desert Gardens Show Grounds. Back at the QIA will be Crafts, Vendors, Games and Food. The GRAND Marathon Bingo also takes place at the QIA. There's a GRAND Music Jamboree happening at the QIA Outdoor Stage.

Saturday events include a Pancake Breakfast, Town Wide Yard Sales, AVTT Traveling Wall, Colors, National Anthem, Speakers @ Desert Gardens Show Grounds, Volkssport 5k/10k Walk at the QIA, SENIOR FAIR/SHOW, Antique Car Show, Games for young & old – (Rock Stacking, Rock Painting, Hula Hoop Contest, etc.), Live Entertainment throughout the day with a Preview of “On the Road Again” at the QIA Outdoor Stage. State Assemblyman Sonny Borrelli will be speaking at the AVTT Traveling Wall at Desert Gardens. There's also a Cancer/MS Fundraiser Walk at Paradise RV Park. The 5th Annual Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) “Rock Auction” will be held at the QIA Outdoor Stage, followed by Paul Winer FREE Concert. Closing out the day is a Dance with “On the Road Again” at the QIA.

Sunday events include a Community Service at the QIA, followed by a delicious Brunch. Closing Ceremony at the AVTT Traveling Wall happens at 1pm with Colors, National Anthem, Speakers, and Taps.

At 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Quartzsite will attempt to break the Guinness Record  for the World's Largest Human Letter "Q" at the QIA. The goal is have at least 550 people stand (or sit) together and form the letter "Q". Don't worry, there will be plenty of chairs available if folks can't stand. This event is open to all ages. Registration is only $5 which includes the Official The GRAND Gathering collector's lapel pin. Multiple Registration Packages are also available.

Quartzsite is conveniently located on I-10, just 17 miles from the California border, and Hwy. 95 1/2 way between Yuma and Lake Havasu City. Just 2 hours west of Phoenix, Quartzsite is in the middle of everywhere!

 See the full details about The GRAND Gathering at www.TheGrandGathering.com.

About the organizations:

·         The Quartzsite Improvement Association (QIA) was incorporated in 1965 and is a non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the Quartzsite Community. www.qiaarizona.org.

·         Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) was established to help provide benefits to local charities and non-profit organizations by promoting the community of Quartzsite, and surrounding areas through quality local celebrations. www.ProudNeighbors.com.

·         Maps, Entertainment Schedule and RV Park Discounts are available online at www.TheGrandGathering.com

Paul Winer