Sat 10/19 @ 7:30pm
This Saturday, local print and design company Hotcards is throwing a huge party at Shooters in The Flats in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for “The Most People Performing Full Body Burns.” Just after sunset, 20 people will be (safely) set on fire. What would motivate 20 people to all light themselves on fire? Well, we asked some of them.
The burners, led by professional stuntman Ted Batchelor, will include John Gadd, CEO of Hotcards; Archie aka “The Black Mr. Rogers,” radio morning show host from 87.7FM Cleveland’s Sound; Jenna Conforti, Director of Marketing at Scene Magazine; Scot Lowry, CEO of Fathom; Tony Madalone, CEO of Fresh Brewed Tees; a local youth minister (and another from South Africa); an attorney; a banker and many more!
“We take a lot of heat in Cleveland as the Burning River City. Yet, it became the catalyst for a lot of Cleveland pride, including environmental movements, breweries, and a whole lot of Hot in Cleveland fame,” says Hotcards’ CEO John Gadd. “It’s a unique part of our legacy that we can embrace and give new meaning with such a magical spectacle.”
Batchelor set the previous record in South Russell, OH on September 19th 2009 with 17 burners. Those participants were engulfed in flames simultaneously for 43.9 seconds. Hopefully with a big, enthusiastic Cleveland crowd, these burners will last a little longer too.
“I live for the thrills of life. ‘Nervous?’ you ask. Well of course. Who wouldn’t be the slightest bit nervous setting their entire bodies on fire in front of thousands?” says 87.7 Cleveland’s Sound’s Archie aka “The Black Mr. Rogers.” “Anything could go wrong at any given time, even I know that. But I’d rather take the risk and, if I go out, at least I’ll go out doing something rememberable. Everyone will say, ‘Archie’s dumb ass died from setting himself on fire.’ Now how many people can actually say that about someone? This is going to be simply amazing.”
“Why would I want to be set on fire?” asks Scene’s Jenna Conforti. “I am someone who is motivated by excitement, insight and intuition. I respect the essence of fire in that it’s a very much alive and powerful force. This exhilarating experience allows me to be in the present moment as I dismiss the past and have no concern of future. It allows me to focus on burning off negative energy while setting fire to my goals, hopes and desires. Plus I consider myself a fiery person along with the diverse group of people involved.”
“Enough people have asked me, ‘Why do you burn?’ that I began to dig deeper into my motivations for a truthful response,” says Rev. Mark Simone. “It is not because it’s so cool, or so daring, or such a great adventure. It’s not to show off or gain attention. What I decided is that if someone had offered for me to do a solo burn – I would not be interested. For me it is the community that sets out to break a record. I love the ‘family’ of burners and igniters and the practices and training and being on hand to witness the first trial burn of the new burners. I love hanging out with other kooks and watching the enthusiasm and support given to each other. Am I scared? Not really. But I hold great respect for the safety we all must follow to keep from burning the wrong parts. I love it, and I love that we are breaking our record in Cleveland.”
Guinness officials from NYC will be in town to certify the event and award the World Record to Hotcards, the burners and Cleveland. The night will include a DJ, live music, food & drinks and more. It’s not every night that you get to see a World Record set in Cleveland. It’s about as rare as seeing 20 people simultaneously catch on fire in The Flats. Don’t miss a chance to see both this weekend!
General admission tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. VIP tickets are available for $25 in advance or $30 at the door. VIP tickets include a limited edition Hotcards Burn t-shirt, exclusive access to Shooter’s rooftop viewing during the event and access to “The Burners” for autographs and pictures after the event. Doors open at 5pm. Ceremony begins at 7:30pm.
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.