Inspired by the projects his father built, 12-year-old Eric Klabel from Napervillede, Illinois (USA) has worked diligently to officially assemble the world’s tallest ice lolly (popsicle) stick structure.
Measuring a height of 6.157 m (20.20 ft), his record-breaking tower is now a project that can be seen from a distance - as well as one to make his dad proud.
Eric first decided that he wanted to pursue a record of his own after witnessing other record-holders achieve records titles in a video by Guinness World Records.
Knowing his skills and talent for popsicle stick sculpting, he knew this was the perfect craft for his very first attempt.
While determining the shape formation of his title-holding structure, Eric came to the conclusion it was a better to form his attempt in the shape of a pyramid, to ensure a strong supported framework.
Eric says the most difficult part about executing this record would be ensuring the tower was properly built so that he could make it as high as possible.
“To make the tower I had to build the same three feet long vertical structure many times, which got very repetitive, though it was still very fun to see it getting taller and taller.”
One of his favorite moments during the attempt was stepping away from his hard work and admiring the height and overall measurement of his creation. To Eric, seeing his hard work pay off was rather rewarding.
Eric has always been fascinated by his father’s creations and which is why from a young age he decided to make some of his own using popsicle sticks. His work includes the tallest ice lolly stick structure, a motorized car, boat, box and even a marble run.
In his earlier years, he first started his forming shapes with wooden ice cream sticks, after being curious by the development and engineering of his childhood toys.
But it wasn’t until 2015, Eric started experimenting with the many variations of structures he could create with recycled materials like popsicle sticks.
One of his most impressive sculptures includes a popsicle chair that was actually usable! Another included a replica of a house that included lights, furniture, and other household items - all made of wooden sticks.
Now before Eric has even become a teenager, he can boast about having an official record title.
“I felt accomplished and grateful when I became a Guinness World Records title holder. I was so happy that I was able to get to this point. My favorite thing about achieving the record was that I was able to be known for something I am passionate about.”
Eric’s advice to aspiring popsicle builders is to remember that popsicle sticks are just a bunch of wooden sticks, but when you put in the effort, assemble them in the right place, you can have something incredible.
Related Articles
