Breaking world records big part of fifth annual Chatham

Chatham-Kent Crowfest is gearing up for its fifth anniversary running Sept. 16 to 19 and organizers are aiming for it to be a multi-world record breaking event.

Crowfest is teaming with the owner of Churrascaria Steakhouse Brian Machado, who will lead a team of 15 volunteers who will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest Caesar cocktail.

Machado helped lead the effort when the world record was set in September 2018 at the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Pain Court. The record attempt will happen on Sept 17 at the Sons of Kent Brewing Co. in Chatham to bring the record back to Chatham-Kent after it has been broken a few times since.

The world record attempts will switch into high gear when buskers from around the world arrive on Friday, Sept. 18 to begin entertaining the crowds.

The buskers will be trying to break numerous amounts of unusual world records, including:

“The world records are a really awesome experience,” said Crowfest co-chair Andrew Thiel. “Many of the buskers that are coming to do the world records already hold their own world records.”

He added records that are set will be published in the Guinness World Records with Chatham-Kent’s Crowfest included as the location.

Jason Henderson, whose is also a busker who goes by Kobbler Jay, has been booking the entertainment since Crowfest began.

He said it is “incredibly rare” to have that many world record attempts happening at one event.

“I actually think we might be able to get the record for the most world records broken during an outdoor festival,” Henderson said.

“They’re all pretty ridiculous records,” he said.

Noting people can check www.crowfestck.com for more details on the world records, Henderson said, “You definitely don’t want to miss it.”

Overall, he said Crowfest has got a good name in the busker community, attracting performers from around the world.

Buskers will perform outdoors throughout Crowfest in downtown Chatham, beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 and continuing throughout the day Saturday, Sept. 19.

“Please check out the shows, enjoy them,” Henderson said. “And remember the buskers do work for tips, so please be generous.”

Crowfest organizers have also planned other events for people to enjoy and have a budget of $190,000 to run the four-day festival between cash and in-kind donations.

“The only way we can do this is with our sponsors,” Thiel said.

“All of the entertainment on the street is free,” he added.

Even with the paid events, Thiel said the goal is to “try to make them real affordable.”

Crowfest opens on Wednesday, Sept. 16 with Great Dueling Pianos performing an all-ages show at The Garden on King. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with Roaming Fire Buskers followed by the award-winning Great Dueling Pianos beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Thiel said anywhere else tickets for this performance would costs $50, but a Crowfest it is only $10.

He added admission to get into the Guinness World Record attempt to create the largest Caesar is also only $10, which includes helping to drink the cocktail after it is made and enjoying the band 40 Hours Over.

A fan favourite for adults is Busk After Dusk that will have Monsters of Schlock serving as the outrageous hosts. The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Mainstreet Credit Union Stage on Fifth Street.

Tickets are also $10 for the event, which runs from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

“We’re really trying to keep it affordable for everybody,” Thiel said.

He noted all the children’s shows are free.

Another fan favourite is the costume contest open to all ages Saturday, Sept. 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those planning to participate have until Sept. 14 at night to register on the Crowfest website www.crowfestck.com.

The Crow Glow Party, a free all-ages event is being held Friday, Sept. 18 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Mainstreet Credit Union Stage on Fifth Street featuring DJ Andre Aldridge with a special appearance by K Pop Demon Hunters.

Participants are encouraged to dress in your favourite glow-in-the-dark or light up accessories.