Since entering the world of magic at a young age, one thing is clear, Reed
has opened a host of opportunities for himself, from doing a TEDx talk, to
being Doug “the Great” Hunt’s Guinness World Record Verification and
Video\Photograph Coordinator, he continues to work on projects that nurture
his passions.
His advice for those looking into getting into
magic, is simple.
“If anyone was interested in really learning
magic and discovering more, there are local magic clubs you should look into
joining,” he said. “The best person to reach out to would actually probably
be Doug Hunt because he’s the president of the local Hamilton Magic Club. I
first met him at the club when I was a kid, and it’s people like Doug that
keep someone like me doing magic.”
The following is a guest post from
Graeme Reed. This article first appeared in the December 2023 issue of
VANISH Magic Magazine
issue #113, pages 40-43. Reprinted with permission.
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Doug Hunt, October 21, 2023 Photo credit: Donna
Thompson
Walking Tall for Brantford
On October 21, 2023, Doug Hunt aka “Doug the Great”, made history when he
broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for Mastering the Tallest Stilts,
walking 14 steps at 55 feet above the ground. In front of fellow entertainers
from around the world and his community of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Doug
successfully reclaimed the record that he first earned over 20 years
ago.
In the city of Brantford, “The Centre of the Universe,” as
Walter Gretzky would say, besides walking on stilts and entertaining the masses,
Doug is best known for his love and support of the community. Working as head of
fundraising at Participation Support Services Brantford for over 40 years, Doug
has always found creative ways to build awareness and raise money while
empowering everyone around him.
The attempt occurred at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre’s (WGSC) 10th
anniversary celebrations. Inside the sports complex is a museum dedicated to
Brantford’s greatest athletes. To see Walter and Wayne Gretzky's historical
hockey memorabilia, you first walk under The World's Tallest Stilts. Walter
Gretzky was famous in Brantford for signing autographs with his branded blue
Sharpie – blue never fades. To pay homage, Doug, with the help of local
sponsors, made up custom blue markers for sponsors and anyone who donated to
sign his record-breaking stilts.
Among those in attendance was Nicole Lee; this is how she experienced the
truly amazing day:
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A victorious Doug Hunt! Photo credit: Gary Foster
Daughter Megan, grandson Seth, Doug Hunt, and David McKee (Brantford Town Crier)
A large-scale stunt like this is only possible with community
support. There is a list longer than 55 feet of people who donated their time,
money, and passion to the project, not just to break a record but to raise
awareness and donations for
Participation Support Services Brantford
whose mandate it is to “support adults with physical disabilities and complex
needs to live as independently as possible.” Everything from the one-of-a-kind
stilts, aerial lift, two cranes, and so much more was all donated to spotlight
a truly amazing cause.
While Doug reclaimed the record at 14 steps on October 21 at the
WGSC, the official submission is 16 steps at 55 feet high, achieved on October
17th, 2023, at Brantwood Farms in front of a small public audience.
Congratulations to Doug Hunt of Brantford, Ontario for reclaiming his Guinness
World Record of Mastering the Tallest Stilts and being truly amazing.
The silo.
Training with Coach Tom
A winning team!
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Congratulations Doug, on this amazing accomplishment!
(Doug) Hunt is set to make another Guinness World Record attempt for stilt walking during the 10th anniversary of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre rebuild on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
In anticipation for the event, Hunt and his camp are preparing for a fundraising event called the “Great Event” to be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Participation Support Services Brantford, Brant and Norfolk.
“The September event will be like a pre-party leading up the October attempt,” said Tammy Hunt, Doug’s niece. “The event will be to help raise money in support of Participation Support Services, which is his ‘why’ for this fundraiser. The celebration will almost be like a big community hug for him.”
Backed by a strong team of supporters, the multi-talented Brantford entertainer is going after the Guinness World Record for the tallest stilts ever mastered. Wearing stilts that will measure close to 55 feet in height, Hunt will attempt to take 10 steps in front of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre on Oct. 21.
The world-record event will be part of the Gretzky Centre’s 10th anniversary celebration.
“I’ll be on the stilts and taking the steps but this is a team effort,” Hunt, also known as Doug The Great, said. “Tom (Rollins) is back, Dave Levac is handling the logistics and my niece Tammy (Hunt), Joshua (Wall), Robb (Nagy) are also helping out and doing some fundraising.
“We have a terrific team working on this and I’m really grateful for the support.”
Arron Jeavons, Trevor Cherewka, Tom Hunt, Gary Foster and Graeme Reed are also on the “On The Record Team.”
Smooth Comedy is putting on a full weekend of shows at the world famous @thestaircase in beautiful Hamilton. We’re calling it…a “FESTIVAL”!
The weekend will feature some of our favourite performers making their Smooth Comedy debut, and some that we really wanted to have back again.
If you’ve ever wanted to come to a show, this is this weekend to do it! Grab a ticket and come on down to one or even all three of the shows. Link is in the bio! SEE YA THERE!
Hosted by the Smooth Comedy crew - Kym Wyatt Mckenzie, Darren Menezes, GRAEMAZING, Zach Berge & Devin Bateson.
MARCH 31st!!! (VERY GOOD LINEUP BELOW) The comedy show that has brought you such pranks as Old Milk and Fuzzy Fire is back with all new sketches, comics and magic. let’s have some darn fun at the @thestaircase theatre in the big smoke Hamilton, Canada!! TICKETS IN BIO!!
This months performers @tlmblalr @ajbate__ @timgrayrulez @danasmithcomedy @rodrigofstoll
RESIDENT WIZARD @graemazing
Car guy @moneymakerzach
Master of Disguise @debateson
hosted by two buckets of paint (@darrenjmenezes @kymwyattmckenzie )
FEBRUARY 24th! the comedy show that all the mom blogs have been talking about is back! tell your grade 6 best friend it’s time to reunite at the only show that will make your tummy hurt…in a GOOD way! Let’s smile and lol etc etc
Tickets are 3% sold right now! Let’s get that to 5-8% sold by the end of the week! TICKET LINK IN BIO! LOVE YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This months performers @rorbdvies @snapshotrobinson @ostadz @akablackzeus @countgavin @burgerqueenashley
RESIDENT WIZARD @graemazing
ZOOKEEPER @moneymakerzach
COWBOY @debateson
hosted by two broken fishing rods (@darrenjmenezes @kymwyattmckenzie )