We hope you enjoyed reading about many of the talented magicians across the
country.
A huge shout out to everyone who trusted us enough to
submit names and supporting text last month, even though you didn't know exactly how it
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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!
WORLD RECORD HEIGHTS: In this Canadian Conjuror's Interview, we are chatting with Doug 'the Great' Hunt, a man who has been raising the bar for decades!
On October 21st, Doug will attempt to re-take the World Record, and in this interview, we discuss the challenges, benefits and strategies for planning a stunt of this scale (and height.)
Here are a few topics we'll cover: - Media stunts and how they can skyrocket your presence in your community. - The art of turning passion into powerful promotion, drawing from Doug's upcoming world-record attempt. - Lessons and gems from decades of experience offer actionable advice for emerging and seasoned magicians. - The undeniable importance of community in the magic world and the evolving role of magic clubs in our digital age.
From the importance of community and magic clubs in our ever-digital world to the art of crafting unforgettable media stunts, this 25-minute interview is packed with insights and stories that every magician, both aspiring and seasoned, will find invaluable.
(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.”
July 1 2023 come and see Doug the Great juggle and walk on stilts.
On September 14, 2002, Doug set a new Guinness world record in Brantford, for tallest stilt-walker. He took 29 independent steps on stilts measuring 50 feet 9 inches tall and weighing a combined weight of 137 pounds.
On May 15, 2008, Doug led 625 people (mostly students) on stilts at North Park Collegiate for the Guinness world record for most people on stilts.