Top: The field in front of the AmericInn in Silver Bay was full of ATVs in the Saturday, June 23 attempt to reclaim the Guinness Book of World Records entry for “World’s Longest ATV Parade.” There were 1,060 ATVs, along with a hundred or more side-by-side machines, which do not count according to Guinness. Although disappointed that they did not regain the Longest ATV Parade title, ATV enthusiasts had a great time. Lower left: ATVers young and old, with American flags, and other adornments took off, row by row in the parade. Lower right: Members of the Cook County ATV Club sported yellow whip safety flags with the club logo.
The All-Terrain Vehicle Association of MN made an attempt to reclaim the record for the World’s Longest ATV Parade in Silver Bay, MN, on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The organization fell about 800 machines short of taking the record back from Utah. However, the thousand-plus ATV enthusiasts—including many Cook County ATVers— who attended the parade attempt and other weekend activities in Silver Bay agreed that it was a lot of fun anyway.
ATVAM has mounted world’s longest parade efforts three times—in June 2008 the organization brought 1,083 ATVs to Silver Bay, falling short of the record held by Kentucky. In June 2009, ATVAM successfully shattered that record and earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the Longest ATV Parade with 1,632 ATVs. However, the celebration was short lived—Richfield, Utah claimed the Guinness Book record 1,870 riders in September 2010.
Lead Parade Organizer Les Schermerhorn made the announcement on Saturday afternoon that 1,060 ATVs took part.
However, many participants noted that the count of actual machines was likely much higher—side-by-side machines such as the Yamaha Rhino or Polaris Ranger do not count as ATVs for the Guinness Book of World Records. Those machines were not counted, but it is estimated as many as a hundred side-by-sides joined the parade. As the popularity of the side-byside machines grows, it will be increasingly difficult to break the world record again.
Will ATVAM make another attempt? Schermerhorn wasn’t sure. “It takes a whole year to plan this and it’s a huge commitment. We’ll wait a few months before we decide.”
No matter what ATVAM decides, there seemed to be consensus that the event was fun— and that it benefits the City of Silver Bay. Mayor Scott Johnson told the Duluth News-Tribune that he was happy to have the parade back in town, which, he said receives a big economic boost from the added business at hotels, restaurants and stores. Johnson told the News-Tribune, “I’m glad ATVAM had the faith in us to come back for another year. It’s a pleasure to welcome the new people and see all the people who have been here before.”
And it’s an event enjoyed by the many riders who make it a family reunion or North Shore vacation. Brent and Beth Ostwald of Maple Grove, MN, despite getting caught in the rain briefly at the start of the parade, said world record or not, “We wouldn’t miss this for the world!”
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