This Saturday, June 4, 2016, Bernheim will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most people hugging trees at the same time at the same place. The current record, which is held by a town in South Korea, is 1,200, so we need 1,201 to break it. Our goal is to have 3,000+ people hugging, so we can hold the title for years to come. With over 800 people already registered, we are optimistic about our chances to break it.
Bernheim’s Big Tree Hug Challenge will occur noon – 4 p.m., with the actual hug attempt occurring at 2:30 p.m. We recommend that you arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. in order to give you ample time to get to your huggable tree. Throughout the event, we will have food and entertainment for your enjoyment.
Arboretum Loop will be divided into six colored zones, each with huggable trees marked. When you arrive, you will be directed to a parking area, at which point you will load onto a bus that will take you to an available zone. We will have zones that are designated accessible for those with physical limitations. Once you arrive at the zone, a volunteer will check you in if you’re pre-registered, or register you. This step is important, as we need to count everyone when we submit the attempt to Guinness. Once you’re registered, all you need to do is have fun and be ready for the hug signal at 2:30 p.m.
Here are some tips for having the most successful hugging day.
- Come prepared for the outdoors: please dress for the weather and don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen.
- We also recommend bringing a blanket or chairs to sit on.
- Limited food options available, so you’re also encouraged to bring a small picnic lunch in order to avoid any lines. Alcohol is prohibited.
- Keep in mind that you will be shuttled on schools buses, so pack lightly.
- We will have water bottles for the first 2000 people, thanks to the Louisville Water Company. Water stations will be at each tree hugging zone.
- For safety reasons, please only hug marked trees, unless instructed otherwise by a member of our event team.
This event is free of charge. Donations are appreciated. The event will happen rain or shine, however, unsafe weather conditions will delay the event until Sunday, June 5. Click here to pre-register.
Want to help? Click here to register as a volunteer. We need help in all aspects of the event: from registration to set up and clean up. Don’t worry! All volunteers will be registered huggers as well.
Thanks to our sponsors, LG&E-KU, Bullitt County Tourism Commission, Louisville Water Company, WHAS11, and Louisville Public Media for making this event possible.