Fourth of July: Five world records sure to make an American proud

By Kristen Stephenson
Published
Far more than an excuse for a barbecue, the Fourth of July is a celebration full of history and pride for the United States.
 
The national holiday marks the day in 1776 when the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, birthing a new nation to be filled with impressive citizens, and incredible record holders.
 
With the colours of red, white and blue set to stream the nation this Monday, here below we list a handful of recent records that provide another reason to celebrate Independence Day.
 
Largest hot dog cart
Marcus Daily has created the largest hot dog cart ever made – measuring a colossal 3.72 m (12 ft 2.75 in) in height, 2.81 m (9 ft 3 in) in width, and 7.06 m (23 ft 2 in) in length.
 
The oversized cart is not simply a record-breaking invention for Marcus but is a full-time family-run business and he claims that his hot dogs are “world’s best”.
 
Longest chain of fireworks
We may have China to thank for the electrifying invention of fireworks, but few countries create as big a bang as the U.S. thanks to the amount of pyrotechnics used during Independence Day celebrations. 
 
The longest chain of fireworks consists of 10,005 fireworks and was achieved by Viejas Casino & Resort (USA) in Alpine, California, USA, on 12 September 2014. 
 


Largest horn spread on a steer (living)

Lazy J’s Bluegrass (USA) is a Texas Longhorn (cattle) which has the largest horn spread - measuring an intimidating 297.8 cm (117.25 inches) long.


The steer was measured at a competition held by Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America in Greenleaf, Kansas, USA.



Most pull ups with a 60 lb (27.2 kg) pack in one minute

It has been said that Ron Cooper (USA) is pound-for-pound the strongest man in the world, and he recently took on two Guinness World Records titles in an attempt to demonstrate his strength.



The financial planner holds a multitude of fitness records including the Most pull-ups in one minute with a 40 lb pack (25), Most chin ups in one minute carrying a 40-lb pack (27) and Most knuckle push-ups in one minute (79).


Ron, who is married with two daughters, recently attempted a pair of records to add to his mightily impressive tally at the North Shore YMCA in Marblehead, Massachusetts, USA.


Starting with a bid for the Most pull ups with a 60 lb (27.2 kg) pack in one minute , Ron achieved a staggering new benchmark of 18.


Ron, who has earned himself the nickname ‘The Pull Up Guy’, then set the record for the Most push ups with a 60 lb (27.2 kg) pack in one minute with a gruelling 57 – breaking the previous record by seven reps. 



Longest usable golf club

Fore! The endlessly popular record for the Longest usable golf club has become a battle between two rivals on either side of the U.S.


Representing Texas in the video below, Michael Furrh (USA) show’s off a  6.87 m (22 ft 6.75 in) creation.

However, since filming with Michael, multiple record-breaker Ashrita Furman has beaten the record. 


Back in April last year, Ashrita demonstrated his 7.65 m (25.09 feet) golf club in Jamaica, New York, to successfully usurped the title.

Longest 'usable' golf club

The head of the golf club was taken from a Callaway Big Bertha ERC II driver and the shaft was made from a combination of graphite and carbon fibre tubing.

Nevertheless, Michael told Guinness World Records: "You'll just have to stay tuned and find out what's up my sleeve for next year." Watch this space.