Christmas sweater world record attempt falls short

The Fredericton Community Kitchen's efforts to break the world record for the largest gathering of people wearing Christmas sweaters fell short Saturday afternoon.  

With 541 people at the Capital Exhibit Centre, the Community Kitchen came close to the official record, which stands at 639 — but the attempt was far off a group in Dublin that is said to have broken that record recently with a crowd of 1,297 (that record is still unofficial). 

Tim Sharpe, who organized the event, was hoping for 1,500 people. Still, he says he considers the day a "roaring success."

"We had a community come out and help support a local organization that helps feed the Fredericton hungry," he said.

Between the $5 donation at the door and the 50/50 draw, Sharpe estimates more than $3,000 was raised for the Fredericton Community Kitchen.

"It will go towards feeding on average 10,000 people a month, it will go towards out reach meals and feeding hungry students," he said. "It would have been nice to set a world record but Fredericton came out. We couldn't ask for a better crowd to come out and support us." 

Paul Grady was hoping to get his name in the Guinness Book of World Records.  

"As a kid, we used to get the books every year and my kids, I got them one every year and I just thought it would be cool if I could get them one with my name in it," he said. 

He adds baubles and small ornaments to the "ugly" Christmas sweater he dons every year and says he enjoys showing it off.  

Lisa Grady also saw the opportunity as one of her only to get into the book. 

"I'm 50, what's my chances of getting in to the Guinness Book of World Records?"  

But Sharpe is adamant they'll try again next year and he'll have a new sweater for the occasion. 

"I like to up the standard of ugliness."