On May 21, Jim Cooper, one of the organizers of the annual golf cart parade was notified that their quest to set a world record had been certified by Guinness World Records.

"We are pleased to inform you that the largest golf cart parade has been successful in setting a new Guinness World Record," read the notification email from Guinness.

The parade, held on Dec. 6, 2002, included 191 decorated golf carts. The event also provided prizes for the best decorated carts and donated $2,000 to local charities.

"This is an example of how our community comes together with the residents, volunteers, sponsoring businesses and the many clubs and organizations to show how Sun City Center is the best place to live and do business in the world," said Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce executive director Elaine Brad. Brad, along with the chamber, was also an organizer of the event.

The 2002 parade was the largest to date. The three previous years fielded 30, 60 and 80 carts respectively. If Cooper is successful, however, last year’s parade will be considered small time. Cooper is planning for 300 carts in the upcoming parade that will be held on Dec. 5.

In advance of last year’s parade, Cooper contacted Guinness World Records to inquire about the requirements for setting a world record. As no previous golf cart parade record existed, Guinness responded with specific criteria for creating a new entry.

The requirements ensured that setting a world record would not be easy. The criteria included a minimum required overall length of the parade and the maximum distance that could separate each cart. Cooper estimated, based on their average length, that at least 170 carts would be required to obtain the record.

Guinness World Records was created in 1951 by Sir Hugh Beaver, a director at the Guinness Brewery in England. The first book of records was published in 1955 and became a British best-seller within a few months of publication.

Since that time the organization has become a record setter in its own right. The Guinness Book of World Records is the best selling copyrighted book in the world with sales of more than 94 million copies in 100 countries and 37 languages.

Planning for the 2003 Holiday Kick Off Parade is already in progress. According to Cooper, prizes awarded to participants and donations to local charities will be significantly increased for the upcoming event.

It will also offer area residents a chance to become a part of history - again.

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