1,201 Winnipeggers take a seat to eat, break world record
More people than ever before will take a seat around the dinner table tonight in Winnipeg.
"Table for 1,201" drew as many people out to get their grub on at the Manitoba Legislative building Saturday, with the aim of breaking the record for the world's longest dining table in the process. The event is meant to be a celebration of all things urbanism.
"We're celebrating design, we're celebrating architecture in a very grand style," said Stefano Grande, the executive director of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. "It's a great way of engaging our community."
Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry Coun. Jenny Gerbasi said having the event at the Legislative Building showcased the greenspace on the grounds.
"This is a space that doesn't usually have this type of event. I don't think they've ever had a big licenced event in this beautiful space behind the [Manitoba Legislature]," said Gerbasi.
"It's almost wasted space. Much of the space downtown could be more active, and this is a great example of that and I think ... what this event shows is what happens when you get tons of people downtown eating and celebrating together."
This year diners were encouraged to wear all white in hopes of forming a "Winnipeg Whiteout."
The 365-metre-long table is divided with "table captains" appointed to each subsection. CBC's Terry MacLeod hosted a table, as did a number of other Winnipeg fixtures. Premier Greg Selinger and Minister Shelly Glover were honoured as head table guests.
Deer + Almond's Mandel Hitzer and Ben Kramer of Diversity Foods prepared the meals, which were served between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
