World record picnic attempt coming to St. Pete

The City of St. Petersburg and the Waterfront Parks Foundation will attempt to set a new record by creating the “World’s Longest Picnic Blanket” Nov. 18 at Flora Wylie Park. The expansive, family-friendly event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Every dollar spent at “Picnic Land” will go toward advancing the mission of the Waterfront Parks Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting St. Pete’s waterfront parks.

The event will feature more than 800 pink, green, blue and orange picnic blankets along the bayfront. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the current record, 7,470 feet and 4 inches, was set in Canada in 2012. 

“We wanted to host something that everyone can get behind, and who doesn’t like a good picnic?” said Logan DeVicente, President of the Waterfront Parks Foundation. “We also want to get the message out there that some of these beautification projects we’ve done at the waterfront parks, like adding swings and seasonal flower beds, are made possible by generous donations, which the city doesn’t have the budget for.”

DeVicente also noted the Majeed Foundation plans to match every donation up to $1 million to fund the Waterfront Parks Foundation’s goal of funding seasonal flowers in perpetuity. 

Picnic Land attendees have the option to bring their own picnic basket, pre-order a $20 charcuterie box from Lolita’s Wine Market or purchase food from one of the local food trucks participating. DeVicente says their goal is to make the event not just a world record attempt but also a community celebration with musicians, storytellers and activities for all ages.

“There’s a lot of things that make St. Pete special, but I think the crown jewel of our city is our waterfront park system,” said DeVicente. “I think everyone has a vested interest to maintain that. We want to make sure we keep it as pristine as possible.”

Each $40 ticket admits a group of four people and comes with a 9×10-foot blanket in one of four designs, which the team will get to keep. Purchase tickets here – and learn more about the Waterfront Parks Foundation here.