PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) – Portsmouth, Ohio, has officially etched its name in the Guinness World Records, marking a historic achievement with the “World’s Largest Ornament Exchange.
On Saturday, locals and visitors alike gathered to kick off the holiday season in a festive celebration aimed at breaking a new world record. The event, which aimed to surpass the world’s largest ornament exchange, was a first for the Guinness World Records, as no official record existed in this category.
“This is a new category, and if successful today, it will become the first recognized record,” said Tina Shi, a Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator. Despite being a new category, Shi explained that the record required strict guidelines, including the participation of at least 250 people exchanging ornaments by the event’s conclusion.
As the event progressed, excitement filled the air. When the final tally was made, Shi confirmed that 360 participants had exchanged ornaments, officially making Portsmouth the new and only record holder for this category.
In addition to the festive atmosphere and holiday spirit, two participants experienced a deeply personal moment during the exchange. Lindsey and Aaron McClay were among those who exchanged ornaments, and what they unwrapped carried special meaning.
“It’s such a fate moment,” said Lindsey McClay, reflecting on the surprise they discovered inside their boxes. Lindsey received a Cincinnati Reds helmet, while Aaron found a pickle ornament inside his box.
Aaron explained the significance: “My great-grandparents were the Picklesimers, and my great-grandfather just passed away this past year.”
For Lindsey, the moment was also personal. “I’m originally from Cincinnati, and I met his grandpa for the first time at a Reds game. We both ended up at the same entrance, and we didn’t know they were coming,” she shared.
The ornaments used in the exchange were supplied by Old World Christmas, a company known for its handcrafted holiday decorations. Neal Applefeld, CEO of Old World Christmas, explained the company’s decision to participate. “For our 45th anniversary, we wanted to do something truly special, which is why we’re here in Portsmouth today,” he said.
With the new world record set and Christmas cheer spreading throughout the city, Portsmouth has marked another memorable chapter in its holiday tradition.
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