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.
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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
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
