Last June, when thousands of people flocked to the Skowhegan Fairgrounds for the Maine moose permit lottery, many took part in an offbeat attempt to set a world record.

More on that in a minute. First, a question: Did you know there was a world record for the most people calling moose at the same time? The answer: Until now, there wasn’t.





Now, there is.

On Wednesday, organizers of the Skowhegan Moose Festival announced that during that record-setting attempt, a total of 1,054 people grunted, wailed and otherwise channeled their inner moose, and that effort has been confirmed by Guinness World Records, according to a press release.

The three-day festival surrounding the Maine moose permit lottery was organized by the town of Skowhegan and Main Street Skowhegan. The record attempt took place June 9, when registered Maine guide Roger Lambert taught the sizeable throng how to call a moose, then prompted the callers to start making noise.

“The Skowhegan Moose Festival was a huge success and this world record is the icing on the cake. To us, it is about so much more than just the people who were counted. So many people, and organizations and businesses were involved in festival planning and execution. From our sponsors to our volunteers, this event and record wouldn’t have happened without them,” said Kristina Cannon, executive director of Main Street Skowhegan. “This recognition is a great way to celebrate Skowhegan and all that it has to offer. As a community, we are thrilled to hold this world record.”

In recognition of the record, a community celebration is scheduled from noon until 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at the Main Street Skowhegan office at 48 Court St. Attendees can take a photo with the official certificate from Guinness World Records, and Main Street Skowhegan will provide a printed copy of the certificate to those who want one.

This year’s moose permit lottery will take place June 8 at Cabela’s in Scarborough.