Plans for the world's largest human lobster, and a Guinness World Record take form
Lisa Kristoff
A human lobster? That's right, a human lobster - and not the Harbor Lights Festival's "Mr. & Mrs. Claws."
Creating the world's largest human lobster was the brainchild of Dianne Ward, owner of the Kenniston Hill Inn in Boothbay, as this very long winter was coming to an end.
How does one create a giant human lobster? With people, naturally … first, you find an architect to calculate the number of people needed for a 200-foot or 100-foot lobster.
Ward found such an architect at Gates & Leighton. According to architect Don Leighton's calculations, 2,250 people (give or take) will be required for the 200-footer; 600 (ditto) people for the "smaller version."
Next, you have to find somewhere to stage such a form so where do you go? Ward pitched the idea to Julie Lamy, executive director of the Boothbay Region Land Trust after meeting with another idea.
"One day Dianne came to the office with an idea for a winter equipment swap fund-raiser that she would organize," said Lamy. "And then she said…'you know what I was thinking about the other day?"
Next thing Lamy knew she was offering up the Zac Preserve or Singing Meadow, two of the Land Trust properties Lamy knew would be large enough for the big show.
"Her enthusiasm is contagious," Lamy said. "It's a goofy, but fun idea and we are always looking for ways to illustrate the tie between conservation and tourism."
Lamy suggested Ward contact photographer Bob Mitchell as well as Chip Newell, a member of the Land Trust board, who just happens to be a pilot.
Ward was right on it and has lined up Mitchell's creative eye to capture the region's best-known product in the air - and on the ground.
That's right, an aerial shot of the human lobster will be photographed from a plane flown by realtor/pilot Mark Keegan.
Imagine, if you will, picture post cards of the "humanoid crustacean" for sale in Boothbay shops; and picture them going like, well, like lobster in August.
Imagine synchronizing the humans in the claw to make it appear as though they were moving …
Visualize another group of people, musicians perhaps, marching onto the meadow, in yellow, banded together like a giant, human elastic …
Sound crazy? Sound outrageous? Sound like a Guinness World Record worthy event? Ayuh!
Ward sees this becoming an annual event, a fun, creative way to bring more visitors to the region that could lead to better businesses and a novel opportunity for visitors and residents.
Jaimie Logan, executive director of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, is also working with Ward on the event tentatively scheduled for July.
"Dianne's idea is a terrific - and inspired - one! The event has the potential to bring an enormous amount of positive media attention to the region which, from a tourism marketing standpoint, is worth its weight in gold," Logan said. " It's a great fit with our region - and what a terrific community event, bringing together residents and visitors for fun and history in the making!"
Making history, indeed. Ward immediately checked the Guinness World Book of Records Web site and, sure enough, no human lobster had been recorded. Ward made contact via the e-mail and has received a claim number for Boothbay's human lobster.
Upon visiting the Guinness Web site, a category must be selected, initially, one might pause and consider the categories "human body" and "amazing feats" to find our entry - later this summer, that is.
"Amazing Feats - Mass Participation" is where Boothbay's Largest Human Lobster will eventually be forever, um, "trapped."
The event has also attracted the attention of MSNBC - through a connection of Ward's.
"A good friend's daughter is anchorwoman Contessa Brewer," related Ward. "Contessa then pitched it to the Today show as a story about how an individual or group sets out to attempt (and achieve) a world record."
More details on the progress of this potential world record breaking, exciting event will be revealed as they are assembled.
Anyone interested in sponsorship and/or participation, contact Ward at the Kenniston Hill Inn, 633-2159.