Everyone is invited to help set a world record for the longest chain of floating inflatables. InkFreeNews photo used with permission from the Prairie Post, Saskatchewan, Canada.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

Anje Anglin, who was diagnosed with ALS in March 2022 is pictured with her children, Amber Harmon Bergman and Brandon Harmon. InkFreeNews photo provided by Erin Serafino.

WARSAW — Have you ever dreamed of being a world record holder, but didn’t quite have the ability or knowledge to make that a reality? Well, here’s your opportunity to be part of an attempt toward immortality.

An attempt will be made on Winona Lake to create the “Longest Chain of Floating Inflatables beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Not only will this event hopefully break the previous mark certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, but organizers also hope it will bring awareness to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease, better known as ALS. It may be even better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the hall of fame Yankees first baseman, who died of the affliction in the prime of his life at age 38 in 1941.

The attempt is being organized by Winona Lake resident, Erin Serafino, in honor of her aunt, Anje Anglin, who was diagnosed with ALS in March 22.

Serafino was looking for a way to somehow bring attention to Warsaw and the community by setting some sort of world record, perhaps utilizing one of the lakes. Around the same time, Anglin was looking to put together an event/fundraiser for ALS awareness. A light came on and the two goals were merged into one special event.

“She (Anglin) was working with a group that suggested she do an event to raise awareness,” Serafino said. “She wanted to do a walk or a 5K or something, and I thought maybe we could combine these two ideas and do something a little different. She grew up around here and spent a lot of time here on the lakes, as did I. We have a lot of good memories on the lakes, and it just made sense to do something on the water.”

Serafino had to apply through Guinness to set a record. She was sent a list of rules and began planning the effort. They had hoped to do it in July, but logistics necessitated it being moved back to September.

“The local police, DNR and fire department really want to help,” she said. “The DNR suggested we file an event permit, which takes 60 days. The fairgrounds has been very helpful in allowing us to stage there and enter the water from the fairgrounds, as well as providing parking. We want to keep everyone contained for safety but also to follow the rules for Guinness.”

To set the record, the floats must be tied together. They can be of any size and shape, but cannot overlap. All floats must be inflatable, filled with either gas or air; no mats are allowed. The inflatable must be able to be tied together with those on either side without gaps. Everyone must bring their own inflatable and life vest, per the DNR.

The lineup starts at 9 a.m. and will enter from two spots. Rope will be available, but they ask that participants bring their own, if possible.

There will be a drone overhead and a surveyor on site to measure the chain. The current record is 0.62 miles

“The inflatable can be enormous, as long as there’s someone in it,” said Serafino. “We’re going for 0.7 miles, which would require around 1,000 people. We only have around 90 people registered, so we have a long ways to go.”

Everyone is invited to participate. Preregistration is requested at https://forms.gle/yTPZMnhFwYwLwmP89. Each adult should fill out an individual registration form; however, any children under 18 can be added on with an adult. Participation is free, although there is an opportunity to donate to an ALS fund that has been established to help Anglin as she battles the disease.

For further information, search for “Anje’s ALS Fundraiser” on Facebook, or email Serafino at [email protected].