On December 7, 2009 at the Pond at Bryant Park, New York City, ABC Family held a gathering of “Santa’s Elves” in an effort to break the Guinness World Record of largest elf gathering. Stars of ABC Family’s new holiday movie Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe Jenny McCarthy and Dean McDermott were at the event to boost moral of the elves and to promote their movie (hence why the stunt was orchestrated in the first place, to gain attention for Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe and hopefully gain additional viewers).

Record Breaking Number of Elves
Sure enough, the new Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering of Santa’s Elves is now held by ABC Family. In order to surpass the record ABC Family needed a minimum of 250 elves, which they greatly surpassed with their recorded tally of 607. Yes, 607 people agreed to dress up like elves (Guinness approved Santa’s elves costumes were provided at the event) and gather together for a minimum of 10 minutes (officially timed). Music and dancing were a big part of the event livening up the crowd and creating the fun Christmas spirit.

Jenny McCarthy and Dean McDermott accepted the official Guinness World Record certificate presented to ABC Family by Guinness World Record adjudicator Danny Girton. The group of elves cheered with joy over the victory of their gathering.

“There’s nothing like the holidays to bring people together to share in the spirit of the season,” said ABC Family President Paul Lee. “This is our favorite time of year, and what better way to celebrate it than by bringing together over 600 of Santa’s ‘elves’ and successfully setting a new Guinness World Record. The people of New York were just fantastic!”

Perhaps this stunt has piqued your interest in ABC Family’s movie Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe. The movie premieres on Sunday, December 13 (8:00-10:00PM ET/PT). If you are still deciding whether you’d want to watch it, be sure to read my review of the movie which should help you make up your mind.

What Do You Think?
Was the Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering of Santa’s Elves stunt by ABC Family just good holiday fun? Was it shameless advertising? Do you think more events like this should be held by media companies or would you rather see less of them? And how about other areas than just New York City? Would you like to participate in similar events in your home city?

Personally, I think it’s fun even if the intentions are of a commercial nature.