Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - VIDEO: Bismarck reclaims snow angel record in big way

VIDEO: Bismarck reclaims snow angel record in big way

Feb 19, 2007 - 08:58:59 CST

By Tony Spilde/Bismarck Tribune

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For about half a minute on Saturday, the State Capitol Grounds became the 10th largest population center in North Dakota.

Nearly 9,000 people showed up to flap their arms and legs in the snow, apparently shattering the world snow angel record.

The results will be unofficial until Tuesday, but event organizer Marilyn Snyder said 8,911 people made snow angels at the same time at the Capitol on Saturday afternoon. The previous record, set last year in Michigan, was 3,784.

“The people of North Dakota are fantastic. They stepped up to the plate and hit more than a homerun today,” Snyder said. “I asked the governor to ask the Legislature to proclaim us the Snow Capital of the World.”

Gov. John Hoeven and first lady Mikey did their part to break the record. He announced the start of the event, and the couple promptly plopped down in the snow to make their marks.

Also in the front row of angels on Saturday was Pauline Jaeger, who was celebrating her 99th birthday.

“It started out as kind of a joke, but when I found out it was really happening I got pretty excited,” Jaeger, the aunt of North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger, said. “This is going to be my first snow angel, and what a time for it. This is really a great birthday party.”

Although the event started at 1 p.m., angel makers started filling the grounds by 10 a.m. Snyder said enough people had registered by 11:30 to break the record.

“The rest was just gravy — finding out how high we could go,” Snyder said. “I don’t think anyone will top this one for awhile. It’s our record. We set it, and we got it back.”

Bismarck established the snow angel record in the Guinness Book of Records in 2002, when 1,791 people showed up to take part. The record survived a few attempts by residents in Syracuse, N.Y., but finally fell last year when 3,784 angels showed up in Houghton, Mich. Paul Judge, the Michigan Technological University student who organized that event, was very impressed with Bismarck’s turnout Saturday.

“It doesn’t sound like they broke it — it sounds like a smashing,” Judge said in a phone interview. “That is really awesome. Congratulations to everyone out there. Very well done.”

Judge said it would probably be a couple years before Houghton tried for the record again.

“‘Try’ isn’t the right word,” he said. “We will break it. This is hardly even a wound. But it will probably be sometime after I graduate. I’m not going to try to mount anything right now.”

The record still has to be verified by the folks at Guinness. Official observers, including Al Jaeger, have to vouch for the numbers. Photographers and videographers documented the event, and will send their images to the Guinness headquarters. Snyder said she will go through all the names on Tuesday to make sure there are no duplicates and everyone is who they said they were.

“It isn’t official yet, but if anything the number will be even higher,” Snyder said. “It went very well. I’m so pleased with it.”

Snyder’s first attempt to reclaim the record, set for Dec. 26, was canceled because of a lack of snow. Five days later, Bismarck got more than 10 inches. That snow formed a base on the Capitol Mall, and has been added to since. A couple of inches fell on Friday to provide a blank canvas for the snow angel makers Saturday.

“It probably went as good as it possibly could,” Snyder said. “I’m not afraid anyone’s going to break it anytime soon. They’ll have to borrow kids to beat this number.”

If the 8,911 number holds up, that would edge out Wahpeton to be North Dakota’s 10th largest city. But that number was down to just a handful shortly after the 30-second event.

Among those remaining were the Vetter family. Eight-year-old Jacob Vetter, who suffers from cerebral palsy, was up on the snow in his cart. His father, Greg Vetter, put Jacob on the ground to take part. Jacob couldn’t have been happier.

“He doesn’t get a chance to get out and play in the snow like the other kids,” Greg Vetter said. “Now he gets to do it on a day we made history.”

(Reach reporter Tony Spilde at 250-8260 or tony.spilde@bismarcktribune.com.)

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Comments

Bj wrote on Feb 22, 2007 4:04 PM:

" Go North Dakota! I'm a former NoDak and very proud of my roots! "

Nelson wrote on Feb 20, 2007 4:18 PM:

" Formerly of Jamestown, now somewhere in Minnesota. Next time let those of us that still think of ND as home come join you. It would be better than the "zip to Zap", or an old Sturgis bike rally. "

Barb Schmaltz wrote on Feb 20, 2007 11:01 AM:

" Just the spirit I know all North Dakotans have. Wonderful turn out, You want a job well done, ask someone from N.D. and you know its done well. "

Wild North Dakota wrote on Feb 20, 2007 8:35 AM:

" Hey did you see that wild guy on the KX news last night who did the snow angel in his shorts? Wild and crazy, must love North Dakota! "

Pennie Humphrey wrote on Feb 19, 2007 11:22 PM:

" Way to go Bismarck-Mandan and surrounding area on setting a new snow angel record! Loved the picture in our local paper, The Forum. Thanks for promoting North Dakota and for showing your spirit and pride! "

Pennie Humphrey wrote on Feb 19, 2007 11:18 PM:

" Way to go Bismarck-Mandan and surrounding area on setting another snow angel record! We saw a great photo in our local paper, The Forum - and it looked so neat! Thanks for promoting your North Dakota spirit! "

Pamela S wrote on Feb 19, 2007 10:36 PM:

" Way to go ND!! I was there for the 2002 event, but was not made aware of the time of this new event. I grew up in ND, but now live in CA. If I had known the dates of this new event I would most likely tried to fly up. I love making snow angels and I love ND. Sure hope the record stays there for a long time. I still have my T-shirt from the first record. "

Pamela Schneider wrote on Feb 19, 2007 10:24 PM:

" I was a participant in the first record, but since I now live in CA and did not know when this event was taking place I was not there. If I had known I probably would have tried to get there. I love ND. I grew up there and try to get back as often as possible. Way to go ND!!! I'm glad we have the record back. "

Mary in Flagstaff, AZ wrote on Feb 19, 2007 10:13 PM:

" Outstanding! Knowing you hardy folks, it was 420 degrees below zero and you were all out there smiling with frost on your faces. You deserve the record! "

Marella wrote on Feb 19, 2007 7:59 PM:

" Way to go ND!!! You are all angels!! "

John McRee wrote on Feb 19, 2007 7:13 PM:

" Due to the weather at our final destination, my family was stranded in Bismarck,ND during the weekend. When we heard of the "Snow Angel" record breaking attempt, we absolutely had to join in. As Michiganders, we were well aware that our great home state town of Houghton held the "snow angel" record. However, as self proclamimed ambassadors of goodwill from Michigan, we were more than glad to help in the record breaking attempt. My wife Gail and my wonderful children Forrest (12) and Gabrielle (7) were all participants. Even though Bismarck was not on our original itinerary, and we were lucky enough to spend nearly 2 days in the same clothing while we worked our way to Denver, we had a blast! We are now proud to claim that we helped smash the previous snow angel record. The McRee's. "

Angels among us wrote on Feb 19, 2007 3:59 PM:

" I also was there to participate in the Snow Angel event. It was like no other. I do believe we will always hold the record with everyone pulling together. WAY TO GO BISMARCK, ND!!! "

Phyllis wrote on Feb 19, 2007 10:16 AM:

" I was there....all I can say is...it was AWESOME! And the wave with the tossing snow in the air was so KOOOL! I almost felt as though there were real angels among us. We established the record, it belongs to us, it stays in North Dakota, the greatest state and the greatest people in the world. I am so glad I made the trip to participate. I would go again in a heartbeat. "

Betty Blair wrote on Feb 19, 2007 9:23 AM:

" Way to go North Dakota!! I wish I had been there--I am from ND but have not lived there for over 20 years. It will always be home to me. "

NoDak wrote on Feb 19, 2007 8:44 AM:

" Hey, how about the North Dakota version of the "WAVE"? For those that were not there, instead of just raising your arms and yelling as the "WAVE" comes by, everyone picked up handfuls of snow and threw it in the air as the "WAVE" progressed. It looked like a mini-blizzard coming your way. Awesome! And how about that youth group that made the sign of the cross in orange/red clothing? Congratulations to them as well! "

BJ wrote on Feb 19, 2007 7:59 AM:

" Congratulations! The Snow Angel record made the 10:00 PM news (with video) here in Dallas last night. What a wonderful town Bismarck is, and North Dakotans are the finest people ever! Even though jobs have taken me a long way from home, Bismarck and North Dakota will always be home to me. Go Sioux! "

Chuck wrote on Feb 19, 2007 1:25 AM:

" I am a Bismarck native, living in WA state. When I talked with my parents today(Sunday) they informed me of the snow angel record event. WOW, is that cool or what!!! Congratulations Bismarck!! Way to go. And a big "thumbs up" to all those who had to travel in to take part in it. You got the record back, and will keep it for some time for sure. Great State, Great People, Great Job!!! "

shamrock wrote on Feb 19, 2007 12:44 AM:

" As a former (and future) ND resident, now living in Michigan I took some ribbing from fellow employees when Michigan took the record. Now it’s going to be a great week returning the favor. Thanks everyone. You made my WEEK! "

Shamrock wrote on Feb 19, 2007 12:32 AM:

Gilby Montana wrote on Feb 18, 2007 9:56 PM:

" Happy Birthday Grandpa Gilbertson! What a great way to celebrate 60 years. Wish we could have been there to make snow angels with you! Randy, Amy, Brenna and Kyle Gilbertson "

so sweet wrote on Feb 18, 2007 9:05 PM:

" This is so sweet that this took place, I was going to join and for some reason completely forgot about it. I wish I could have been there! Great job to everyone that did show up! North Dakota ROCKS! "

Elaine Noll wrote on Feb 18, 2007 8:29 PM:

" I was a Snow Angel along with my four other sisters, ranging in age from 48 to 61. It was so awesome, and proud to say that we were a part of this event. "

Brenda wrote on Feb 18, 2007 7:22 PM:

" This is just a suggestion,I think everyone that participated in the Snow Angel Record should get some kind of a discount on a Guiness Book, because I'm sure every one there is going to go out and buy one.I know I am. By the way, can you keep us posted when they do become available? "

Cindy Haberstroh wrote on Feb 18, 2007 7:02 PM:

" I made a snow angel and what a great time it was! I am so proud to be a North Dakotan and be part of this special event. Everything was well organized and it was such a joyful time on the mall. There were smiles and anticipation everywhere. I am so glad to have driven three hours to participate. It was truly a special memory. Way to go North Dakota! "

Shiela and Abe Loeb wrote on Feb 18, 2007 4:41 PM:

" As natives of North Dakota, we wish to extend our congratulations on a job well done. We are so proud of you!! "

Brittany Fleming wrote on Feb 18, 2007 3:34 PM:

" Go North Dakota! As a former North Dakota resident, I like to see the state make the news now and then for cool things like this! :-) "

kanav wrote on Feb 18, 2007 3:31 PM:

" great effort....keep going North Dakota "

Leah & Haylee wrote on Feb 18, 2007 2:33 PM:

" Making Snow Angels was FUN!!! "

Amanda Haff wrote on Feb 18, 2007 12:02 PM:

" Congratulations North Dakota and those from the Heritage Center that helped make this a success. I wish I could have been there to be a part of the record a second time. Beth I hope you made an angel for me! Way to go and let's hope we hold this record for awhile! "

North Dakota Proud wrote on Feb 18, 2007 11:28 AM:

" I wasn't there for the first record, but I am glad we were there for the secound. As we drove closer to the capital building, I knew we were going to do it. There were people everywhere and it was instant excitement. When the croud started the wave of snow, it was amazing to see. I want to thank KFYR Radio for broadcasting live and announcing the totals as we left the parking lot. When we heard the total on the radio we were cheering in the car. What a great thing for our state. There were babies up to a 99 year old lady on her birthday. I talked to a friend and she said they had four generations there. Congratulations North Dakota! "

BB wrote on Feb 18, 2007 10:59 AM:

" We North Dakotans Rule !!! It's great when we can show that we can come together as a community, being there yesterday was Awesome!!!!! "

Emily wrote on Feb 18, 2007 10:13 AM:

" Wish I could have been there! Congrats to all the participants and the organizer. And I think it is pretty awesome that the Gov. Hoeven and his wife participated as well...good work. "

The Bourgoin's wrote on Feb 18, 2007 9:29 AM:

" Wow, what a memorable moment, our family, new imports to the state from Maine, AKA Snow World where proud to be New North Dakotan's coming together and blow away the last attempt. We had snow angles in Maine, but this was more then a snow angle, it was people coming together with pride and a common cause, that is truly special and heart warming! With great respect, Chad, Lila, Shane, Justin, and Ethan Bourgoin. "

Darleen Joos wrote on Feb 18, 2007 5:07 AM:

" Dear North Dakota, I just love your spirit! 8,911 plus people joining together in a common effert. How amazing! I have watched your snow angel project from afar... York, Maine. I wish I could have been there to join you. I'm so proud of each and everyone of you that put the word "community" back into our modern vocabulary. Go Dakota! Darleen Joos "

BSCgirl wrote on Feb 18, 2007 1:01 AM:

" OMG that was so awesome! i am so glad i got to take part in the event! There were more people there then i could've ever imagined. North Dakota Dominates "

BoMMeR wrote on Feb 18, 2007 12:51 AM:

" Thank you to everone who showed up and made it possiable. Now because all of you did show up to make history I got to make history with my 11 month old son as well. One of the first of memories for us in many years to come! www.myspace.com/1pantera_fan "

this cracks me up wrote on Feb 17, 2007 10:22 PM:

" So what's the percentage of the state that showed up? If you think of our state's population of 650,000. That's funny! Way to go North Dakota! This is the great stuff I moved back here to raise my kids for! Goofy, fun, and a great challenge! "

Lisa wrote on Feb 17, 2007 9:09 PM:

" If we can come together for something like this just, think of the possibilities for positive things that people can come together to do. The capitol mall vibrated with excitement and good will. What a great experience! "

Mouth from the South wrote on Feb 17, 2007 7:18 PM:

" Absolutely marvelous. And what a great day for it. Congratulations to all who participated. "

Record Snow Angels! wrote on Feb 17, 2007 7:04 PM:

" For those that could not register today, Marilyn said you could come to the Heritage Center on Tuesday to register if you attended the "Snow Angel" record breaking day! "

Susan Beehler wrote on Feb 17, 2007 6:56 PM:

" Yes!! Great Job!!!! Marilyn! and the people of North Dakota! Awesome! I was amazed not surprised at all the people participating. We did it again! "

Count 'em wrote on Feb 17, 2007 5:48 PM:

" I hope they can count the people from the pictures. We showed up around 12:45 but couldn't find anyone to register us. I know whe should have been there earlier but couldn't. The paper indicated to look for people wearing orange. Well, there were hundreds of people wearing orange; I'm sure so they could pick themselves out in the picture. Anyway, we were there but didn't get our names written down. "

abc wrote on Feb 17, 2007 4:51 PM:

" What a great "feel good" story. Congratulations everyone. "

W Alan Van Vleet wrote on Feb 17, 2007 4:24 PM:

" If I had not had to leave town for a funeral, there would have been at least one more. My heartiest congratulations to the committee and to the folks who participated. "

Snow Angel Record wrote on Feb 17, 2007 4:09 PM:

" I was at today's "snow angel" record breaking extravagnaza and it was a great time. The weather was great and the mall in front of the Capitol Building was filled to capacity. My Daughter and I were also in the original 2002 "snow angel" record. The mall was filled to about one-half at that time and there were over 1,700 people there. I think the record from Michigan was broken by the people in Bismarck today. "

This is great: wrote on Feb 17, 2007 4:07 PM:

" In a world not too full of fun or entertainment anymore, this is just plain great. The world moves so fast we forget to have fun. Congrats to all who took part and showed up for this unique event. It makes people smile, that's worth a lot. "

Former ND Resident wrote on Feb 17, 2007 3:58 PM:

" Way to go everyone involved. It's really neat that everyone came together like that. "

mark wrote on Feb 17, 2007 3:36 PM:

" Wow, I didn't think they would get the 4,000 they were looking for but when we drove by the Capitol at 12:45pm it was unbelievable. Good to see so many people take part and this record should stand for awhile. "

Jensen wrote on Feb 17, 2007 2:49 PM:

" ND is # 1. We are unbeatable. "

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