ALBANY, NY (12/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Downtown Albany's world record setting event has officially been accepted by recordsetter.com confirming downtown Albany as the world record holder for the most people to sing jingle bells while ringing jingle bells. 488 singers participated to create this record in front of the Times Union Center on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 12:00 PM.

The world record setting event is one of the BID's many initiatives to attract attention to Downtown retailers, businesses, and venues as well as engage Downtown employees. Jingle bells were provided courtesy of B. Lodge and Co., who is celebrating 145 years in business at their Downtown location. Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Santa Claus all made appearances at the event.

"The Times Union Center building was originally designed by Crozier Associates and it was their vision that the front part of the arena building would serve as the City of Albany's front porch," said Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, "What a joyful way to bring that initial vision to life by gathering over 400 people on Albany's front porch to set a world record for Downtown. I applaud everyone who helped make this record a reality for our Capital City."

"What a great time to express our holiday spirit!" stated Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, "This unique idea brought residents, the business community and political leaders together to enjoy a "time-out" from the hustle and bustle of the normal day and have fun."

"Downtown has a history of celebrating the holiday season," explains Georgette Steffens, Executive Director, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), "It is rumored that the first Christmas card in the United States was printed in a building on Broadway. From the Symphony of Lights on State Street to the beautiful window displays, Downtown is festive throughout December."

The world record event also capped off the final day of the 2nd Annual Jingle Elf Quest. Jingle Elf Quest is an annual holiday scavenger hunt that calls on "elf seekers" to search for elves throughout Downtown. Elves were hidden inside 47 different BID businesses and organizations, as well as six different daily locations associated with clues. Each elf found was a chance to win prizes. Amy Grogan was named the 2012 Jingle Elf Quest Grand Prize winner for finding every hidden elf in Downtown, for a total of 54 elves.

"This is my second year playing Jingle Elf and I'm excited to be the grand prize winner," explains Grogan, "We have learned about Downtown, the businesses located there and it was fun activity to do with my daughter."

As the Grand Prize winner, Grogan is being awarded a $500 gift certificate to a business of her choice located in the BID.

The world record setting event was made possible by Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District with assistance from Albany County, the Times Union Center, B. Lodges and Co., The City of Albany and Albany Special Events. Information about future Downtown Albany BID events can be found at www.downtownalbany.org.

Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality of downtown Albany and improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for those who work in, live in and visit New York's Capital City. The BID is a private, not-for profit 501(c) (3) organization. For more information about Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org | @DowntownAlbany or call 518.465.2143.

Posted Wednesday December 26, 2012 at 12:08 pm by Downtown Albany BID
Last Updated Friday March 22, 2013 at 11:50 am