From GWR Adjudicator Morgan Wilber in Vermount, USA
The Orleans County Fair in Barton, Vermont has been a tradition for over 140 years, showcasing agricultural events alongside amusement rides, entertainment, food and fun.
Walking onto the fairgrounds you can't miss the large Ferris wheel, but keep walking and you may find horse harness racing, dairy cattle shows, ox pulling, wool spinning, antique farm machinery, deep fried bacon dipped in Vermont maple syrup.
This year on the opening day of the fair, Wednesday August 17th, the fair association decided to add a new attraction to the list.
Cadillac owners drove from around the country to be a part of the Guinness World Records attempt for the largest parade of Cadillac's. The previous record totaled 102 Cadillac cars in the Netherlands in 2002.
For this record attempt, the parade had to consist of all vehicles displaying the Cadillac badge, the cars had to be moving in a clear procession for a minimum of 2 miles, and there could be no large gaps in the parade line.
As the official adjudicator, I stood at the entrance of a large track in the middle of the fairgrounds where the parade ended its journey.
As each car passed me by, I ensured they displayed the Cadillac badge and tallied them towards the final count.
The parade was led by a pink 1959 Series 62 convertible, followed by other vintage editions to today's CTS Coupe.
The cars steadily streamed into the track, ending with a total of 298 Cadillac cars, earning the Guinness World Records title.
This Guinness World Records attempt was not only to add a new attraction and excitement to the fair, but more importantly it was to honor Henry M. Leland who founded Cadillac in 1902 and was originally from Barton, Vermont.
Several members of the Leland family traveled to Barton, to honor the craftsmanship and legacy of Leland, by being a part of the Cadillac parade.
The energy and work that went into this event was clear. The essence of it all came down to the owners and drivers of the Cadillac's and the love for their vehicles.
One car came as far as Alaska to be a part of this history in the making. The care and devotion to the vehicles was amazing as even the vintage editions looked in mint condition.
Congratulations to the Orleans County Fair Association, the Leland family and all the Cadillac owners who drove from around the country to be a part of this very special, record breaking parade.
