2024 solar eclipse: Niagara Falls shades China in Guinness World Record books after 309 people dress up as the sun
While the celestial event was a moment of pure joy for many, others used the historic occasion as an opportunity to reflect on those closest to them
April 8 is surely a day to remember in Niagara Falls, Ont., and not only because of the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Before crowds made their way to witness the rare celestial event, 309 participants decided to get together to break and set a new Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as the Sun. It beats the previous record of 287 that was set by China Life Insurance Company Limited in December 2020 in the Chinese province of Guangdong.
For the group of Canadians, the monumental event took place on a Hornblower Niagara City Cruises boat. Participants were told to arrive in black, yellow or white pants, and then were provided the Sun costumes by the City of Niagara Falls.
The moment Niagara Falls beat the world record for most people dressed as the Sun #SolarEclipse2024 #NiagaraFalls pic.twitter.com/2fUTIpUtWG
— Joy Joshi (@JoyJJos) April 8, 2024
Live from #NiagaraFalls
Moments before more than 300 people and @NiagaraFalls are announced the winner of a @GWR for most number of people dressed as the Sun #SolarEclipse2024 pic.twitter.com/F7G2kWZN2r— Joy Joshi (@JoyJJos) April 8, 2024
There may not be a sun in the sky but there’s plenty boarding the Niagara city cruise @NiagaraCruises pic.twitter.com/0Ooe90eCNs
— Joy Joshi (@JoyJJos) April 8, 2024
Some day in and around Niagara Falls today! Thousands were taken on a roller coaster of emotions as the overcast weather looked to dampen the spirit only for the Solar Eclipse just in last minute! Epic scenes! Amazing energy with scores of people returning homing with a big smile… pic.twitter.com/aWwkXoceor
— Joy Joshi (@JoyJJos) April 8, 2024
It was a joyous opportunity for those who joined. For some, it was also a chance to create new memories with loved ones or even honour their relatives.
"I took a break for the eclipse" said Amy, who's battling breast cancer, but decided to join the (successful) Guinness World Record attempt with her two siblings.
For Emma Rayner, today was about honouring her late father, who was a fan of The Beatles, most notably of the song "Here Comes the Sun" off their 1969 record, Abbey Road.
"I figured I would come here for him," said Rayner ahead of the historic boat ride.
Three siblings from three separate Canadian provinces are reunited at #NiagaraFalls for the #SolarEclipse2024
Amy is fighting Breast Cancer, currently undergoing chemotherapy and hopefully looking at a full recovery pic.twitter.com/HfgeK5sEj0— Joy Joshi (@JoyJJos) April 8, 2024
Emma Rayner is at #NiagaraFalls to pay a tribute to her late dad’s memory who was a fan of The Beetles (Here Comes The Sun) #SolarEclipse2024 pic.twitter.com/TAu1fSjOCT
— Joy Joshi (@JoyJJos) April 8, 2024
