Locally held Guinness World Records

record

Kenneth Huggins with his toasters | Image via Guinness World Records

Table of Contents

Does anyone else remember flipping through Guinness World Record books when you were a kid and thinking how cool it would be to set one yourself? While most of us probably can’t say we’ve grown up to set a world record (don’t worry, our day is coming), we recently came across a few records set by Soda Citizens.

So naturally, we dove into the rabbit hole of Guinness World Records, discovered today is Guinness World Record Day + decided to compile a list of the impressive feats taken on by members of our community.

Us realizing world records are hard to beat | Gif via Giphy

Largest collection of toasters – 1,284

Yep, you read that right. Columbia resident Kenneth Huggins has collected 1,284 toasters (as of July 2012), which he stores in his home + a special-built storage house. Check out photos of his collection here. Think of all the toast possibilities.

Most expensive crab cake – $310

In June of last year, Columbia native Lazarius Walker created the world’s most expensive crab cake, which he sells at his restaurant, The Twist. The crab cake is made with king crab and lump crab meat, black truffles, butter, herbs + platinum leaves and dust. That just sounds expensive. We hear ordering the dish requires 48 hours notice + a portion of the proceeds are donated to the community.

Most bow ties tied simultaneously – 823 people

In a pre-COVID world (2014), University of South Carolina Dance Marathon gathered 823 people at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center to beat the world record of bow ties tied at the same time + raise money for the kids. The previously held record was 417, which the group easily shattered.

Greatest distance catching a grape in the mouth – 354 ft. 4 in.

Talk about mouth-eye coordination. In 2009, Paul Lyday caught a grape, thrown from ground level, from 108 meters (over 354 feet) with his mouth. Honestly, I’m equally impressed with the guy who threw the grape...

Hottest chilli pepper – Carolina Reaper

While not technically from Columbia, we couldn’t resist mentioning the Carolina Reaper pepper, which holds the record for hottest chilli pepper (1,641,183 Scoville Heat Units). Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, SC grows the peppers + set the record in September 2017.

Did we miss a locally set world record? Send us an email and let us know.

Question

More from COLAtoday
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
Does pollen season have you wiping your eyes and nose? Blame the hidden tree pollen as spring allergies kick into high gear.
Explore group volunteer opportunities, from hands-on projects to custom experiences, that let your team give back to the Columbia community.
Developers break ground on a mixed-use Vista project, with Mashburn relocating its headquarters during its 50th year.
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Scottie Scheffler, these 22 golf courses in Cola are sure to make for a good round.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Enter the lottery for a chance to experience Congaree National Park’s synchronous firefly display.