A Minnesota city is seeking Guinness World Records recognition for its newest landmark: a 65-foot-tall nutcracker dubbed Verne the Patriot.
The massive nutcracker, designed by artist Katie Walgrave, was installed recently near the edge of Luverne, and was officially opened to the public in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday.
Verne the Patriot is part of the town’s nutcracker-themed tourism campaign, which was adopted in 2017. The theme was inspired by local resident Betty Mann, 96, who became famous for her collection of 7,554 nutcrackers.
Mann was present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Right now, I’m crying, I have tears in my eyes because I’m overwhelmed,” Mann told The Minnesota Star Tribune.
The current Guinness World Record for largest nutcracker was set by a 33-foot, 1-inch tall sculpture in Germany in 2008.
The City of Luverne is hoping the 65-foot-tall Verne will capture that title.
“We know he’s the tallest because he is almost twice as tall as the current world record holder,” Walgrave told KMSP-TV.
